Architectural History: The Archaeology of our Built Environment

Overview

Buildings are some of the most visual reminders of our past heritage and reflect our social, political and cultural histories. From the medieval castle to the local pub; the grand gentry house to the 1950s terrace; the quaint stone village bridge to the Edwardian cricket pavilion. All reflect the people that designed, built, and used these structures. You will explore the origins of your building, the people and events that shaped its history and how to record and present those data. 
 
Archaeologists treat historic buildings as artefacts. Artefacts whose physical secrets can be uncovered using investigative techniques such as in-depth building investigation and measured survey, historical and archival analysis, and fabric analysis such as dendrochronology (tree-ring dating).  

This course focuses mainly on British building history and will use a wide range of historical and archaeological online resources such as Historic Environment Records, the Listed Buildings register and early maps such as the tithe and 1st edition Ordnance Survey. Students will learn the techniques required to effectively research and record historic buildings, to locate and interpret key sources, and to date and present their architectural past: all key professional heritage skills. 

Programme

Activities and tasks will be embedded into each unit so students can practise the techniques they have learned and develop their skills. Students will be encouraged to share their own work and participate in discussions on Blackboard. Alongside the learning materials on Blackboard the tutor will be on hand via email to answer any queries and provide guidance throughout the course. They will also participate in the online discussions.   

Unit 1 - Introduction 

Unit 2 – Medieval to Modernism. 

Unit 3 – Archaeology. 

Unit 4 – Materials and meaning. 

Unit 5 – Drawing it together.

Learning Outcomes

On completion of this module, students should be able to:  

1. Interrogate and interpret physical and digital sources.
2. To investigate the dating and phasing of a range of historic building types.
3. Explain and present social, local and national historical contexts of historic buildings.
4. To measure and record building plans. 

Assessments

1. Press article 500 words (40%)
   2. Research poster (40%)
   3. Annotated building floor plan (20%) 

Reading Suggestions

Reading suggestions will be offered throughout the course. 

Entry Requirements

This course is for everyone. No previous experience is needed and there are no formal entry requirements.

What Do I Need?

As this is an online course, you would need the following:

• Internet access
• Access to a laptop or computer with a web camera and microphone; the use of headphones might also be of benefit
• Use of the Chrome web-browser where possible.