American Architecture - Colonial to Civil War

This class provides a survey of buildings and urban planning from colonial settlement in the 17th century to the Civil War.

Class content is loosely organized around periods: Neo-Palladian, Georgian, Federal, Greek Revival, Gothic Revival and Romanesque Revival.

Lectures will explore the rise of the professional architect vis-à-vis master builder, the political and economic associations to historical styles, introduction of new technologies (balloon frame, cast- and wrought-iron) and the development of planned communities.

Recommended reading: Hugh Honor and John Fleming, Pelican Dictionary of Art (any edition).

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Instructor: Philip Jacks

Philip Jacks is a retiring professor from George Washington University.

Photo credit: Philip Jacks - Gunston Hall at George Mason University