DEPARTMENT OF ARCHITECTURAL TECHNOLOGY
ARCH 3640 Historic Preservation: Theory and PracticeÂ
Fall 2014, Tuesdays, 6:00 – 8:30 pm; 3 credits
Instructor: Inna Guzenfeld
Contact: IGuzenfeld@citytech.cuny.edu
Office Hours: By appointment
Course Description: This course provides broad introduction to the history, theory, and practice of historic preservation in the United States. Each week will cover a different topic, such as land use law, building conservation, main street revitalization, adaptive reuse or cultural heritage. Students will examine how the field of preservation has evolved over time, focusing on its interactions with urban policy, political movements, and the built environment.
Course Context: This course, in combination with ARCH 3522 History of NYC Architecture, ARCH 4740 Construction Technology for Existing Buildings, and ARCH 4711 Preservation Studio, forms the program concentration in Historic Preservation, which positions students for successful entry into preservation-oriented architectural and consulting firms and related organizations.
Prerequisites: ENG 1101 and an AAS degree in Architecture or equivalent.
Required Texts: Tyler, Norman, Ted J. Ligibel and Ilene R. Tyler, Historic Preservation: An Introduction to its History, Principles and Practice, W.W. Norton & Co., 2009. ISBN 13:978-0-393-73273-3
Attendance Policy: Students are permitted two excused absences over the course of the semester. Unexplained absences and chronic/excessive lateness will count against a student’s grade. Students who do not maintain consistent attendance may be subject to failure at the discretion of the instructor and department chair. Students are required to attend class sessions with guest speakers, which will be announced several weeks in advance.
Course Structure: This is course is offered on a lecture/seminar format. There will be several short assignments throughout the semester, a midterm assignment and a final project. In addition, students will be evaluated individually in the middle of the term.
Grading: Short projects: 30% Midterm Project: 20% Final project: 30% Class participation 20%
Academic Integrity: As a community of intellectuals and professionals, New York City College of Technology recognizes its responsibility for providing instruction in information literacy and academic integrity, offering models of good practice, and responding vigilantly and appropriately to infractions of academic integrity.
Academic dishonesty, including improper or illegal use of text, visual, and other sources is prohibited in The City University of New York and is punishable by penalties, including failing grades, suspension and expulsion.
Learning Objectives: Upon successful completion of this course the student should be able to:
- Identify significant historic features and characteristics of the built environment, based on historical knowledge, research and field investigations.
- Discuss principles and assumptions underlying the practice of historic preservation.
- Describe alternate architectural and urban design responses for the integration and preservation of significant historic resources and existing fabric.
- Understand and respond to regulatory requirements and community interests as related to issues of historic preservation and neighborhood revitalization.
- Discuss issues related to the interpretation of cultural resources, and the role of public history in contemporary society and culture.
Assessment: To evaluate the students’ achievement of the learning objectives, the professor will do the following:
- Test the students’ ability to recall and recite the key terms and material of the readings and lectures through class discussions.
- Determine students’ understanding of the key principles and concepts in preservation practice through their written assignments and oral presentations.
- Assess the students’ use of professional vocabulary in the written work and during class discussions and oral presentations.
Course Assignments: Students will write approximately 8 blog entries (see specific assignments for required word count) throughout the semester. These assignments are intended to encourage your reflection on issues we have discussed in class, to foster your integration of knowledge and practice and to give you an opportunity to use professional terms and concepts. See syllabus for weekly topics (subject to change). This is a vital component of your participation grade! We will discuss the midterm & final projects in a few weeks when you have a better understanding of preservation theory and practice.
