Architectural History and Theory Minor

The Minor in Architectural History and Theory introduces foundational aspects of visual literacy and critical analysis of architecture in terms of its cultural resonance and social impact. Students study the built environment, including cities, buildings, and landscapes on every continent throughout human history. You will develop expertise in visual analysis and verbal expression, ideal for general liberal arts education or pre-professional preparation to write, teach, and curate as an architectural historian. The minor engages with diverse methods and perspectives, examining the place, time, material, technology, forms, concepts, ideals, and identities that shape and are shaped by environments and buildings. The Minor in Architectural History & Theory is open to all students at Washington University in St. Louis, regardless of major. 

At least 12 of the 15 credit units must be applied exclusively to the minor and cannot be counted toward another major or minor. Architecture track courses count toward the minor.

Students interested in the minor should contact the minor advisor.

The requirements below apply to students who declared a minor in architectural history in Fall 2025 or later. Students who declared a minor prior to Fall 2025 should refer to the 2024-2025 Bulletin for minor requirements.

Units required: 15

Required Courses:

  • 3 units of Architectural History Surveys:
ARCH 2210Architectural History I: Antiquity to Baroque3
ARCH 2220Architectural History II: Architecture Since 18803
  • 3 units of Methodology:
ARCH 6901Theories & Methods of Historical Research3
or other methodology-based course approved by the minor advisor

Architectural History Electives: 

  • 9 units of Electives:
A maximum of 9 units selected from the following
Any 3000-level or above architectural history and theory course*
ARCH 2210Architectural History I: Antiquity to Baroque**3
ARCH 2220Architectural History II: Architecture Since 1880**3
A maximum of 3 units selected from the following
ARCH 1110Introduction to Design Processes I*** 4.5
ARCH 1144Architecture for Non-Architects***3
ARCH 3910Disegno: Encounters in Public Space (Florence)6
ARCH 4190Senior Capstone in Architecture3
*

Courses with AR Research & Writing and AR Case Studies course tags fulfill this requirement.

**

Only if course is not counting toward the Architectural History Survey requirement.

***

Non-architecture majors only.

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