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Architectural History and Heritage, Minor

Program Overview

The Minor in Architectural History & Heritage offers a foundational understanding of the history and interpretation of architecture as well as the cultural, economic, political, material, geographic, and other factors that have shaped the built environment across time. This Minor focuses on interpretive lenses, research methods, and writing strategies for the historical analysis and criticism of architecture.

Program requirements include a combination of broad survey courses, seminars on specialized topics, and a methodologies course, and work conducted in the minor explores how those activities inform and relate to contemporary architectural practice as well as how related disciplines in the social sciences and humanities inform an understanding of the built environment.

The Minor is closely connected to the graduate Master of Science in Architecture – Critical Heritage program, giving students exposure to advanced research in the field. Students who complete the minor are well-prepared to pursue similar research in graduate school, including in the Critical Heritage program and other related areas.

David R. Ravin School of Architecture

Program Contact

Kirstin Sheldon

Academic Advisor, Architecture

knygaard@charlotte.edu

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Want to learn more about UNC Charlotte? Fill out the form for information on the university, application process, events, and more. For specific program questions, contact the program representative listed above.

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Architectural History and Heritage Minor at a Glance

The Minor in Architectural History and Heritage is open to students of any major and requires the completion of 18 credit hours of coursework. Students may share up to nine credit hours between their minor and major. The requirements vary for students in the BA in Architecture majors and non-architecture majors.

Delivery
On-Campus
Credit Hours
18 Credit Hours

Explore recent projects

History is often viewed as a static subject confined to lecture halls. However, at the SoA, history comes alive as students and faculty routinely engage in contemporary projects and real-world issues. Applied Critical History extends the role of history beyond the textbook, engaging fundamental matters of cultural significance via new critical interpretations and speculative design proposals. Explore recent projects!

  • Students in the Lambla Gallery looking at models in the Le Corbusier exhibition.
  • Professors Emily Makas and Greg Snyder led a group of architecture students on a tour along the Civil Rights history trail over spring break. ⁠
  • A traveling exhibition about architect Phil Freelon, developed by students with professors Emily Makaš and Greg Snyder.
  • A traveling exhibition about architect Phil Freelon, developed by students with professors Emily Makaš and Greg Snyder.
  • Critical heritage research at Historic Rosedale, a former plantation in Charlotte.

    The Making of the Exhibition “Container/Contained”

    Students in the School of Architecture developed an exhibition about the acclaimed North Carolina architect Phil Freelon (1953-2019). “Container/Contained: Phil Freelon – Design Strategies for Telling African American Stories” opened at the Harvey B. Gantt Center for African-American Arts + Culture and has traveled to the North Carolina Museum of Art, Florida A&M University, and the Auburn Avenue Research Library on African American Culture and History.

    Visit the SoA

    The SoA invites applicants to learn more about our program by attending our Open Houses and/or Facility Tours, both of which may be done in person or virtually. These events are opportunities to meet current faculty, staff, and students, and to ask questions about the program.

    See our spaces!

    “My favorite thing about UNC Charlotte is the extreme levels of diversity. I was afraid of fitting into the large campus and community, but I’ve realized that UNC Charlotte is for everyone, no matter their background. I love the School of Architecture because they understand that we are humans first and students second – they work hard to include everyone in events that take place.”

    Jayrion Wilson
    B.A. in Architecture

    Discover other programs of architectural study

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    Explore Official University Catalog

    Check out the official catalog for information on specific degree requirements, course progressions, curriculum and more.

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