History of 巴黎: An Architectural Perspective

In this course we will trace the history of 巴黎 from an architectural perspective from the Gallo-Roman times to the 21st Century. Our starting point is the conviction that architecture and city planning are more than utilitarian or aesthetic enterprises - that such efforts necessarily involve, and are often dominated by, political and ideological considerations. 因此, you will analyze the political and historical forces at work in the many styles of modern French building in order to demonstrate how each style reflects both the contemporary historical forces at work in each period as well as the political aspirations, in both the domestic and international spheres. 为此目的, you will explore the crucial role played by the Monarchy, 教会, the aristocracy, the French State, the bourgeoisie, and 法国's many kings, emperors and Republican presidents in the drafting, 设计, 资金, and constructing of the many grand monuments, public buildings, and private mansions in 巴黎.

你会看到, 研究, sketch and photograph many structures in 巴黎 in order to expose the political, historical and 文化 considerations underlying the urban planning and various architectural and decorative styles that evolved here in 巴黎. 除了, you will become familiar with and able to "read" the many decorative motifs, 符号, icons and architectural techniques that evolved as a consequence and were employed so as to make pointed political statements and historical references. You will learn to recognize and critically appraise the historical, 文化, and political references manifested in different political buildings and historical monuments. 简而言之, you will become a visual witness of and skilled commentator on the enduring fact that State architecture and style serve political objectives and power interests. These interests you will uncover and identify as you 研究 on-site the political, religious and civil art and architecture which has shaped the urban development and history of 巴黎 throughout the ages.