Modern Architecture in St. Louis

3 units

This seminar is intended to develop understanding of the history of modern architecture in the St. Louis area from circa 1900 to the present, using readings, class discussions, site visits, and lectures. Now again a topic of interest after an era of neglect, what is broadly termed modernism in architecture was extensively deployed in the St. Louis area in the mid-twentieth century, before it became a source of controversy in the late 1960s. The course will begin with a brief overview of the architectural history of St. Louis to 1930, when much of its historic architectural urban fabric was built, and will then focus on various architects and projects in the metropolitan area in the period between 1930 and 1970. Students will be expected to research a local building, project, or architectural direction in depth, and make presentations about the topic over the course of the term. Other class requirements include regular attendance (including tours, which are an essential part of the class), class participation in discussions that demonstrate awareness of the required reading, and writing reading summaries. There will also be a short paper at the beginning of the semester, an essay exam, and a 15-page final research paper. For this paper you will be expected to document, critically analyze, draw conclusions, and present these buildings or sites to the class in a twenty-minute presentation. This course is for graduate students or advanced undergraduates who have had some preparation in either the history of modern art or the history of modern architecture. Prerequisite: A 300-level art history course, or the permission of the instructor.