240522 SE Anthropology of Architecture (P4) (2020W)

Architecture and its products range among the most conspicuous and valuable representations of material culture. However, for many years anthropologists have shown only little interest in them. This has changed since the late 20th century and with the reawakened preoccupation with material culture, architecture, too, has received well deserved attention within our discipline.
In this course, we will explore the diversity and complexity of the broad field of architecture by focusing on themes such as
- vernacularity
- materiality
- space and place
- representation
- politics
Methods:
- Presentations and inputs by the teacher and, if possible, guest lecturers
- Oral presentations by students
- Reading and discussion of key texts, videos etc.
Other activities, as for instance the attendance of at least one lecture/workshop organised by the Faculty of Architecture and Urban Planning at the Vienna University of Technology (TU Wien), are planned.
If possible, the course will be taught in the classroom. However, it may be necessary to adapt the format to changing conditions, e.g. to online teaching.
3 Nov. 2020: from now on, all teaching will be done online by using the Moodle tool Collaborate. The schedule and program will remain as originally planned.