Course Descriptions

The following directory draws from the official course catalog for the School of Architecture, Planning and Preservation. New and one-time courses offered since the last publication of the catalog may not be included here. Visit Testudo for a list of current course offerings.

• Historic Preservation

• HISP 600 Introductory Seminar in Historic Preservation: Theory, History and Practice (3)

  An introduction to the wide range of ideas underpinning the practice of preservation covered through readings, discussions, presentations, class projects and field trips.
  
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• HISP 611 Historical Research Methods (3)

  An overview of common research methods and documentation tools used in historic preservation. Introductions to graphic documentation, building investigation, historical research, socioeconomic data collection and analysis. (Previously HISP 619Q, HISP 610)
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• HISP 630 Preservation Policy and Planning (3)

  This course provides an opportunity to look in depth at the national historic preservation program—that is the federal, tribal, state and local (city and county) public sector preservation activities being undertaken in accordance with public policy set by laws, regulations, standards and guidelines. (Previously HISP 619M)
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• HISP 635 Social and Ethnic Issues in Historic Preservation Practice (3)

  This seminar course examines the broader social and ethnic dimensions of historic preservation practice that have impacted the field since the “culture wars” of the 1990s. Through weekly case studies of local, national and international sites, students will explore these issues and apply newly emerging methodologies to their final case study project. (Previously HISP 628E)
  
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• HISP 640 Historic Preservation Law, Advocacy and Public Policy (3)

  Introduces students to legal, advocacy and public policy issues in the field of historic preservation. Student activities will be designed to teach basic working knowledge of relevant legal subjects, including historic preservation ordinances, state and federal preservation statutes, and important constitutional issues. (Previously HISP 619C)
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• HISP 650 Historic Preservation Studio Workshop (6)

  Students carry out a group preservation project in a local community, from inception and problem formulation through completion. Guided carefully by a faculty team, students will conduct research, interact with communities, perform analyses, and propose solutions for an issue or problem of direct relevance to a local community and client group. (HISP 600 Prerequisite)
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• HISP 655 American Vernacular Architecture and Documentation (3)

  This course will explore the history, theory and practice of vernacular architecture studies. Looking at the "common buildings of particular regions and time periods," the course will prepare students for studying and documenting these buildings in terms of both analysis and documentation, as well as thinking about the patterns and meanings of their use at both the individual and community level. Vernacular architecture studies draws on a broad theoretical perspective that engages many disciplines and critical approaches. (Previously HISP 619V)
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• HISP 660 Internship in Historic Preservation (3)

  Students will secure a summer internship with an organization engaged in historic preservation work (this can be a public agency, nonprofit or private firm). The student will formulate a plan of work and a series of pedagogical goals to satisfy both the practical needs of the project and the academic requirements for the course.
  
  

• HISP 670 Conservation of Historic Places: Historic Materials, Building Systems, and Conservation (3)

  This course introduces students to the analysis of historic buildings, building systems and materials. The overall emphasis is on assessing the condition of a building and its parts, and formulating a preservation strategy based on it. Conservation methods will be discussed through the introduction of philosophies and specific techniques. (Previously HISP 619T)
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• HISP 680 Preservation Economics (3)

  This course introduces students to a range of economic theories, methods, and issues that must be considered in the practice of historic preservation. Case studies related to community economic development, adaptive reuse, tax credit programs, project finance and land use will be presented in this course.
  
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• HISP 710 Final Seminar in Historic Preservation I (1)

  Part 1 of independent applied research project investigating the preservation of a particular site or a specialized issue in historic preservation. The course includes several group seminars during the semester to discuss project development and research strategies, and prepare a proposal and annotated bibliography.
  

• HISP 711 Final Seminar in Historic Preservation II (2)

  Part 2 of independent, applied research project investigating the preservation of a particular site or a specialized issue in historic preservation. The course includes group seminars during the semester to discuss project progress, and concludes with a presentation/defense of project and presentation of final paper.
  

• HISP 615 The Everyday and the American Environment (3)

  An introduction into the theories of the everyday with the context of the American built environment. The course focuses primarily on the American experience of underrepresented, minority and immigrant communities, both historical and contemporary. The course attempts to challenge what is meant by "American" in describing the American everyday built environment. (Previously HISP 619E)
  

• HISP 619B Special Topics in Historic Preservation: Survey of American Architecture from the Pre-Columbian Era (3)

  Survey of American architecture from the pre-Columbian era to the present. Special emphasis on residential architecture, both formal and vernacular. Will include focus on social and technical context.
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• HISP 619I Special Topics in Historic Preservation: Industrial America: History, Preservation & Re-Use (3)

  Students are introduced to the history of industrial buildings and structures in America, from Slater Mill – the first American factory – to factory towns, canals and railroads. Particular attention is paid to technological advances that helped shape the American landscape. The class then focuses on issues related to preserving these industrial structures today, including documentation, interpretation, conservation and re-use.
  

• HISP 619J Special Topics in Historic Preservation: Heritage Tourism: Issues and Impacts (3)

  Please see the course description for HISP625. The courses cover very similar material.
  
  

• HISP 619M Special Topics in Historic Preservation: Case Studies in Adaptive Reuse (3)

  This course explores adaptive use projects, one of the most common types of historic preservation activity, from several different perspectives. The primary goal of the course is to convey the general principles and current practices in the field, so that each student can form a set of criteria for guiding and evaluating reuse projects.
  
  

• HISP 625 Cultural and Heritage Tourism: Issues in Sustainability & Historic Preservation (3)

  The course focuses on multi-disciplinary study of culture and heritage in tourism, at the local, national and international levels of destination and society. The course will also examine issues of representation, identity and image over time and space. (Previously HISP 619G)
  

• HISP 629 Independent Study in Historic Preservation (3)

  Proposed work must have a faculty sponsor and receive approval from the student’s advisor.
  
  

• HISP 645 Archaeology and Preservation (3)

  This course will introduce students to issues related to archaeological resources and preservation. Topics will include method and theory in American archaeology, archaeology in support of architectural history, archaeology and the NHPA, archaeological site preservation and conservation, and curation and collections management. Students will have a chance to work at an archaeological site to experience field excavation techniques and challenges, and will visit other archaeological sites and curation facilities in the area. (Previously HISP 619A)
  

• HISP 679 Introduction to Measured Drawings for Historic Preservation (3)

  This course teaches graphic documentation methodologies for historic buildings, including hand measuring, drafting, preparing a sketch plan, analyzing buildings, and producing finished drawings in ink. Students will analyze buildings in situ.
  
  

• HISP 700 Final Project (3)

  An independent, applied research project investigating the preservation of a particular site or a specialized issue in historic preservation. The course includes several group seminars during the semester to discuss project development and research strategies.
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• HISP 701 Certificate Portfolio Project (1)

  This course provides students in the Certificate Program with an opportunity to develop a
  portfolio of their work, to include research and seminar papers from each of their
  preservation courses. In addition, students will prepare an overview essay articulating
  how the content they have learned in Certificate courses has helped shape their work and
  reflect on preservation issues and philosophical approaches related to their work.
  
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• Urban Studies & Planning

• URSP 661 City and Regional Economic Development Planning (3)

  Also HISP 620.  Prerequisite: URSP 606 or equivalent. Causes of urban and regional growth and decline. Focus on application of economic theory and urban planning techniques. Analysis of local economic development planning potential. Strategies for urban and regional revitalization.
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