Week 1
Lesson 1
Introductions and Early Human Structures
In our first week of class, students will spend about a third of the class time going over the course policies and expectations and with student introductions. Afterward, we will dive into a discussion of some of the earliest human structures on the planet, discussing how nomadic humans lived and early settlements, including Catal Hoyuk. Students will be introduced to some basic architectural terminology through an exploration of the famous Neolithic monument, Stonehenge!
 Week 2
Lesson 2
Pyramid Structures
In week two, students will explore the various pyramidal structures of the world, discussing how they were built and what their differences in function were. This week will focus on archaeological evidence to allow students to make hypotheses about the uses of these buildings. Structures from Egypt to China to Central America will be visited through images and virtual tours. 
 Week 3
Lesson 3
Greek Architecture
This week, students will discuss the famous architecture of Greece, focusing on Classical and Hellenistic architecture and advancements in building materials at the time. Students will learn the difference between Doric and Ionic-style buildings, look at the basic features of a Greek temple, and learn about the Parthenon and the optical illusions behind the structure! The visual analysis assignment will be discussed today.
 Week 4
Lesson 4
Roman Architecture
Week four builds on Week three by discussing the advancements of architecture in the Roman world. Students will evaluate Greek influence on Roman monuments while discussing changes in materials, such as the use of concrete. Aqueducts, religious, and political structures will be explored.  Further, students will learn about structural advancements, such as domes and arches. 
 Week 5
Lesson 5
Gothic Architecture of Europe
In week five, students will learn about how the architecture changed after the collapse of the Roman Empire in Europe. Students will explore Gothic architecture through the evaluation of many cathedrals and learn proper terminology for the advancements in building, from Gothic arches to flying buttresses. The class will focus on how architecture can instruct or send a message to the population. Visual analyses are due today by the end of the day.
 Week 6
Lesson 6
Defensive Architecture
In this class, students will be introduced to architecture used for defensive purposes, starting with medieval castles and fortifications across the world, including the French Bastille and Great Wall of China. Students will also learn about famous prisons used to house the most nefarious and how they aimed to keep society safe, from Alcatraz to the Tower of London! The longer research project will be introduced today.
 Week 7
Lesson 7
Religious Architecture of Asia
In week seven, students will travel the Asian continent, observing the wide variety of religious structures used for various practices, such as Shintoism, Islam, Buddism, and Hinduism. Starting in the Middle East and working towards Japan, students will learn about temples, stupas, mosques, and more, learning their key features and how they function with their corresponding religious practices.
 Week 8
Lesson 8
Neoclassical, Baroque, and Rococo Architecture
This week focuses on the major developments in architecture from the 1600s to the 1800s in Europe, focusing on the return to Greco-Roman style and extravagant flourishes of the Baroque and Rococo. Students will take a virtual tour of the Palace of Versaille and evaluate how wealth and extravagance was the center of architectural design during this period! 
 Week 9
Lesson 9
Changes in Engineering
Throughout the 1800s and 1900s, many architectural marvels were created by new innovations in engineering. Students will explore some of these structures, such as the Empire State Building and the Eiffel Tower, unpacking how new technologies, like steam power, steel, and mass production. Students will learn about movements in architecture, such as Victorian and Art Deco styles.
 Week 10
Lesson 10
Contemporary Architecture
 In week 10, students will explore Post-World War II architecture and the wide variety of designs and architects that have become famed since then. Students will explore Brutalist architecture, Mid-Century Modern, and Green/Environmentalist building. Students will learn bout eco-friendly architectural developments, such as solar power and tiny homes. Time will be dedicated for students to share interesting findings from their research projects, due today.