ARCH 498 - Thesis Preparation Seminar

Unit(s): 2

The first part of a two-semester sequence of coursework during the senior year for exceptional Architecture students that provides students with experience developing, analyzing and communicating the results of theoretical, design or experimental research and results in an in-depth thesis project. This Fall 2-unit course guides students through the process of formulating a research topic and question, identifying a suitable research methodology, preparing a literature review, conducting preliminary fieldwork and research, and writing a complete thesis proposal. Honors thesis topics are likely to be in one of three categories: 1) experimental research to determine behavior of an innovative building material or technique, 2) an architectural/landscape/urban proposal to address a specific socio-economic, environmental or cultural problem, or 3) an investigation into a theoretical, aesthetic or professional practice issue. Thesis projects address issues of social justice, environmental stewardship and/or professional practice with specific proposals to resolve or mitigate the identified issues as a key component of the final thesis project.

College of Arts and Sciences