Scottish Medieval & Renaissance Architecture (U03904)

? Credit Points : 20 ? SCQF Level : 10 ? Acronym : ACE-3-U03904

All aspects of Scottish architecture, ecclesiastical, fortified and domestic will be examined as they develop through the Romanesque, Gothic and Renaissance periods.

The course will concentrate on the strong contrasts between nationalistic and cosmopolitan approaches to architectural design which both characterize Scottish architecture at various times through the medieval and renaissance centuries.

Studies will be made particularly of the transition from the pan-European types of fortification, cathedral, monastic and palace complex design of the 12th and 13th centuries, to the unique characteristics and types, such as the tower house, which emerged during and after the wars to retain independence from England. Building traditions that became peculiarly Scottish will be examined, including vaulting types, corbelling and tracery patterns that typify aspects of the architecture of a nation at the geographical fringes of Europe.

The various attempts to consciously assert both personal education and national identity in architecture as Renaissance influences began to infiltrate from Europe will then be covered.

The material will be organized along basically chronological lines, dealing with each building type within certain time-frames.

Possibilities exist for visits by students to many fine local examples of all the building types discussed.

Entry Requirements

? Pre-requisites : AH2A & 2B; or Honours entry to History of Art or its combined degrees; or Honours entry to BMus (Music) or by agreement of the Head of Subject Area.

Subject Areas

Home subject area

Architecture - History, (School of Arts, Culture and Environment, Schedule A)

Delivery Information

? Normal year taken : 3rd year

? Delivery Period : Semester 1 (Blocks 1-2)

? Contact Teaching Time : 2 hour(s) 40 minutes per week for 11 weeks

All of the following classes

Type	Day	Start	End	Area
Lecture	Monday	11:10	13:00	Central

Summary of Intended Learning Outcomes

A thorough knowledge of the development of ecclesiastical, fortified and domestic function; of Romanesque, Gothic & castellated building in Scotland, and of aberrations within these developments.

A thorough knowledge of influence from abroad on Scottish building through the period, why these occurred, and how to identify the characteristics and features associated with these.

An understanding in particular of the means and processes by which renaissance characteristics and forms were assimilated by Scottish builders.

An understanding of political and social problems in Scotland through the period and the impact of these on architecture; in particular the difference between pseudo- and real fortification in the renaissance period.

An understanding of the traditions of Scottish masonry building techniques, and how these developed through the period.

An insight into the differences between Scottish vernacular building and Scottish architectural design, and the 19th Century romantic view of Scottish baronial architectural tradition.

An ability to discern of some of the historiographical problems which have occurred in the interpretation of Scottish renaissance architecture.