Documentation of Coursework

Documentation of Course Work

As an double major in Modern Language with an emphasis in Chinese and Architecture, I have taken courses that cover a wide variety of disciplines, including Chinese linguistics, history, culture, literature, and architecture. You can read more about my courses below.

Chinese

Architecture

CHIN 2020: Intermediate Chinese

Intermediate course with more emphasis on communication skills and structure. Reading and writing practice without phonetic aids; oral practice in and outside the class. Vocabulary and grammar structures were a big emphasis in this class, which allowed for continuing growth in the language.

CHIN 3050: Chin Conv & Comp I

ARCH 2040: History and Theory of Modern Architecture

Lecture course about buildings from the modern period featuring special topics in the history of architecture. The course had an emphasis on typologies, historical antecedents and European precedents which give shape to buildings in the modern area. The course taught me about key architectures in modernism that shaped the way our world is constructed today.

Practice in the spoken language emphasizing vocabulary, word-combinations, pronunciation, and comprehension. This class focused on essay writing based on different themes, such as night markets and parks. We also learned about the culture in Taiwan.

ARCH 2510: Architecture Foundations I

CHIN 3060: Chin Conv & Comp II

This class was a continuation of 3050, more practice in the spoken language emphasizing vocabulary, word combinations, pronunciation, and comprehension. The class also focused on talking and intercultural communication by studying various topics. To practice, we had many debates throughout the year strictly speaking Chinese. This was a beneficial practice that helped me be able to respond to questions as well as questions others opinions.

HIST 3300: History of Modern Chinese

Lecture course about the growth and development of Chinese civilization from ancient times to the present. The course took strong emphasis on 20th century China, particularly since the rise to power of the Communist regime. Some specific topics were the Opium Wars, World War 2 and its impact on China, Cultural Revolution, and Mao’s Legacy.

CHIN 4010: Pre-Modern Chinese Literature

Chinese literature from 8th century B.C.E. to 19th century C.E., including poetry, prose, drama, fiction, and literary criticism. Many topics were about Confucius and Menius and their impact on literature and thought, which are still themes in Chinese culture today.

CHIN 4990: Select Topics in Chinese Culture

Anthropology class which examined basic cultural values and the patterns of Chinese social life. Focuses on Chinese social organization and interpersonal dynamics, including the family system, gender identities, social exchanges and networks. Also, discussed the differences in Chinese life versus American life.

CHIN 3980: Direct Reading

This class was during my study abroad, where I was placed in an international Chinese class in Dalian, China. My class was only in Chinese and emphasized listening skills and pronunciation.

This studio focused on architectural analysis and design problems with a focus on understanding how to design a structure with landscape. The course mixed instruction on visual communications skills, computer modeling, and oral presentation techniques support the design discussions. Our final project was a ruled surface structure designed on a sloped topography.

ARCH 2520: Architecture Foundations II

This course is a continuation of ARCH 2510. Architectural design problems with a focus on structural and construction principles and their relationship to contextual situations. Instruction in oral communication skills and computer graphics support the design discussions. Our final project was an architecture Museum in Charlotte, NC.

ARCH 2700: Structures I

This course was the study of statically determinate structural elements and systems including load tracing through physical modeling and theoretical and analytical analysis, the interrelationship between stress and strain, stability and the implication of tension, compression, shear torsion and bending. We had to hand build models and test them to see how they would survive when given a load.

ARCH 4120: Architecture History and Theory

Directed investigations related to the art and architectural history of Europe. We learned about specific architects that impacted European design, as well as different structural constructions that changed architecture history, such as the design of a dome.

ARCH 4160: Field Studies/ Building Technologies

Documentation and analysis of architectural structures observed during off-campus travels in graphic and written form. During this class, we visited and learned about local Barcelona architecture, as well as, Madrid, Toledo, Amsterdam, and Rotterdam.

ARCH 4010: Architecture Portfolio

This course is structured for portfolio development for Architecture students, including professional portfolio, academic portfolio, and digital portfolio. We were able to set up our portfolio to get us ready to apply for job interviews.

ARCH 3500: Intro to Urban Context

Addresses architectural problems related to urban contexts, and studies architectural resolutions that explore the interface between buildings and the public realm for particular sites. Introduces urban design fundamentals, building egress codes, and zoning. Design problems learned are about how to design based on pedestrian and vehicle traffic, noise, and other issues that accumulate in dense urban fabrics. Our final project was to design a winery in Montepulciano, Italy.

ARCH 3540: Studio Barcelona

Addresses architectural problems with varied scales and programs in the context of Barcelona, Spain. Emphasizes the relationship between architecture and context. Projects include analysis, conceptual development, and architectonic resolutions. Our final project was to design a archeology museum in the gothic quarter of Barcelona.