The History and Theory of Architecture program provides students with hands-on learning and connects them to an inter-disciplinary network of professors and professionals. As early as first year, students are encouraged to view and research Ottawa architecture. Upper-year students perform in-depth studies of monuments with archival research and work with museum staff and heritage professionals.
The History and Theory of Architecture program also has a variety of partner organizations which it works closely with, opening opportunities for outside-the-classroom learning. Professor Peter Coffman is Carleton’s History and Theory of Architecture Supervisor and the President of the Society for the Study of Architecture in Canada, leading to natural partnerships between both. The program also works closely with Parks Canada, where the Registrar of Historic Places is a Carleton grad. Other upcoming partnerships include the City of Ottawa and Heritage Ottawa. Professor Coffman hopes these connections will develop into more formal cooperation which will provide further opportunities to students.
Professor Coffman shared his philosophy about the importance of hands-on learning, noting that “I always tell students that a great educations starts in the classroom, but doesn’t end there. It’s really important for students to go out and see what professionals in the field are doing. It’s also important for them to graduate with a network of contacts that goes beyond the walls of the campus. Perhaps even more fundamentally, gaining as much broad experience as possible should be what an undergraduate education is all about – it’s supposed to make your world a bigger place, a much bigger place.”
This philosophy has translated to the classroom as students enjoy the collaborative and interactive nature of the program. To hear a Carleton Art History student’s thoughts on her practicum with the Society for the Study of Architecture in Canada, visit http://carleton.ca/arthistory/art-history-student-blog-leona/
By Heather McAlister
If you enjoyed this article, you might also enjoy reading about Art History partnerships with the community and a first-hand account of an Art History student practicum at the National Gallery and Carleton’s Library.