PDF reflects print Undergraduate Degrees
International and Other Programs
Spring Semester in Italy: Milan-Como Anthony A. Marnell II, Italian Architecture Studies Program
The School of Architecture has a study-abroad program in Milan, a city in the forefront of Italian modern architecture and the center of Italian design. Students are housed and have classroom and studio space in Como, a small and pleasant lakeside town about 30 miles from Milan.The program is held in the spring semester. A full semester of study includes courses in design; history and theory; technology; and cultural studies. Fourth-year students are eligible for the program.
The Milan-Como Program is one of two U.S. school of architecture programs in this part of Italy. Strong relationships are fostered with the place, its people and culture.
Visits are planned to Rome, Florence, Sienna and Venice, and there are opportunities for travel and study in Austria, Switzerland, France and Germany.
Fall Semester in France
The school also offers a study abroad program in Saintes, France. The goal of the 15-unit semester program in France is to provide a place for 14 fourth- and fifth-year architecture students to extend the boundaries of their architectural studies beyond the USC campus. Students develop an understanding of the relationship between architecture and the culture that influences it, which serves to build a broader, more thoughtful, critical framework for their own work. Students experience first-hand significant architectural built work from Medieval times to the present day in a variety of European locations. They compare the development of architecture in Europe, especially France, with that which has occurred in the United States.The city of Saintes has provided a 5,800 square foot building in the historical medieval section of the city for the program. The facilities include housing for students and faculty, kitchen and dining area, and studio work space as well as a model shop, library, computer center and garden. The new Sarah Campbell Blaffer Gallery is an important part of the partnership with the local community and is used for displaying student and faculty work and other significant projects.
Summer Programs
The School of Architecture offers a number of summer program options that allow students to complete a full 16-unit semester that would typically be completed during a fall or spring semester. These options do not provide for acceleration of the degree but do allow for make up so that students may get back on schedule. Students who complete a full 16 units of degree requirements during the summer could take a following fall or spring semester off to travel or work and still graduate on schedule for the five-year degree.
Summer Semester in Asia
The School of Architecture offers a summer semester in Asia. Accompanied by USC faculty, students will spend the first two weeks in Japan, including study tours in Tokyo and Kyoto. They will next visit Shanghai for 10 days where housing will be provided by Fudan University. The remainder of the time will be spent in Kuala Lumpur in residence at the University of Malaya. During this time, USC students will work on a project in cooperation with students from the School of Architecture at the University of Malaya.The purpose of this program is to offer students in the School of Architecture an opportunity to:
- work on a real project in a country where development is a prime goal of the government and where opportunities for architecture students to complete internships and gain employment after graduation are expanding;
- work with the physical requirements, governmental regulations and economic situations that affect the design of projects that can be realized;
- become familiar with practitioners in Malaysia and Singapore to learn about architectural practice in these areas; and
- expand appreciation of the importance of Asian development in the current world market and show practitioners USC graduates’ ability to contribute to development in Asia.
Summer Studio in Los Angeles
Upper division students at USC and students at any level from other accredited schools of architecture may enroll in summer design studies for design credit. Special project opportunities are arranged to encourage full use of Los Angeles as an excellent architectural laboratory.
Graduate Studies Abroad Programs
The School of Architecture offers two programs for summer graduate study abroad. The purpose of the programs is to offer graduate architecture students the opportunity to study the built fabric of another culture firsthand and engage in a focused urban studies problem in that culture. The programs also strive to expand appreciation of the importance of Asian development in the current world market and show practitioners USC graduates' ability to engage in and contribute to development in Asia.
Graduate Studies Abroad Program
This 10- to 13-unit program is for graduate students in all four graduate program areas. Accompanied by USC faculty, students will spend 12 weeks on Hainan Island in the South China Sea studying new town development and developing either a building studio project or a directed research project. The program includes a week-long field-studies trip to southern Chinese cities including Guangzhou, Zhuhai, Shenzen and Hong Kong and a second week-long, field studies trip to northern Chinese cities including Shanghai, Beijing and Xian.
Graduate Studies Abroad Lab
This 4-unit lab is for graduate students in all four graduate program areas. Accompanied by USC faculty, students will spend four weeks on Hainan Island in the South China Sea studying new town development; the lab includes a week-long field-studies trip to southern Chinese cities including Guangzhou, Zhuhai, Shenzen and Hong Kong.
The Building Science Program in Civil Engineering
The Department of Civil Engineering offers an undergraduate program leading to the degree of Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering, with an emphasis in building science. The curriculum includes most of the work which is required for the major in structures, plus 30 units in architectural studies offered by the School of Architecture. See the Viterbi School of Engineering section of this catalogue for further information.
Exploration of Architecture Summer Program for High School Students
The School of Architecture offers two- and four-week programs for high school students (ages 15 or older) who have no previous experience but are interested in architecture. The program, which began in 1983, is particularly rewarding for students who are contemplating a career in architecture. However, all students find the exposure to the unique problem-solving methodologies of architecture a benefit regardless of their final career choice. Living on campus in a USC residence hall, high school students experience what it is like to be a university student. They participate in studio classes with professional critics and present their ideas in reviews attended by parents and friends. The program also exposes them, through case studies, sketching exercises and field trips, to some of the most dramatic and impressive historical and modern architecture of Los Angeles. International students have especially appreciated the opportunity to pursue this summer program of study that is not highly dependent on English language skills. Limited financial assistance is available.Obtain program details by visiting the School of Architecture Web site (arch.usc.edu) or by calling (800) 281-8616.
Exhibits of Student Work
From time to time students are given the opportunity to show work in class and in exhibitions. Students provide such work voluntarily and at their own risk. Work that is lost, damaged or stolen is not the responsibility of the school.
Field Trips
Field trips are organized each year in support of various aspects of the academic program. During the past several years, students have made trips to La Jolla to see the Salk Institute and to Catalina Island in connection with a studio project. In addition, students regularly visit sites of significance in the Los Angeles area.
Lectures and Exhibitions
The school provides significant service to the community and profession through public programs and by the participation of faculty members in community and professional activities.With the support and cooperation of the Architectural Guild, the school generates a vigorous program of lectures, exhibitions and tours.
Some of the world's most distinguished architects have lectured at USC. These include Frank Gehry, Mario Botta, Thom Mayne, Fumihiko Maki, Jean Nouvel, Will Bruder, Enrique Norten, Kazuyo Sejima, Rem Koolhaas, Shigeru Ban and Hans Hollein.
The school also provides the Helen Lindhurst Architecture Gallery for major architectural exhibitions. Recent shows have included important international architects such as Christoph Kapeller, Renzo Piano, Santiago Calatrava, Herman Hertzberger, and Alvaro Siza, as well as USC faculty, students and alumni.