(BAS) Urbanism

The Bachelor of Architectural Studies (Urbanism) program explores architecture as a component of the larger built environment. The curriculum is designed to promote stewardship of communities by examining the forms they take, the forces that produce them, and the ways they affect us. Courses explore the impact of demographic, ecological, economic, and social changes on the urban core and the expanding periphery. Students analyze patterns of human settlement over time in relation to culture, climate, technology, political systems, infrastructure, economic forces, and global ecology. 

Drawing and computer modeling courses in the lower years prepare students to explore urban design in upper-level studios. In addition to designing individual buildings and spaces, Urbanism majors explore architecture and urban space at the scale of the block, neighborhood, city, and region. Projects challenge students to consider the architect’s role in accommodating diversity, contributing to the quality of life, and promoting the health of society and the natural environment.

In addition to courses common to all BAS majors, Urbanism students take specialized courses  including several in Geography, History, and Canadian Studies. Upper-level studios include a Directed Studies Abroad (DSA) option. As with all BAS majors, Urbanism students may opt to participate in the Co-Op program. The Urbanism program prepares graduates for advanced studies and careers in Architecture, Planning, Urban Design, Landscape Architecture, and other disciplines.

Please consult the Undergraduate Calendar for a list of program requirements for the BAS-Urbanism major.

 The grid below displays the suggested course sequence for (BAS) Urbanism students for the 2024-25 year. Please note that Core and Free Electives may be taken in any order. To see the complete grid for your own calendar year, click on appropriate link at the bottom of this grid.

First Year

(for students who entered the Urbanism program in the 2024/25 year)

Second Year

(for students who entered the Urbanism program in the 2023/24 year)

Third Year

(for students who entered the Urbanism program in the 2022/23 year)

Fourth Year

(for students who entered the Urbanism program in the 2021/22 year)

Notes

* ARCU 4700 Urban Utopias and ARCU 4300 Histories of Theories of Urbanism are offered in alternating years.  Urbanism students will take these courses in either their 3^rd or 4^th-year depending on when they are offered.

** ARCH 4201 History of Modern Housing is offered every other year, alternating with a Core Elective.  Urbanism students will take this course in either their 3^rd or 4^th-year depending on when it is offered.

*** GEOG 4323 has replaced CIVE 4303 as a core course.  Students who entered the Urbanism program prior to 2021 may take either GEOG 4323 or CIVE 4303 to fulfil their requirement. The other course will count as a Core Elective for students who wish to take both.

****Note that the course code for ARCS 3303 has been updated to ARCS 2304 and the course code for ARCS 4304 has been updated to ARCS 3306.

First Year Students

Certain courses include TUTORIALS – in which you must also register when registering for the course.   Please be aware that the system may not allow you to register in the LECTURE component of the course without also registering in an associated TUTORIAL (or vice versa).

When registering for the lecture component of your fall term Art History course (ARTH 1200 — CRN 30260), you must also choose a Tutorial from CRN 30261 to CRN 30270. When registering for the lecture component of Architecture ARCN 2106 (CRN 30208), you must also choose a Tutorial from CRN 30209 to CRN 30214.

When registering for the lecture component of your winter-term in Art History course (ARTH 1201), you must also choose a Tutorial from CRN 10250 to CRN 10259.

Please consult the 2022 Course Calendar below for the latest list of approved Urbanism Core Electives.

2021 Students and Earlier

ARCU 4600 Post-WWII Urbanism is no longer required as a core course.  Students who entered the program in 2017 for whom this course is a requirement should take a Core Elective in its place.