(BAS) Urbanism
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 2025-26 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 2025/26 year)
Fall
- ARCH 1111 Studio 1A: Land
- ARCH 1221 Material Histories of Architecture
- ARCH 1331 Introduction to Architecture
- ARCH 1441 Drawing and Media
Winter
- ARCH 1112 Studio 1B: Fundamentals of Design
- ARCH 1222 Design, Climate, Environment
- ARCH 1422 Digital Drawing and Modelling
- ARTH 1201 History & Theory of Architecture: 1500 to Present
Second Year
(for students who entered the Urbanism program in the 2024/25 year)
Fall
- ARCS 2303 Urbanism Studio 1: Fundamentals of Urbanism
- ARCH 2300 Introduction to Modern Architecture
- ARCC 2202 Architectural Technology 1
- GEOG 2023 Cities, Inequality and Urban Change
Winter
- ARCS 2304 Urbanism Studio 2: Urbanism in the Core
- GEOM 1004 Maps, Satellites and the Geospatial Revolution
- ARCC 2100 Design and the Environment
- Free Elective
Third Year
(for students who entered the Urbanism program in the 2023/24 year)
Fall
- ARCS 3304 Urbanism Studio 2: Urbanism on the Periphery****
- ARCC 2203 Architectural Technology 3
- ARCU 4801 Topics in Urbanism
- GEOG 4323 Urban & Regional Planning
- COOP 1000 Co-op Preparation (0.0 Credit)
Winter
- ARCS 3306 Urbanism Studio 4: Global Perspectives
- ARCU 4300 Theories of Urbanism*
- Core Elective
- Free Elective
Fourth Year
(for students who entered the Urbanism program in the 2022/23 year)
Fall
- ARCS 4105 Comprehensive Studio
- ARCC 3202 Architectural Tech. 4
- Core Elective
Winter
- ARCS 4107 Option Studio
- ARCU 4300 Theories of Urbanism*
- ARCU 4500 Design Economics
- Core Elective
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 3rd or 4th-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 3rd or 4th-year depending on when it is offered.
****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.
Course Requirements
Course requirements have changed over time. For a complete layout of course sequencing for your entry year, please choose the appropriate link below. For course grids for students who entered the BAS prior to 2021, please email architectureundergrad@carleton.ca.
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 ARCH 1442 -Digital Drawing and Modelling (CRN 10189), you must also choose a Tutorial from CRN 10190 to CRN 10194. When registering for the lecture component of ARTH 1201 – History and Theory of Architecture: 1500 to Present (CRN 10264), you must also choose a Tutorial from CRN 10263 to CRN 10274.
2024 Students and Earlier
Please consult the 2022 Course Calendar below for the latest list of approved Urbanism Core Electives as well as the additional list of Urbanism Core Electives.