Art History 352LW - Topics in Modern and Contemporary Architecture: 'Spaces of Law'

While law is often seen as an abstract discipline, its practice is embedded within our built environments quite concretely. This seminar surveys spaces of law, with attention to the many ways architecture has historically shaped modern legal concepts. We will ask: How has legal authority been reflected or produced by the design of legal space, as exemplified by the spatial arrangements of the courthouse? How does architecture frame legal evidence? How has the historical development of state-sanctioned punishment been reflected in urban space or architectural form? And finally: how can we use evidence in the built environment to reveal moments of resistance against legal authority?

This course is open to juniors and seniors; Prereq: 4 credits in Art History.