Belmont-Course Descriptions

First Year-Fall 2022: ALL COMPLETED

ARC 1015: Craft,
Profession, Vocation
(3 hours)
History and current conditions of the profession of architecture.
Investigation options for career goals within a study of
vocational fulfillment in the Christian tradition of service.
Students will establish an eportfolio, attend guest lectures and
participate in field trips.

ARC 1020: Fabrication & Materials, fabrication methods, assembly and finishing explored
Sustainability through safe use of hand and power tools in a shop setting.
(1 hour) Study of sustainability issues related to materials commonly
used to fabricate models and projects for art and design
disciplines.

HIS 1010: World History to A survey of world history from the Age of Discovery (c. 1500) to
1500 the present, focusing on increasing global interaction since the
(3 hours) 16th century, the emergence of the modern world-view,
European political and economic expansion, and non-Western
responses to the challenges of the modern world.

HON 1110: Interdisciplinary Honors Interdisciplinary Seminar is a broadly-themed, writing

Seminar intensive introductory course designed to increase the
(3 hours) recognition, appreciation, and capacity to use multiple ways of
justifying or defending claims to knowledge and answering
eternal questions through study of the humanities such as art,
literature, philosophy, and history. Students will learn about
different kinds of knowledge claims, how to construct
knowledge, and how to evaluate and answer the most difficult
questions that have always plagued humankind. The seminar
format of the course will prepare Honors students to engage
fully in the similarity formatted Honors Foundation sequence
courses.

HON 2120: Honors As an Honors designated course, Honors Humanities Seminar

Humanties will focus on a humanities-based topic or theme in a manner
(3 hours) that: engages students in interdisciplinary thinking, which
values diversity and global awareness; fosters creativity and
critical thinking: and develops their skills as writers, researchers
and leaders. Specific topic and course titles will vary with each
offering.

PHI 4080, Philosophies of This course is an overview of the thinkers and movements
China which have shaped philosophical reflection in China from
(3 hour) classical to the modern period. Texts and thinkers which are
studied in the course vary with each offering. Sometimes the
focus is on classical texts (Yi Jing; the Zhongyong; Laozi; Lun
Yu; Zhuangzi; the Mengzi; the Xunzi; Zhu Xi), and other times it
 is on contemporary work (e.g., Boston Confucianism and the
New Confucians), still other emphases are tradition directed:
Confucian tradition; Taoist tradition; Buddhist tradition;
Contemporary Social Philosophy in China.

First Year-Spring 2023: ALL COMPLETED

ARC 1001: Manual Drafting The development of basic manual drafting skills in a studio
(3 hours) setting, introducing the components of plan, elevation, and
section drawing and requiring the use of drafting tools and
instruments.

ART 1030: Drawing 1 This course is an introduction to the visual language of

(3 hours) drawing. Emphasis is placed on learning to see by stressing
intense looking, critical judgment, and precise measuring
through direct observation. Each class will include hands on
projects and homework assignments that heighten the
students’ ability to accurately create the illusion of
three-dimensional forms in space on a two-dimensional picture
plane. Demonstrations using a variety of media will be used to
reinforce topics such as, composition, space, sighting, contour
line, point perspective, and rendering value.

HIS 1020: World History A survey of world history from the Age of Discovery (c. 1500) to
Since 1500 the present, focusing on increasing global interaction since the
(3 hours) 16th century, the emergence of the modern world-view,
European political and economic expansion, and non-Western
responses to the challenges of the modern world.

HON 1120: Engaging the A survey of the Judeo-Christian canon of scripture from the
Bible & Culture history of the Hebrew people through the growth of the New
(3 hours) Testament church movement, the primary goal of this course is
to increase a student’s understanding of the Bible’s relationship
to culture through exploration of patters and theme within
biblical material.

ARC 1003: Foundations A fundamental approach to architectural and interior design

Studio through a sequenced investigation of design elements and
(3 hours) principles that develop skills which will inform the complete
relationships between geometries, composition, and systematic
strategies. Analysis of case studies and use of analytical
diagramming to further inform design solutions presented with
three-dimensional modeling and drawing.
Second Year-Fall 2023: COMPLETED

ARC 2021: Architecture Introduction to methods of architectural design communicated

Studio 1 through orthographic drawings and principles of composition
(3 hours) based in traditional and modernist precedent studies.
Emphasizes problem-solving through an iterative process,
including planning, properties of materials, and basic structural
assemblies as design elements.

ARC 2031: History of Architecture from Prehistory to ca. 1400, emphasizing Western
Architecture before 1400 and Christian culture with an introduction to Asian, African,
(3 hours) Pre-Columbian American, Islamic, Buddhist and Hindu
traditions. Underscoring the traditional values that shape the
arts and architecture and investigating connections between
culture, ecology and buildings.

HON 1130: Oral Honors Oral Communications Seminar challenges students to

Communications Sem. refine their ability to construct and deliver effective messages,
(3 hours) both informative and persuasive. The course emphasizes
critical analysis or oral messages and research sources,
leadership communication, and the global/cultural context of
public communication.

ARC 2051: Digital Two and three dimensional computer-aided drafting, utilizing
Representation architectural line weights and line types to produce
(3 hours) communicative documentation. Introduction to various
presentation methods, interface with printing ad page setup,
and computer rendering principles.

SOC 1010: Intro to Sociology is the study of human groups, organizations, and
Socioliogy societies and the patterns of similarity and difference among
(3 hour) them. It includes but is not limited to the study of culture,
inequality, gender, race, religion, the economy, sexuality, and
family life. This course will explore sociological ways of seeing
the world, provide you with tools for understanding your own
social position and the context in which you live, and fuel your
passion for a just, peaceful, and diverse society.
Second Year-Spring 2024: IN PROGRESS

ARC 2022: Architecture Increasing facility with methods of architectural design

Studio 2 communicated through orthographic, axonometric, and
(3 hours) perspective drawings and principles of composition based in
traditional and modernist precedent studies. Emphasizes
problem-solving through an iterative process, including
planning, prperties of materials, structural assemblies as
design elements, and the importance of physical context.
Concludes with mid-semester eportfolio review.

ARC 2032: History of The historical development of architecture after ca. 1400 in
Architecture After 1400 locations around the world, including Europe, the Americas,
(3 hours) Persian Gulf, and East Asia. Emphasizing aesthetic and
architectural theory, building technology, and values that shape
architecture, investigating connections between culture,
ecology, and buildings, especially related to global building
traditions introduced in ARC 2031.

HON 2950: Study Abroad Taken in conjunction with a study abroad experience, this
Writing Workshop course develops student mastery of written rhetoric and basic
(3 hours) research skills by promoting engagement with and analysis of
places, people, languages and cultures different from those of
the United States. Through experiences, observation,
reflection, research, and writing, students will not only increase
their knowledge of the world around them but also learn to
approach their own culture as an outsider.

HON 3130: Religion & Honors Religion and Culture is a interdisciplinary,

Culture problem-based, topical seminar that features a particular
(3 hours) problem or issue and includes an experiential learning
component. Using a substantial number of readings, primarily
from one discipline, but also from two or three other
complementary disciplines that relate to the problem under
exploration. The course examines what might it look like to be
both a responsible citizen of this nation and this work and a
curious truth-seeker or person of faith. The course explores
how our political leanings and our faith commitments mutually
inform one another, as well as ways such commitments have
taken shape and produced both conflict and harmony in the
course of our nation’s history.

ARC-1895: Folio Thinking Through inquiry, reflection and integration, students will bring
(1 hour) coherence to, synthesize, and integrate learning experiences
inside and outside of the classroom in the context of a liberal
arts university by producing an electronic portfolio for both
academic and professional purposes. This course will
introduce students to the basis of documenting, curating,
reflecting on, and showcasing learned proficiency’s as shown
 through such artifacts as visual and written work. The course
will emphasize both visual and written/reflective components of
creating and critique. Students will also be introduced to
professional practices in preparation for an internship.

ENV 1150: Intro to Envi. An introduction to the basic principles of environmental

Science (lect.) science. This course provides exposure to the central themes
(3 hours) of environmental science through an interdisciplinary approach.

ENV 1150: Intro to Envi. An introduction to the basic principles of environmental

Science (lab) science. This course provides exposure to the central themes
(1 hour) of environmental science through an interdisciplinary approach.
Three hours lab work per week.

Third Year-Fall 2024: Not Yet Taken

ARC 3023: Architecture First studio for integrated architectural design (structures).
Studio 3 Requires responsiveness to context, to principles of
(6 hours) composition, and to a given program for a small civic building.
Includes studies of traditional/vernacular and post-industrial
structural materials and methods in relationship to building
forms and planning.

ARC 3041: Structures 1 Structural design, performance and properties of vernacular

(4 hours) and industrial building materials (including wood, masonry, and
steel) through an analysis of assemblies. Includes strength of
materials, concepts of statics, tension, compression and
bending. Addresses sustainability via embodied energy,
life-cycle costs, and the impact of construction on the
environment. Includes exercises in convention of graphic
representation for construction documentation.

HON 1150: Wellness As an Honors designated course, Honors Wellness will focus
Seminar on a wellness-based topic or theme in a manner that: engages
students in interdisciplinary thinking, which values diversity and
global awareness; fosters creativity and critical thinking: and
develops their skills as writers, researchers and leaders.
Specific topic and course titles will vary with each offering.

HON 2340: Mathematical An examination of the techniques of critical reasoning utilizing

Inquiry Sem. mathematical paradigms, with emphasis on the development of
the art of such reasoning.
Third Year-Spring 2025: Not Yet Taken

ARC 3024: Architecture Second studio for integrated architectural design. Requires
Studio 4 responsiveness to context, principles of composition, and a given
(6 hours) program. Includes studies of historic, regional historic typologies in
relationship to building form and planning to solve contemporary
residential problems.

ARC 3042: Structures 2 Steel, concrete, and enclosure technology in the context of
(4 hours) long-span and high-rise structures. Concepts of tension, bending
and sheer stress, combined stresses, load resolution, and member
sizing. Addresses sustainability and the impact of construction
materials on the environment. Includes exercises in conventions of
graphic representation for construction documentation.

ARC 3033: History of History of architectural development in the United States in global
Architecture U.S context and with the regional emphasis. Includes considerations of
(3 hours) aesthetic and architectural theory, building technology, and the
cultural values that shape architecture with special focus on
vernacular typologies in the Southeastern United States in general
and Nashville in particular.

Third Year Writing In ENG 3010, students work to enhance their critical thinking,
(3 hours) reading, writing, and research abilities as they complete a series of
thematically linked assignments. With ENG 1010, this course fulfills
the general education writing requirement.

Fourth Year-Fall 2025: Not Yet Taken

ARC 4025: Architecture Third studio for integrated architectural design (inclusive
Studio 5 design, interior design). Emphasizes principles of composition
(6 hours) and responsiveness to a given program. Includes studies of
culture, equity, and inclusive design in relationship to building
form and planning. Collaborates with an interior design studio.

ARC 4043: Environmental Relationships between architecture and the environment with
Systems 1 an emphasis on passive systems to control climate (air,
(3 hours) temperature, water, light, and sound). Other concepts include
architecture as embodied energy and energy consumer;
sustainability issues include life-cycle costs and carbon
footprint analysis. Includes exercises in conventions of graphic
representation for construction documentation.

HON 3510: Project The first of the Honors Scholars’ Collaborative, this course will
Plan/Prep build on skills developed in HON 2950, Honors Study Abroad
(3 hours) Writing Workshop by applying those skills to the specific
disciplinary research contexts of their individual Honors
projects. Utilizing team-based, problem-solving learning
strategies coupled with individual research and application,
students will produce a project prospectus, including a literature
review and time line for their paper or product. In preparation
for producing the literature review and prospectus for their
projects, students will be introduced to important topics such as
time and project management, project funding, targeted
primary and secondary research, leadership, advocacy, and the
importance of being able to communicate project value to
external stakeholders.

HON 1140: Social Science As an Honors designated course, an Honors Social Science
Seminar Seminar will focus on a topic or theme based in the Social
(3 hours) Science discipline in a manner that: engages students in
interdisciplinary thinking, which values diversity and global
awareness; fosters creativity and critical thinking; and develops
their skills as writers, researchers, and leaders

Fourth Year-Spring 2026: Not Yet taken

ARC 4026: Architecture Fourth studio for integrated architectural design (environmental
Studio 6 systems, theory). Emphasizes principles of composition and
(6 hours) responsiveness to a given program for a public building
(usually a performing arts space). Includes studies of
traditional and advanced passive environmental systems
design and ecologically-oriented architectural theory in
relationship to building form and planning.

ARC 4044: Environmental Relationships between architecture and the environment with
Sysytems 2 an emphasis on active systems to control climate (air,
(3 hours) temperature, water, light, and sound). Other concepts include
environmental systems within integrated design strategies and
sustainability issues related to energy conservation and life
cycle costs. Includes exercises in conventions of graphic
representation for construction documentation.

ARC 4034: Theories Of Architectural theory surveyed from the Renaissance through
Architecture the present day. Connections to industrialization and globalism,
(3 hours) and ecological responses to them, are particularly sought.

HON 3250: Research In this course, the second of the Honors Scholars’
Collaborative, students will execute the plan laid out in their
prospectus, supported by class activities intended to increase
those skills necessary for the completion of the project.
 Specific sections of this course will be designed to implement a
variety of research and production methodologies; students in
majors which require extensive senior projects will be
encouraged to use their honors project to extend the reach of
those projects by providing the time for further and deeper
research and/ or production.

Fifth Year-Fall 2026: Not Yet Taken

ARC 4527: Architecture First studio for comprehensive architectural design. Requires
Studio 7 program development and wide-ranging response to needs of
(6 hours) planning and composition, based in studies of equity, history,
and environmental systems, usually in the context of a
healthcare project. Emphasizes integration with professional
practices by addressing collaboration in teams, concerns for
regulatory standards.

ARC 4507: Professional The business, law, and ethics of architecture. Conventional
Practice 1 and alternative paths to professional practice; emphasizes
(3 hours) collaborative leadership, including advocacy for civic life in local
communities and for equity among all architectural workers.
Addresses the history of the AIA and alternate voices (e.g.
Architecture Lobby) and regulatory bodies (including NCARB).

ARC 4015: Senior
Capstone for Arch.
(3 hours)
Completion of the BELL Core, taking in the final year of the
program (fourth of the B.S.A.S. and fifth of the B.Arch.).
Investigation of intersections of architectural and general
studies, requires reflection on artifacts collected in the
eportfolio and addresses them of vocational fulfillment in the
Christian tradition of service established in ARC 1015.

HON 4500: Senior In this course, the culmination of the Honors Scholars’
Symposium Collaborative students will present their Honors projects first to
(3 hours) their Honors cohort as well as Honors faculty, inviting questions
and critique, and later to the Belmont community as a whole; in
conjunction with completing and presenting their projects,
students will reflect on their project in the broader context of
their Honors education, especially ways in which it fostered in
them a global ethical perspective, aesthetic appreciation, and
skills as researchers, scholars, artists, advocates, and leaders.
Fifth Year-Spring 2027: Not yet Taken

ARC 4528: Architecture Second studio for comprehensive architectural design.

Studio 8 Requires program development and wide-ranging response to
(6 hours) needs of planning and composition, based in studies of equity,
history, and environmental systems. Emphasizes integration
with professional practice by synthesizing various requirements
of architectural design including systems, assemblies, user and
regulatory requirements, site conditions, ecological concerns,
and accessibility.

ARC 4508: Professional Protecting the health, safety, and welfare of the public through
Practice 2 responsible and ethical practices. Includes architectural
(3 hours) programming, code searches (e.g., occupancy and zoning
codes, ADAA and universal design), project scheduling, cost
estimating, case study research, and the impact of regulations
on design, performance, and sustainability (usually directed
toward a project in the concurrent Comprehensive Design
Studio).

ARC 4518: Comprehensive Aligned with ARC 4528 to provide a formal setting in which to
Design Sem. reflect and focus on the integrative design process, the
(3 hours) challenges and potentials of achieving full synthesis and
integration in a project. Deliberation in the place and nature of
innovation within the many demands of an architectural design.

ITD 1010: Interior Materials
(3 hours)
This course introduces materiality and conceptual attributes of
materials. Students will learn weave, structure and characteristics
of textiles. They will be exposed to testing methodologies and
begin to develop resources to be used in future projects. Finish
schedules and specifications will be introduced.