History & General Culture Course Calendar
• Weekly Sessions: We meet every Saturday for a 4-hour lesson.
• Course Duration: Runs for 7 weeks.
• Comprehensive Coverage: Focuses on all History & General Culture topics needed for your exam.
• Multiple Start Dates: Available 4 times a year – in October, December, February, and April (identical courses with different start dates).
October - November 2024
October 19th, 2024 - November 30th, 2024 - Saturdays, 9:00 - 13:00 (Central European Time)
December - January 2024
December 14th, 2024 - January 25th, 2024 - Saturdays, 9:00 - 13:00 (Central European Time)
February - March 2024
February 8th, 2024 - March 22nd, 2024 - Saturdays, 9:00 - 13:00 (Central European Time)
April - May 2024
April 5th, 2024 - May 17th, 2024 - Saturdays, 9:00 - 13:00 (Central European Time)
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Course Overview and Lesson Breakdown
Lesson 1:
Introduction to History of Architecture and Ancient to Romanesque Architecture
We will begin by exploring the roots of Western architecture, starting with Greek and Roman architecture. Greek architecture set the foundation with structures such as temples, using principles of symmetry and proportion. We’ll explore iconic elements like Doric, Ionic, and Corinthian columns. Moving on to Roman architecture, we will see how the Romans expanded on Greek designs, developing innovations like the arch, the dome, and the extensive use of concrete. Roman architectural achievements, such as aqueducts, amphitheaters, and basilicas, will be analyzed in depth.
The lesson will continue with the transition to Early Christian and Byzantine architecture, where we will focus on how the basilica evolved into grand religious structures, especially with innovations like domes (e.g., Hagia Sophia). Finally, we will cover Romanesque architecture, which emerged during the 11th and 12th centuries, characterized by heavy masonry, rounded arches, and large towers.
Lesson 2:
Renaissance to the 19th Century
This lesson will cover the architectural evolution from the Gothic era to the Renaissance and beyond. We will begin with the Gothic architecture of the 12th century, which introduced pointed arches, flying buttresses, and large stained-glass windows, creating towering cathedrals. Transitioning into the Renaissance, we’ll explore how architects like Brunelleschi and Alberti revived classical forms, emphasizing symmetry, proportion, and geometry.
Next, we will examine Baroque architecture, marked by its grandeur, dramatic use of light, and ornate detailing. The lesson will continue with the Neoclassical movement of the 18th century, a return to simplicity and classical ideals, before concluding with the Art Nouveau period in the late 19th century, where organic forms and elaborate decorations flourished.
Lesson 3:
Modern and Contemporary Architecture
The final lesson will focus on 20th and 21st-century architectural movements. We will begin with the Expressionist and Bauhaus movements, which emphasized minimalism, functionality, and new materials like steel and glass. We will then look at Postmodern and Neoexpressionist architecture, which rejected the strict rules of modernism in favor of more playful and eclectic designs. Finally, we will discuss Contemporary architecture, which incorporates advanced technologies, sustainability, and innovative materials to create dynamic, forward-thinking structures.
Lesson 4:
Follow up Test + Introduction to History of Art and Ancient to Renaissance Art
We will start with an in-depth look at art and architecture from the Ancient Greek and Roman periods. Greek art was characterized by its emphasis on proportion, balance, and harmony, with an emphasis on sculpture, pottery, and temple architecture (e.g., the Parthenon). Roman art expanded on these traditions but placed more emphasis on realism in portraiture and large-scale public works such as aqueducts and triumphal arches.
Next, we will move into the Medieval period, where art became more focused on religious expression, particularly in the form of iconography and Gothic cathedral architecture. We will explore how the Medieval era introduced new elements like stained glass, illuminated manuscripts, and large-scale sculptures integrated into the cathedrals.
The lesson will conclude with the Renaissance, marking a rebirth of classical ideals. We will examine how Renaissance artists like Leonardo da Vinci, Michelangelo, and Raphael revolutionized the use of perspective, proportion, and human anatomy in art, while architects such as Brunelleschi and Alberti brought classical balance and proportion back into architectural design.
Lesson 5:
Baroque to Contemporary Art and Architecture
In this lesson, we transition from the Baroque period, characterized by drama, movement, and elaborate ornamentation. Artists such as Caravaggio and Bernini, along with architects like Borromini, exemplify the grandeur and emotional depth of the Baroque style. We will then explore Rococo, a lighter, more playful variation of Baroque, distinguished by its use of pastel colors, intricate details, and ornate interiors.
Moving forward, we will cover Neoclassicism, a return to the simplicity and classical ideals seen in ancient Greece and Rome, influenced by the Enlightenment and archaeological discoveries of the time. Artists like Jacques-Louis David and architects such as Thomas Jefferson will be examined.
The final part of the lesson focuses on Modern and Contemporary Architecture. Beginning with 19th-century movements like Romanticism and Realism, we will explore the rise of modern art in the early 20th century, including movements like Cubism, Expressionism, and Surrealism. The lesson will end with Late 20th Century and Contemporary architecture, discussing movements such as Postmodernism and sustainable, high-tech architecture.
Lesson 6:
Eurocentric World History for the MIUR Test
In the final set of lessons, we will focus on world history from a Eurocentric perspective, which aligns with the approach used by the Italian Ministry of Education (MIUR) in their test preparation. Given that this exam tends to emphasize European and Italian historical narratives, we will delve into key historical events, figures, and movements that are central to this viewpoint.
To ensure a thorough understanding of the material, a detailed chronology of historical events document will be provided, covering everything from the rise and fall of empires to pivotal moments like the Renaissance, the World Wars, and European colonialism. This resource will guide you through the timeline of major events, helping you structure your study of history efficiently.
We will not just focus on memorizing dates and facts, but also on why these events occurred and how they shaped European and global history. Using interactive maps, I will walk you through the geopolitical shifts, cultural exchanges, and socio-economic transformations that defined each era. This method will help you visualize and contextualize the events, making them easier to understand and retain.
Lesson 7:
Conclusion
In this concluding session, we will administer a comprehensive practice test to assess the progress each student has made throughout the course. This test is designed to mirror the structure and difficulty of the entrance exam, ensuring students are familiar with the types of questions they will face. By solving this test, students will have the opportunity to apply the knowledge and skills acquired across all the lessons, from basic principles to advanced concepts.
After the test, we will review the results to evaluate each student’s understanding and overall improvement. This evaluation will highlight areas of strength as well as any lingering gaps in knowledge. If a student achieves a score above the minimum required for admission to PoliMi, it will indicate that they are well-prepared for the actual exam. However, if a student’s score falls short of the required mark, it will serve as an indicator that further study and practice are necessary. In this case, I will recommend additional lessons, targeted revision of weak areas, and further practice tests to ensure that each student can confidently meet the required standard for admission.
This final lesson is crucial in providing a clear measure of each student’s readiness, offering both a sense of accomplishment and a guide for any necessary steps to improve performance before the official exam.
Final Remarks and Why You Should Take This Course
What we offer through studyinitaly is a combination of experience and expertise from two different fields. We are a team of two individuals, one of us a civil engineer, both of us are architects and having successfully navigated the PoliMi entrance exam process ourselves. In fact, we didn’t just get through it—we excelled, with one of us ranking 9th overall.
Having been through this journey, we know firsthand what it takes to succeed in the PoliMi admissions process. Over the past five years, we’ve dedicated ourselves to tutoring students, and our experience has helped many of them achieve top scores. What sets us apart is that we use our unique insights to guide you through the specific challenges of the TIL Test. For example, we know how to spot patterns in the types of questions and topics that are most likely to appear. Should you spend more time mastering Newton’s laws or diving into fluid mechanics? Which topics require deep focus, and which ones can you prioritize less? This is the kind of strategic knowledge we bring to the table.
Our goal is to equip you with everything you need to confidently tackle the architectural entrance exam. With our guidance, you’ll learn how to study efficiently, focusing on the right areas, and making the most of your preparation time. We believe that with the right approach and support, like the one we provide at studyinitaly, you can significantly boost your chances of success.
Good luck on your journey to becoming an architecture student—together, we’ll make sure you’re prepared to excel!