SOUTHEAST MISSOURI STATE UNIVERSITY
COURSE SYLLABUS
Department of History
Course Title: History of American Building Materials
and Techniques
Course Number: HP580
Revised: Fall 2009
I. Catalogue Description and Credit Hours
A survey of traditional construction materials and methods used in buildings and structures in the
United States from the late sixteenth century to the recent past. (3 hours)
II. Prerequisite(s)
None
III. Purposes or Objectives of Course
In this course students will:
A. Demonstrate an understanding of the theory and practice of conservation, restoration and
rehabilitation of historic structures, specifically as they relate to the appropriate treatment of
historic building materials.
B. Demonstrate familiarity with the manufacture, use, deterioration, repair and appropriate
replacement of traditional building materials employed in historic building construction.
C. Analyze forensically older buildings, structures and sites.
IV. Expectations of Students
Students will be expected to attend all classes—including field trips, do all required readings,
demonstrate an acceptable degree of understanding on written examinations and/or papers, and
participate in individual, group and class projects.
V. Course Outline or Content
A. Building Lifecycle Assessment Process
Hours
6
1. Overview
2. Health, Life, Safety
3. Investigation, Analysis and Assessment
B.
Building Materials
1. Wood
2. Masonry
15
3. Concrete
4. Architectural Metals
C. Imitative Materials
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6
Concrete Block
Pressed Metal
Linoleum
Embossed Wall and Ceiling Coverings
Aesthetic Debates and Social Implications of Imitative Materials
D. Building Fabric
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
9
Roofing
Exterior Wall Cladding
Windows
Entrances and Porches
Storefronts
E. Building Ornamentals and Finishes
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
9
Floors
Walls and Ceilings
Art and Stained Glass
Wood Carving and Millwork
Decorative and Flat Plaster
Protective and Decorative Finishes
Total class hours = 45
VI. Textbook(s) and/or Other Required Materials or Equipment
Textbook Rental:
Young, Robert A. Historic Preservation Technology: A Primer. Hoboken, NJ: John Wiley &
Sons, Inc., 2008.
Required Supplemental Reading:
Simpson, Pamela H. Cheap, Quick, and Easy: Imitative Architectural Materials, 1870-1930.
Knoxville, TN: University of Tennessee Press; 1999.
Gayle, Margot, David W. Look, and John G. Waite. Metals in America's Historic Buildings:
Uses and Preservation Treatments. Washington, D.C.: U.S. Department of the Interior,
National Park Service, Cultural Resources, Preservation Assistance, 1992.
Additional readings must be ordered from the National Park Service and/or are available online.
Ordering information will be provided by the instructor. Be sure to check the online calendar for
links to online readings.
VII. Basis for Student Evaluation
Undergraduate Students:
Midterm Exam
Final Exam
Building Assessment
Diagnostic Observations (2)
Class Participation
Graduate Students
20%
20%
25%
20%
15%
Midterm Exam
Final Exam
Building Assessment
Diagnostic Observations (3)
Class Participation
15%
15%
25%
30%
15%
The weight of evaluation criteria may vary at the discretion of the instructor and will
be indicated at the beginning of each course.
Grading Scale (undergraduate):
A= 90-100%
B= 80-89%
C=70-79%
D=60-69%
F=59% or below
Grading Scale (graduate):
A= 90-100%
B= 80-89%
C=70-79%
F=60% or below
Exams
Two “take home” exams, a midterm and a final, will be used to assess student mastery of the
content covered in class readings and discussions.
Building Assessment
Using the skills and methodologies discussed in class, students will individually or in teams
prepare building condition assessment reports for a historic building located in the Cape
Girardeau area. Details of the report will be discussed in class as the semester progresses, but
the project is intended to provide a practical experience for students to apply the knowledge and
skills developed over the course of the semester.
Diagnostic Observation Reports
Drawing on the readings and class discussion, students will prepare diagnostic reports on
deteriorated architectural features of their own choosing. Each report will focus on one element,
preferably observable from a public place. Students will photograph the element, and write a
diagnostic report explaining the probable cause (or causes) of the deterioration and
recommended remediation steps.
VIII. Academic Policy Statement
The Undergraduate Bulletin defines academic dishonesty as “…those acts which would deceive,
cheat, or defraud so as to promote one’s scholastic record…”, and states that “[v]iolations of
academic honesty represent a serious breech of discipline and may be considered grounds for
disciplinary action, including dismissal from the university”. Students are expected to understand
and abide by the rules governing academic honesty. The official statement about academic
honesty, including plagiarism, may be accessed at:
http://www.semo.edu/bulletin/pdf/2006Bulletin.pdf. Additional information may be accessed at:
http://www6.semo.edu/judaffairs/. Penalties for academic dishonesty range from failing the
assignment and/or failing the course to expulsion from the University.
IX. Student with Disabilities Statement
Southeast Missouri State University is committed to making every possible educational
accommodation for students with disabilities. Many services and accommodations which aid a
student’s educational experience are available for students with various types of disabilities.
Students may obtain official information about disabilities from Learning Assistance and
Disability Support Services, located at: http://www.semo.edu/cs/services/lec.htm.