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The History, Theory and Society doctoral program (HTS) provides advanced degrees for scholars examining architectural history, built environments, and modern urban development within expansive social, political, and cultural contexts. This flexible framework supports diverse research themes across geographical and historical boundaries. Candidates may integrate humanities-based historical and theoretical resources to develop specialized study areas and thesis/dissertation projects. The program originally broke new ground in analyzing non-Western settings, now expanded to address development and globalization challenges in recent centuries. Its core focus involves positioning architecture, construction, and urban planning within broader intellectual frameworks using modern social theories, historical examination, and interdisciplinary techniques ranging from ethnographic studies to archival investigations.
Prospective students should thoroughly explore the research specialties of HTS faculty members detailed below, along with other Architecture Department scholars. Research proposals may align with the general History, Theory and Society domain or focus on specialized tracks like Environmental Design & Urbanism in Developing Nations or Socio-Cultural Dynamics in Architecture & Urban Planning.