After successful completion of the course, students are able to independently write a professional seminar paper in the field of architectural science. They have studied relevant literature and received instructions for source research. They know the basics of careful scientific work in theory and practice and apply this knowledge in writing abstract, exposé and seminar paper.
The elective seminar deals with a certain typology of tomb architecture - the mausoleum. Regardless of the cultural or temporal context, monumental tombs with special characteristics - such as a monumental form, isolation in space and dedication to an important personality - are called mausoleums in architectural history. The desire to allow the memory of the deceased to live on after death has been manifested in the architecture of these tombs since the beginning of mankind.
Within this seminar, mausoleums of different epochs and cultural areas are discussed - with a focus on the Mediterranean region and the monumental tombs of the Middle East. The variations in form and internal structures that have resulted from different climates and building materials as well as social and religious customs are being researched. Where the term "mausoleum" originated and how its meaning has changed will be analysed in the course of the seminar.
In the elective seminar will be considered selected topics:
-Monumental tombs in prehistory
-creation of the type mausoleum and reference models
-Roman and Late Antique Mausoleums
-The Mausoleum in Islamic Culture
-Mausoleums from the Renaissance to monumental cemeteries of the 18th and 19th century.
On the basis of the thematic focus "Mausoleums". Monumental tumbs from antiquity to the present, the students are to write a scientific paper. In the course of the seminar, approaches to the methodological and content-related structuring of the work will be taught. Students will gain first practical experience in the implementation of inventory analysis and documentation as well as archive and library work.
Introduction to the contents, instructions for scientific work. Submissions with correction, presentation of short papers. Feedback on all submissions.
Title of the electoral seminar: "Mausoleums". Monumental grave forms from antiquity to the present".
The first meeting will be Wednesday, 11 March 2020, 10:00-12:00 in seminar room 251 (Karlsplatz, Staircase 3, 3rd floor). Further appointments will be shared at the kick-off lecture. These will not be every week, but always Wednesday 10:00-12:00 in seminar room 251.
Topics, literature and structure of the course will be announced at the beginning of the elective seminar.
Please consider the plagiarism guidelines of TU Wien when writing your seminar paper:
Directive concerning the handling of plagiarism (PDF)
