Women’s fashions, cars, furniture, and architecture, to name only a few examples, exhibit an evolution of styles over time. Th is course examines the progression of styles in American architecture. Style characteristics will be illustrated and discussed in a slide-lecture format. The technique of stylistic comparison used in the study of the visual arts will be employed in class. Questions and discussion will be encouraged. Field work in Mt. Carroll will allow students to become familiar with the characteristics of individual styles and to practice applying their style knowledge to individual buildings. Knowledge of architecture styles is not an end in itself. Its primary use in the fi eld of Historic Preservation is to determine a building’s date and to give it a style classifi cation. Style is a tool that gives us a glimpse into our cultural history. The course examines questions such as: “what is period style?,” why are there revivals of previous styles?,” “are there moral attitudes associated with styles?” and other questions. Along the way it is hoped that students will sharpen their powers of observation and analysis.