Why a course exclusively on architectural theory? In many professional schools, theory often gets collapsed into a “history/theory” amalgamation, one that fails to take into account the way that theory informs not just a historical analysis of built and unbuilt forms, but also the technology and design of architecture. Being conversant in architectural theory is a critical skill that manifests in all aspects of the discipline—from conception to experimentation to execution. Theory must be provocative, but it must also integrate with, and illuminate, practice. The course shall be taught so as to treat architectural theory as a discipline unto itself, taking pains to ensure that students understand why and how theory matters to the study of architecture, urban design, and general questions of spatial construction.