This course examines the key ideas, debates, and theoretical frameworks that have shaped architecture and urban design from the mid-20th century to today, with sustained attention to the societal and political contexts in which they emerged. Readings, lectures, and case studies trace the connections between design theory, cultural narratives, and power structures, emphasizing architecture's role as both a reflection of and a catalyst for social transformation. The course equips students to engage critically with contemporary architectural discourse and to situate their own work within broader historical, political, and cultural currents. Prerequisite: ARCH 5304.