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Unit of study_
ARCH4007: Critical Thinking in Architecture
2026 unit information
Critical Thinking in Architecture introduces students to the important role of criticality in architecture. Framed by a series of lectures and seminal readings, students study the relationship between architectural design and architectural history and theory. They become familiar with key contemporary movements, ideas and protagonists, and come to understand the ways in which ideas that emerged in other areas of culture have been absorbed into architectural discourse. They become conversant with underlying principles and foundational skills of scholarly research, including locating and critically evaluating sources, constructing arguments, and communicating ideas using graphic, spoken and written means of expression. By exploring various media, including books, articles, reports and essays, they recognise writing as a practice conditioned by every author's own circumstances and interests, opening up questions of objectivity and judgement. By critiquing contemporary architectural discourse in light of its historical, political, aesthetic, ethical and cultural circumstances, students develop capacities that make them capable of both understanding and challenging prevailing positions and practices in architecture.
Unit details and rules
Managing faculty or University school:
Sydney School of Architecture, Design and Planning
| Study level | Undergraduate |
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| Academic unit | Architecture |
| Credit points | 6 |
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Prerequisites:
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BDES2028 |
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Corequisites:
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None |
| Prohibitions:
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None |
| Assumed knowledge:
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None |
At the completion of this unit, you should be able to:
- LO1. articulate and formulate complex ideas in a clear and concise manner using a scholarly argument and consistent referencing
- LO2. integrate knowledge and locate methods from built environment disciplines into architectural research.
- LO3. develop and apply a high level of information literacy that allows for the articulation of particular contemporary theoretical standpoints, and demonstrate high level research and writing skills applied to an academic argument.
- LO4. demonstrate broad knowledge of architectural history and theory with an emphasis on cultural and philosophical contexts.
- LO5. use critical thinking to interrogate architectural and philosophical ideas, and demonstrate the principles of particular central theories with an understanding of relevant terms and references.
- LO6. communicate effectively through oral, written, visual means and other forms of academic methods.
Unit availability
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