Outline

Overview

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

Academic unit	Architecture
Credit points	6
Prerequisites ?	BDES2028
Corequisites ?	None
Prohibitions ?	None
Assumed knowledge ?	None
Available to study abroad and exchange students	No

Teaching staff

Coordinator	Jennifer Ferng, jennifer.ferng@sydney.edu.au

Assessment

The census date for this unit availability is 31 March 2026

Details
Criteria

Type	Description	Weight	Due	Length	Use of AI
Q&A following presentation, submission or placement	Debate presentation and report Verbal presentation on a week's topic and mandatory participation	40%	Week 08 Due date: 21 Apr 2026 at 23:00	30 minutes for first debate	AI prohibited
Outcomes assessed:
Q&A following presentation, submission or placement	Oral presentation on an argument Students will give a brief oral pitch on the argument for their essay.	10%	Week 10 Due date: 05 May 2026 at 08:00 Closing date: 05 May 2026	5-7 minutes	AI prohibited
Outcomes assessed:
Written work	Individual essay Written assessment	50%	Week 12 Due date: 19 May 2026 at 23:00	1500 words	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
= group assignment ? = early feedback task ?

Assessment summary

Debate presentations x 2: In groups of 3-4, student teams will present their perspective on the week's topic during a class debate. They will lead one debate and this cannot be substituted. It is expected that all students should participate in the second debate during the wrapup session. These verbal presentations are part of assessment 1.
Debate report: Student teams will submit one written report 1000-1500 words presenting their perspective on the week's topic and the outcomes from the debate(s). This is a group work assessment. It is expected that all students equally contribute to the report. The verbal presentation and report together are worth 40%.
Oral presentation: each student will present a brief oral overview of a proposed argument for their final essay. This 5 minute in-class presentation will be marked and worth 10%.
Individual essay: Each student will submit a 1500 word individual essay on a selected topic from the unit. The final essays must be submitted in PDF form via Turn-it-in and Canvas as a Microsoft word doc. No exceptions. The essay is worth 50%.

Detailed information for each assessment can be found on Canvas.

Assessment criteria

The University awards common result grades, set out in the Coursework Policy 2014 (Schedule 1).

As a general guide, a high distinction indicates work of an exceptional standard, a distinction a very high standard, a credit a good standard, and a pass an acceptable standard.

Result name	Mark range	Description
High distinction	85 - 100	Work of outstanding quality, demonstrating mastery of the learning outcomes assessed. The work shows significant innovation, experimentation, critical analysis, synthesis, insight, creativity, and/or exceptional skill.
Distinction	75 - 84	Work of excellent quality, demonstrating a sound grasp of the learning outcomes assessed. The work shows innovation, experimentation, critical analysis, synthesis, insight, creativity, and/or superior skill.
Credit	65 - 74	Work of good quality, demonstrating more than satisfactory achievement of the learning outcomes assessed, or work of excellent quality for a majority of the learning outcomes assessed.
Pass	50 - 64	Work demonstrating satisfactory achievement of the learning outcomes assessed.
Fail	0 - 49	Work that does not demonstrate satisfactory achievement of one or more of the learning outcomes assessed.

For more information see guide to grades.

Use of generative artificial intelligence (AI)

You can use generative AI tools for open assessments. Restrictions on AI use apply to secure, supervised assessments used to confirm if students have met specific learning outcomes.

Refer to the assessment table above to see if AI is allowed, for assessments in this unit and check Canvas for full instructions on assessment tasks and AI use.

If you use AI, you must always acknowledge it. Misusing AI may lead to a breach of the Academic Integrity Policy.

Visit the Current Students website for more information on AI in assessments, including details on how to acknowledge its use.

Late submission

In accordance with University policy, these penalties apply when written work is submitted after 11:59pm on the due date:

Deduction of 5% of the maximum mark for each calendar day after the due date.
After ten calendar days late, a mark of zero will be awarded.

This unit has an exception to the standard University policy or supplementary information has been provided by the unit coordinator. This information is displayed below:

One application of a 5% penalty per calendar day up to and including the due date, aligning to the Assessment Procedures 2011.

Academic integrity

The University expects students to act ethically and honestly and will treat all allegations of academic integrity breaches seriously.

Our website provides information on academic integrity and the resources available to all students. This includes advice on how to avoid common breaches of academic integrity. Ensure that you have completed the Academic Honesty Education Module (AHEM) which is mandatory for all commencing coursework students

Penalties for serious breaches can significantly impact your studies and your career after graduation. It is important that you speak with your unit coordinator if you need help with completing assessments.

Visit the Current Students website for more information on AI in assessments, including details on how to acknowledge its use.

Learning support

Simple extensions

If you encounter a problem submitting your work on time, you may be able to apply for an extension of five calendar days through a simple extension.  The application process will be different depending on the type of assessment and extensions cannot be granted for some assessment types like exams.

Special consideration

If exceptional circumstances mean you can’t complete an assessment, you need consideration for a longer period of time, or if you have essential commitments which impact your performance in an assessment, you may be eligible for special consideration or special arrangements.

Special consideration applications will not be affected by a simple extension application.

Using AI responsibly

Co-created with students, AI in Education includes lots of helpful examples of how students use generative AI tools to support their learning. It explains how generative AI works, the different tools available and how to use them responsibly and productively.

Support for students

The Support for Students Policy reflects the University’s commitment to supporting students in their academic journey and making the University safe for students. It is important that you read and understand this policy so that you are familiar with the range of support services available to you and understand how to engage with them.

The University uses email as its primary source of communication with students who need support under the Support for Students Policy. Make sure you check your University email regularly and respond to any communications received from the University.

Learning resources and detailed information about weekly assessment and learning activities can be accessed via Canvas. It is essential that you visit your unit of study Canvas site to ensure you are up to date with all of your tasks.

If you are having difficulties completing your studies, or are feeling unsure about your progress, we are here to help. You can access the support services offered by the University at any time:

Support and Services (including health and wellbeing services, financial support and learning support)
Course planning and administration
Meet with an Academic Adviser

Weekly schedule

WK	Topic	Learning activity
Week 01	01 Introduction and Art	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 01	1. Introduction 2. Discussion of expectations 3. Initial discussion of Vitruvius and CE	Tutorial (1 hr)
Week 02	02 Class	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 02	Discussion of week 2 readings	Tutorial (1 hr)
Week 03	03 Gender/sex	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 03	Discussion of week 3 readings	Tutorial (1 hr)
Week 04	04 Race	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 04	Debate #1	Tutorial (1 hr)
Week 05	05 First Nations / Indigenous	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 05	Discussion of week 5 readings	Tutorial (1 hr)
Week 06	06 Earth	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 06	Discussion of week 6 readings	Tutorial (1 hr)
Week 07	07 Life	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 07	Debate #2	Tutorial (1 hr)
Week 08	08 Death (Apocalypse)	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 08	Discussion of week 8 readings	Tutorial (1 hr)
Week 09	09 War	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 09	Discussion of week 9 readings; diagram of an argument	Tutorial (1 hr)
Week 10	10 Oral presentations	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 10	Oral presentations continued in tutorials	Tutorial (1 hr)
Week 11	11 Care	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 11	Discussion of week 11 readings; feedback on essay ideas	Tutorial (1 hr)
Week 12	12 Asylum	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 12	Discussion of week 12 readings; feedback session	Tutorial (1 hr)

Attendance and class requirements

Attendance:

Please refer to the Resolutions of the University School: University of Sydney School of Architecture Design and Planning Faculty Resolutions 2022

Clause 8 (3) (a). Students are expected to attend a minimum of 90% of timetabled activities for each unit of study, unless granted exemption.

Study commitment

Typically, there is a minimum expectation of 1.5-2 hours of student effort per week per credit point for units of study offered over a full semester. For a 6 credit point unit, this equates to roughly 120-150 hours of student effort in total.

Required readings

The following texts may provide a helpful grounding (and a few are available online via Sci-Tech library):

Joseph Bedford, Theory’s Curriculum (Architecture Exchange Press, 2020)
Swati Chattopadhyay and Jeremy White, eds., The Routledge Companion to Critical Approaches to Contemporary Architecture (London: Routledge, 2021)
Greig Crysler, Stephen Cairns, and Hilde Heynen, eds., The SAGE Handbook of Architectural Theory (Sage, 2012)
Reinier de Graaf, Four Walls and a Roof: The Complex Nature of a Simple Profession (Cambridge: Harvard University Press, 2017)
K. Michael Hays, Architecture Theory since 1968 (New York: Columbia, 2000)
Mark Jarzombek, Architecture Constructed: Notes on a Discipline (London: Bloomsbury, 2023)
Harry Francis Mallgrave and David Goodman, An Introduction to Architectural Theory, 1968 to the Present (London: Wiley, 2011)

Learning outcomes

Learning outcomes are what students know, understand and are able to do on completion of a unit of study. They are aligned with the University's graduate qualities and are assessed as part of the curriculum.

Outcomes
Graduate qualities

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.

Graduate qualities

The graduate qualities are the qualities and skills that all University of Sydney graduates must demonstrate on successful completion of an award course. As a future Sydney graduate, the set of qualities have been designed to equip you for the contemporary world.

GQ1	Depth of disciplinary expertise Deep disciplinary expertise is the ability to integrate and rigorously apply knowledge, understanding and skills of a recognised discipline defined by scholarly activity, as well as familiarity with evolving practice of the discipline.
GQ2	Critical thinking and problem solving Critical thinking and problem solving are the questioning of ideas, evidence and assumptions in order to propose and evaluate hypotheses or alternative arguments before formulating a conclusion or a solution to an identified problem.
GQ3	Oral and written communication Effective communication, in both oral and written form, is the clear exchange of meaning in a manner that is appropriate to audience and context.
GQ4	Information and digital literacy Information and digital literacy is the ability to locate, interpret, evaluate, manage, adapt, integrate, create and convey information using appropriate resources, tools and strategies.
GQ5	Inventiveness Generating novel ideas and solutions.
GQ6	Cultural competence Cultural Competence is the ability to actively, ethically, respectfully, and successfully engage across and between cultures. In the Australian context, this includes and celebrates Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures, knowledge systems, and a mature understanding of contemporary issues.
GQ7	Interdisciplinary effectiveness Interdisciplinary effectiveness is the integration and synthesis of multiple viewpoints and practices, working effectively across disciplinary boundaries.
GQ8	Integrated professional, ethical, and personal identity An integrated professional, ethical and personal identity is understanding the interaction between one’s personal and professional selves in an ethical context.
GQ9	Influence Engaging others in a process, idea or vision.

Outcome map

Learning outcomes	Graduate qualities
Learning outcomes

Responding to student feedback

This section outlines changes made to this unit following staff and student reviews.

Updated AI use and revised deadlines for assessments.

Additional information

More information can be found on Canvas

Site visit guidelines

There are no site visit guidelines for this unit.

Work, health and safety

There are no specific WHS requirements for this unit.

Disclaimer

Important: the University of Sydney regularly reviews units of study and reserves the right to change the units of study available annually. To stay up to date on available study options, including unit of study details and availability, refer to the relevant handbook.

To help you understand common terms that we use at the University, we offer an online glossary.

Current students

Overview

Overview

Unit details and rules

Teaching staff

Assessment

Assessment

Assessment summary

Assessment criteria

Use of generative artificial intelligence (AI)

Late submission

Academic integrity

Learning support

Learning support

Simple extensions

Special consideration

Using AI responsibly

Support for students

Weekly schedule

Weekly schedule

Attendance and class requirements

Study commitment

Required readings

Learning outcomes

Learning outcomes

Graduate qualities

Outcome map

Responding to student feedback

Responding to student feedback

Additional information

Additional information

Site visit guidelines

Work, health and safety

Disclaimer

On this page

Useful links

ARCH4007: Critical Thinking in Architecture

Semester 1, 2026 [Normal day] - Camperdown/Darlington, Sydney

Overview

Overview

Unit details and rules

Teaching staff

Assessment

Assessment

Assessment summary

Assessment criteria

Use of generative artificial intelligence (AI)

Late submission

Academic integrity

Learning support

Learning support

Simple extensions

Special consideration

Using AI responsibly

Support for students

Weekly schedule

Weekly schedule

Attendance and class requirements

Study commitment

Required readings

Learning outcomes

Learning outcomes

Graduate qualities

Outcome map

Responding to student feedback

Responding to student feedback

Additional information

Additional information

Site visit guidelines

Work, health and safety

Disclaimer

On this page

Useful links