Outline

Overview

Architectural History/Theory 1 introduces students to the discourse of architectural history and theory. It includes a concise chronological survey of key periods of architectural history from antiquity to the mid-nineteenth century, as well as closer investigation of some particular architectural themes and ideas across history. Students will interrogate these themes through intense study of significant buildings, which they will research, document, and analyse. They will be introduced to fundamental principles and skills of scholarly research in the discipline, including locating and evaluating sources, and constructing arguments.

Unit details and rules

Academic unit	Architecture
Credit points	6
Prerequisites ?	None
Corequisites ?	None
Prohibitions ?	DESA1102
Assumed knowledge ?	HSC Mathematics and HSC English Standard
Available to study abroad and exchange students	Yes

Teaching staff

Coordinator	Matthew Mindrup, matthew.mindrup@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
Written work	Critical Review illustrated essay	45%	Formal exam period Due date: 14 Jun 2026 at 23:59 Closing date: 29 Jun 2026	2000-2500 words	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Out-of-class quiz	How is Architecture a form of World-Making? Multiple choice quiz; This is an Early Feedback Task	0%	Week 02 Due date: 06 Mar 2026 at 23:59 Closing date: 22 Jun 2026	7 questions.	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Research analysis	Annotated Bibliography Annotated Bibliography of 3 Critical Sources	15%	Week 06 Due date: 02 Apr 2026 at 23:59 Closing date: 23 Apr 2026	600-800 words	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Written work	Interim Submission: Critical Review This is a formative assessment of progress on Crritical Review	0%	Week 10 Due date: 07 May 2026 at 23:59 Closing date: 21 May 2026	1000-1500words	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Written test	Semester Test Multiple Choice, Short Answer, Building Identification	20%	Week 12 Due date: 18 May 2026 at 14:00 Closing date: 30 Jun 2026	1 hour	AI prohibited
Outcomes assessed:
Contribution	Participation Weekly tasks	20%	Weekly Due date: 25 May 2026 at 23:59 Closing date: 19 Jun 2026	Weekly	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
= early feedback task ?

Early feedback task

This unit includes an early feedback task, designed to give you feedback prior to the census date for this unit. Details are provided in the Canvas site and your result will be recorded in your Marks page. It is important that you actively engage with this task so that the University can support you to be successful in this unit.

Assessment summary

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.
Early Feedback Task: This is a non-assessed feedback quiz
Annotated bibliography: An annotated bibliography of key research sources drawn from the bibliography and reading list developed for the Building Study.
Critical Review: Students evaluate a paper on a significant historical building selected from a set list of options drawn from the time period covered in this unit. The study focusses on one aspect of the building, concerning one of a set list of themes.
Participation: assessment of engagement with weekly skill-building tasks and discussions.

Detailed information for each assessment can be found on Canvas.

There are a number of non-assessed feedback activities over the semester, including quizzes and draft submissions. More information 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:

In accordance with University of Sydney School of Architecture Design and Planning Faculty Resolutions 2022, for every calendar day up to and including 10 calendar days after the due date, a penalty of 5% of the maximum awardable marks will be applied to the late work. For work submitted more than 10 calendar days after the due date, a mark of zero will be awarded.

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	Introduction	Lecture (1 hr)
Week 01	Introductions	Tutorial (2 hr)
Week 02	Chronological/thematic lecture	Lecture (1 hr)
Week 02	Discussion and guided activities	Tutorial (2 hr)
Week 03	Chronological/thematic lecture	Lecture (1 hr)
Week 03	Discussion and guided activities	Tutorial (2 hr)
Week 04	Chronological/thematic lecture	Lecture (1 hr)
Week 04	Discussion and guided activities	Tutorial (2 hr)
Week 05	Chronological/thematic lecture	Lecture (1 hr)
Week 05	Discussion and guided activities	Tutorial (2 hr)
Week 06	Chronological/thematic lecture	Lecture (1 hr)
Week 06	Discussion and guided activities	Tutorial (2 hr)
Week 07	Chronological/thematic lecture	Lecture (1 hr)
Week 07	Discussion and guided activities	Tutorial (2 hr)
Week 08	Chronological/thematic lecture	Lecture (1 hr)
Week 08	Discussion and guided activities	Tutorial (2 hr)
Week 09	Chronological/thematic lecture	Lecture (1 hr)
Week 09	Discussion and guided activities	Tutorial (2 hr)
Week 10	Chronological/thematic lecture	Lecture (1 hr)
Week 10	Discussion and guided activities	Tutorial (2 hr)
Week 11	Chronological/thematic lecture	Lecture (1 hr)
Week 11	Discussion and guided activities	Tutorial (2 hr)
Week 12	Chronological/thematic lecture	Lecture (1 hr)
Week 12	Discussion and guided activities	Tutorial (2 hr)
Week 13	Chronological/thematic lecture	Lecture (1 hr)
Week 13	Discussion and guided activities	Tutorial (2 hr)

Attendance and class requirements

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

Set readings for this unit can be accessed through the unit’s Canvas site.

Francis D.K. Ching, Mark M. Jarzombek, and Vikramaditya Prakash, A Global History of Architecture (Hoboken, New Jersey: John Wiley & Sons, Inc., 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. demonstrate an understanding of key ideas and events shaping architectural history and theory in different places and periods
LO2. appreciate and articulate ways in which various social, political, cultural and scientific conditions have affected the development of an architectural project
LO3. demonstrate familiarity with the diverse artistic and organisational roles played by architects
LO4. articulate a critical stance on issues in architectural history and practice
LO5. demonstrate familiarity with the methodologies of architectural history, including textual analysis, referencing, and recourse to written authorities and historical testimonies
LO6. compose convincing formal written arguments in sound academic prose and to illustrate these appropriately
LO7. use texts, architectural diagrams, drawing and photographs for the purposes of both building analysis and creative representation.

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.

Student feedback consistently affirmed the quality of teaching, the intellectual engagement of the lecture content, and the value of the assessments in fostering independent and critical thinking. These strengths remain central to the unit, particularly its thematic approach to architectural history, discussion-based tutorials, and research-led assessment tasks. Building on this strong foundation, the unit has been refined to further enhance clarity, coherence, and the overall student experience. To strengthen alignment between lectures, tutorials, and assessments, a weekly workbook and a unit exam have been introduced. These provide structured opportunities for students to apply lecture material across the semester, reinforcing key concepts and ensuring that historical knowledge is actively developed and assessed. The chronological scope of the unit has also been streamlined to focus on major world themes and architectural developments from the Neolithic period to around 1500. This refinement allows for greater depth of discussion, clearer thematic focus, and the inclusion of dedicated lectures on China, Japan, and the Americas—regions that were previously only touched on due to the breadth of the original scope. Finally, to further integrate historical content with assessment, the building study has been re-designed as a critical review of a deliberately false scholarly paper. This task invites students to act as architectural detectives: identifying inaccuracies, questioning assumptions, and constructing their own evidence-based arguments. The result is a lively, investigative assignment that strengthens analytical skills while preserving the creativity and curiosity students valued. Together, these enhancements respond directly to student feedback while preserving the unit’s core strengths: engaged teaching, intellectually ambitious content, and assessments that support critical, independent thinking.

Additional information

Additional costs

This unit may involve additional costs for reprographics, materials and equipment required for Assessment 3: Building Study, e.g. document scanning, specialist paper stock, printing, binding.

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

Early feedback task

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

Additional costs

Disclaimer

On this page

Useful links

BDES1011: Architectural History/Theory 1

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

Overview

Overview

Unit details and rules

Teaching staff

Assessment

Assessment

Early feedback task

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

Additional costs

Disclaimer

On this page

Useful links