Outline

Overview

The objective of the Architectural Theory unit is to equip students with a critical understanding of key Western architectural theories and philosophy from the Enlightenment to the present. Emphasis is placed on the specific historical situations and cultural and philosophical contexts in which those theories arose, and ultimately how they were represented within the domain of architectural embodiment. It is organized to clearly identify particular trains of thought. Students will become generally conversant in the principles of central theories, and will understand their terms and references. Through readings, lectures, and tutorial sessions, students will acquire the literacy required to perceive and articulate contemporary theoretical standpoints, and will refine their research and writing skills through independent research into a particular aspect of recent architectural theory and philosophy related to their concurrent studio design project. Close attention will be paid to the exchange between practice and theory and the relevance of the discussed theories to the formation of current circumstances, and to the place of architecture within contemporary culture as a whole.

Unit details and rules

Unit code	BDES3011
Academic unit	Architecture
Credit points	6
Prohibitions ?	DAAP3001 or BDES3611
Prerequisites ?	BDES2027 or BDES2021 or DESA2111 or BDES2616
Corequisites ?	None
Assumed knowledge ?	None
Available to study abroad and exchange students	Yes

Teaching staff

Coordinator	Michael Tawa, michael.tawa@sydney.edu.au

Type	Description	Weight	Due	Length
Presentation	Thematic analysis Oral presentation	20%	Multiple weeks	5 minutes
Outcomes assessed:
Assignment	Essay Essay	65%	Multiple weeks	3000 to 3500 words
Outcomes assessed:
Participation	Participation and contribution Participation	15%	Weekly	Ongoing
Outcomes assessed:
= group assignment ?

Assessment summary

Thematic analysis: In groups of 3-4, select one lecture topic from lectures 2 to 13 (inclusive), and one building (realised) from the period between the 19th and 21stC. The objective of the research and its presentation is to situate or contextualise the theme within the history of ideas and to show, based on the clear and demonstrable evidence of the selected building, how the theme and its related ideas have influenced and informed the architecture, and how the ideas are evoked or circulate throughout and/or are embedded within the fabric of the building.
Essay: Select between 3 and 6 themes covered in the lectures and seminars and one building (realised or unrealised) by one architect, or a series of buildings/projects by either one architect or several different architects. Compile an illustrated essay that enables a reader to discover new perspectives and unexpected alliances or conciliences between ideas and buildings, theory and practice.
Participation and contribution: Extent and quality of individual engagement, participation in and contribution to seminars, roundtables and presentations.

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 sydney.edu.au/students/guide-to-grades

For more information see guide to grades.

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.

Academic integrity

The Current Student website provides information on academic integrity and the resources available to all students. The University expects students and staff to act ethically and honestly and will treat all allegations of academic integrity breaches seriously.

We use similarity detection software to detect potential instances of plagiarism or other forms of academic integrity breach. If such matches indicate evidence of plagiarism or other forms of academic integrity breaches, your teacher is required to report your work for further investigation.

You may only use artificial intelligence and writing assistance tools in assessment tasks if you are permitted to by your unit coordinator, and if you do use them, you must also acknowledge this in your work, either in a footnote or an acknowledgement section.

Studiosity is permitted for postgraduate units unless otherwise indicated by the unit coordinator. The use of this service must be acknowledged in your submission.

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.

Weekly schedule

WK	Topic	Learning activity
Week 01	Stories	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 01	1. Organise groups; 2. Discuss assignments 1 and 2; 3. Discussion of lecture and readings	Seminar (1 hr)
Week 02	Mimesis	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 02	Discussion around the themes of mimesis, representation, symbolism, semantics and signification in architecture	Seminar (1 hr)
Week 03	Fold	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 03	Discussion around the themes of fold, porosity, perforation and discontinuity	Seminar (1 hr)
Week 04	Gleam	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 04	Discussion around the themes of science, empiricism, exactitude, calculation, quantity, evidence, innovation and creativity	Seminar (1 hr)
Week 05	Gloom	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 05	Discussion around the themes of the Enlightenment, Wunderkammer, Cabinet of Wonders and Cabinet of Curiosity	Seminar (1 hr)
Week 06	Nature	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 06	Group presentations 1	Seminar (1 hr)
Week 07	Sublime	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 07	Group presentations 2	Seminar (1 hr)
Week 08	Monument	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 08	Group presentations 3	Seminar (1 hr)
Week 09	Gesture	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 09	Roundtable: each student outlines the narrative for their essay in 2 minutes, discussion and feedback on the clarity of the narrative	Seminar (1 hr)
Week 10	Machine	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 10	Discussion around the themes of technology and modernity	Seminar (1 hr)
Week 11	Fragment	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 11	Roundtable 2: each student outlines a developed narrative for their essay, discussion and feedback on the clarity of the narrative	Seminar (1 hr)
Week 12	Matrix	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 12	Discussion around the themes of actual, virtual, potential, emergence, architecture as infrastructure	Seminar (1 hr)
Week 13	Cyborg	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 13	Discussion around the themes of technology, the automaton, robot, android, cyborg	Seminar (1 hr)

Attendance and class requirements

Please refer to the Resolutions of the University School: http://sydney.edu.au/handbooks/architecture/rules/faculty_resolutions.shtml

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

All readings for this unit can be accessed on the Library eReserve link available on Canvas.

Required text: Cassin, Barbara. Dictionary of Untranslatables. Princeton: Princeton University Press, 2016.

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. inform action thorough knowledge of architectural design histories and theories with particular emphasis on the specific cultural and philosophical contexts in which the theories arose, and how they were represented within the domain of architecture
LO2. develop and apply a level of information literacy that allows for the articulation of particular contemporary theoretical standpoints and demonstrate the ability to refine research and writing skills through independent research and critique of a particular aspect of architectural history and theory
LO3. think abstractly, conceptually and critically about architecture and through different architectural and urban ideas, and demonstrate the principles of particular central theories with an understanding of relevant terms and references
LO4. consider, challenge, elucidate and communicate complex ideas in a clear and concise manner, using scholarly argument, consistent referencing and the requisite technical and representational skills.

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.

Reduction in the number of required readings. More prescribed outline of weekly discussion topics, tasks and activities.

Additional information

Additional costs

This unit may involve additional costs for reprographics, materials and equipment required for preparing assignment submissions, eg. document scanning, specialist paper stock, printing, binding.

Disclaimer

The University reserves the right to amend units of study or no longer offer certain units, including where there are low enrolment numbers.

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

Late submission

Academic integrity

Learning support

Learning support

Simple extensions

Special consideration

Using AI responsibly

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

Media

Student links

About us

Connect

Current students

BDES3011: Architectural History/Theory 3

Semester 1, 2021 [Normal day] - Camperdown/Darlington, Sydney

Overview

Overview

Unit details and rules

Teaching staff

Assessment

Assessment

Assessment summary

Assessment criteria

Late submission

Academic integrity

Learning support

Learning support

Simple extensions

Special consideration

Using AI responsibly

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

Media

Student links

About us

Connect