Outline

Overview

The objective of the Architectural History/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

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

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
Written work	Critical Historiography Write a critical historiography of certain period of architectural history noting key architects, debates, and relevance for practice today.	40%	Formal exam period Due date: 11 Jun 2026 at 23:59	1500 words	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Written test	Quiz - early feedback task This Canvas quiz will ask you to answer 3 questions about the week 1 lecture and tutorial.	0%	Week 03 Due date: 12 Mar 2026 at 23:59 Closing date: 13 Mar 2026	30 minutes	AI prohibited
Outcomes assessed:
Written work	Footnote as History Short written response in the format of an expanded footnote.	30%	Week 05 Due date: 26 Mar 2026 at 23:59	N/A	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Q&A following presentation, submission or placement	Abstract as Pitch Oral pitch for the argument for the final essay	30%	Week 09 Due date: 30 Apr 2026 at 09:00	5-10 minutes	AI prohibited
Outcomes assessed:
= early feedback task ?

Assessment summary

Assessment 1 is an early feedback task (0%). Assessment 2 is a written submission on the historical nature of the footnote (30%). Assessment 3 is an in-class oral presentation (secured) about the argument of an individual student's critical response (30%). Assessment 4 is a critical historiography of a particular historical period or style contextualized against the debates and issues of that time (40%).

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	Week 1 Lecture: Unit introduction and short lecture on late Renaissance, media, and architecture (JF)	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 01	Week 1 Tutorial: introduction by the tutor and discussing Evonne Levy on late Renaissance media and architecture.	Tutorial (1 hr)
Week 02	Week 2 Lecture: Baroque Sensations (JF)	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 02	Week 2 Tutorial: Discussing Maarten Delbeke and Petr Macek on what makes the Baroque Baroque.	Tutorial (1 hr)
Week 03	Week 3 Lecture: Early modern architecture and trade networks (JF)	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 03	Week 3 Tutorial: Discussing Gauvin Bailey and Claudia Swan on port cities, architecture, and trade.	Tutorial (1 hr)
Week 04	Week 4 Lecture: Deconstructing Rococo (JF)	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 04	Week 4 Tutorial: Discussing Anna Grasskamp and Katie Scott on architecture's ornament and material culture.	Tutorial (1 hr)
Week 05	Week 5 Lecture: Early modern architecture and environment(s) (JF)	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 05	Week 5 Tutorial: Discussing Jennifer Ferng and Andres Tavares on ecological histories of architecture.	Tutorial (1 hr)
Week 06	Week 6 Lecture: Nineteenth Century in/out of Time (JF)	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 06	Week 6 Tutorial: Discussing Deniz Turker and Richard Wittman on palaces, artifacts, and time.	Tutorial (1 hr)
Week 07	Week 7 Lecture: For/Against the Beaux Arts (JF)	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 07	Week 7 Tutorial: Discussing David Sadighian and Zhijian Sun on regional beaux arts, capital, and race.	Tutorial (1 hr)
Week 08	Week 8 Lecture: Nineteenth Century Style Debates, New Aesthetics, New Spatial Paradigms (DB)	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 08	Week 8 Tutorial: Discussing Susan Friedman and Paul Jones on planetary modernism(s).	Tutorial (1 hr)
Week 09	Week 9 Lecture: New Technology and Architectural Form (DB)	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 09	Week 9 Tutorial: Discussing Patrick Young and John Maciuika on the Werkbundpolitik.	Tutorial (1 hr)
Week 10	Week 10 Lecture: Concepts of Modernity 1 (DB)	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 10	Week 10 Tutorial: Discussing Sarah Goldhagen and Deborah Barnstone on modernist discourse and style.	Tutorial (1 hr)
Week 11	Week 11 Lecture: Concepts of Modernity 2 (DB)	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 11	Week 11 Tutorial: Discussing Linda Dalrymple Henderson and Yve-Alain Bois on the fourth dimension in modernist architecture/art.	Tutorial (1 hr)
Week 12	Week 12 Lecture: DB	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 12	Week 12 Tutorial: Discussing Lief Jarram and Tanja Poppelreuter on women, modernity, and space.	Tutorial (1 hr)
Week 13	Week 13 Lecture: DB	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 13	Week 13 Tutorial: Discussing Kenneth Frampton and Steven Moore on critical regionalism.	Tutorial (1 hr)

Attendance and class requirements

Please refer to the resolutions of the university school: - University Sydney School of Architecture Design and Planning Faculty Resolutions 2022 - Clause 8 (3) (a). Students are expected to attend a minimum of 90% 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

All readings for this unit will be made available for the start of semester via Canvas.

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 history and architectural theory with particular emphasis on the specific cultural and philosophical contexts in which ideas have gained traction in architecture, and how they have been represented there.
LO2. develop and apply a literacy with architectural debates and works that allows for the articulation of contemporary positions and demonstrate the ability to refine skills in research, analysis, writing, and synthesis through independent work.
LO3. think abstractly, conceptually and critically about architecture and through different ideas about and within architecture at a range of scales, and demonstrate the principles of theories central to the last few decades' development 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.

New iteration of this unit of study with new coordinator and two lecturers.

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

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

Additional costs

Disclaimer

On this page

Useful links

BDES3011: Architectural History/Theory 2

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

Additional costs

Disclaimer

On this page

Useful links