Outline

Overview

This unit investigates topics in the study of architectural history. Assuming an undergraduate knowledge of the field, the course will explore in depth specific moments in time, bodies of work, geographies, building types, thematics, or other frames that will be defined year to year. Seminars and assessment tasks will offer an introduction to the history of architecture, broadly defined, and to the literature allowing for advanced independent study. Seminars will foster close attention to specific topics within the history of architecture, which consider a range of topics. These may include the intellectual and cultural contexts of architectural production and/or use; formal or implied debates that have shaped the field; historical problems in architectural design, planning or construction; modes of evidenced thought and communication; race, labour or religion; institutions and literature and their role in mediating knowledge. Working against a defined canon of significant works, this unit is global in its scope and open to treating the architecture of all periods of time. The unit will hone students' skills of historical analysis to prepare for both further study and a full engagement with architecture's professional culture. It will, too, foster a sense of historicity for the present moment.

Unit details and rules

Academic unit	Architecture
Credit points	6
Prerequisites ?	None
Corequisites ?	None
Prohibitions ?	None
Assumed knowledge ?	BDES3011 or equivalent
Available to study abroad and exchange students	Yes

Teaching staff

Coordinator	Andrew Leach, andrew.leach@sydney.edu.au
Lecturer(s)	Andrew Leach, andrew.leach@sydney.edu.au

Assessment

The census date for this unit availability is 31 March 2025

Details
Criteria

Type	Description	Weight	Due	Length
Assignment	Research Paper Resolved research essay shaped by independent scholarship.	50%	STUVAC Due date: 12 Jun 2025 at 23:00	6000 words, incl notes, excl bibl
Outcomes assessed:
Assignment	Process Submission A working version of the final submission prepared for extensive comments.	30%	Week 06 Due date: 11 Apr 2025 at 23:00	4000 words, all requirements incl
Outcomes assessed:
Presentation	Presentation 10-minute illustrated presentation of the key ideas, materials, and arguments of your research paper.	20%	Week 11 Due date: 16 May 2025 at 11:52	10-min presentation of research paper
Outcomes assessed:
Attendance	Attendance 90% class attendance required	0%	Week 13	90% class attendance required
Outcomes assessed:
= hurdle task ? = early feedback task ?

Assessment summary

Assessment 1 (40%) requires students to declare a topic for an independent research paper, write an abstract, identify a minimum of 20 sources (developed over the course of the semester), and develop a working structure, into which draft text is figured. Each bibliographic item will be documented according to the formatting rules of the Chicago Manual of Style. For each item in the bibliography, a short description of the content and relevance of each item will be included.
Assessment 2 (60%) requires students to prepare and submit a resolved research paper of 6000 words’ length (incl notes, excl bibliography). As the brief will explain at greater length the parameters of the assignment topic and the objectives the project is intended to meet.
Assessment criteria for each assignment will be published along with the brief, including a breakdown of marks allocated to each criterion.
Attendance: Students should be present and engaged in their learning during classes. Late arrival/early departure will be deemed as an absence. Students who do not meet the minimum 90% threshold, who have approved special consideration may be offered the opportunity to sit an alternative assessment to pass this unit.

Assessment criteria

Assignment 1 (30 marks available): mark range FA-HD, submission required.

Assignment 2 (20 marks available): mark range FA-HD, presentation required.

Assignment 3 (50 marks available): mark range FA-HD, submission required.

Attendance at all scheduled classes and presentations compulsory (assessed, 0%)

Cumulative marks of 50/100 required for a course pass, with 65 needed for CR, 75 D, and 85 HD. Failure to submit work will result in AF.

For more information see guide to grades.

Use of generative artificial intelligence (AI) and automated writing tools

Except for supervised exams or in-semester tests, you may use generative AI and automated writing tools in assessments unless expressly prohibited by your unit coordinator.

For exams and in-semester tests, the use of AI and automated writing tools is not allowed unless expressly permitted in the assessment instructions.

The icons in the assessment table above indicate whether AI is allowed – whether full AI, or only some AI (the latter is referred to as “AI restricted”). If no icon is shown, AI use is not permitted at all for the task. Refer to Canvas for full instructions on assessment tasks for this unit.

Your final submission must be your own, original work. You must acknowledge any use of automated writing tools or generative AI, and any material generated that you include in your final submission must be properly referenced. You may be required to submit generative AI inputs and outputs that you used during your assessment process, or drafts of your original work. Inappropriate use of generative AI is considered a breach of the Academic Integrity Policy and penalties may apply.

The Current Students website provides information on artificial intelligence in assessments. For help on how to correctly acknowledge the use of AI, please refer to the  AI in Education Canvas site.

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:

Penalties will be applied according to the relevant policy of the School of Architecture, Design and Planning.

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.

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	Problem. This course introduction takes as its starting point the question of historiographical nomenclature to ask what the field is, and must address, now. This seminar locates the language of architectural history as tool, material and challenge. This will be explored through a current writing project on architectural mannerism. It will introduce the assessment structure and discuss initial strategies for addressing it.	Seminar (2 hr)
Week 03	Question. How are the language and disciplinary edges of architectural history maintained over time? Extending the initial case study on architectural mannerism, this seminar explores institutional mechanisms and politics around terms and their use. Discussion of project abstracts.	Seminar (2 hr)
Week 04	Argument I. A day-long seminar surveying the current work taking place in the Histories of Architecture and Built Environments group at the University of Sydney. Notes: (1) timetable change from Weds to Fri for this week only; (2) full day in Tin Sheds Gallery, Wilkinson Bldg.	Seminar (8 hr)
Week 06	Relevance. This seminar explores the contemporary landscape of architectural history through the course lens of architectural mannerism, reflecting on the claims made upon this term since the 1960s, and especially since 2010. Discussion on writing process.	Seminar (2 hr)
Week 11	Argument II. A day-long seminar surveying the work done across the semester, arranged around the terms explored by each student. Discussion of presentation and arguments. Notes: (1) timetable change from Weds to Fri for this week only; (2) full day in Tin Sheds Gallery, Wilkinson Bldg.nineteenth-century industry.	Seminar (8 hr)

Attendance and class requirements

Attendance requirements will be consistent with the requirements of the School of Architecture, Design and Planning. Note that all seminars will have a digital footprint so that any missed classes can be followed.

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

This course is constructed as a return and extension of the observations made in Andrew Leach, What is Architectural History? (Cambridge: Polity, 2010 – available as an e-book via the USyd library). I recommend reading this as a foundation on which the seminar papers and discussions will build. Writing will be circulated at the outset of seminar. Extension readings will be made available 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. Demonstrate an advanced familiarity with the history of architecture, broadly conceived, and its disciplinary literature.
LO2. Demonstrate an advanced knowledge of a specific theme, geography, body of works or historical period within its broader scope.
LO3. Conduct research using the university library and similar resources to advance knowledge of a specific research question and apply skills to gather and analyse information on architectural works and themes from a range of sources.
LO4. Critique discourse and engage in debate on issues raised in the course.
LO5. Identify and interpret the state of debate and scholarship on defined topics, and understand the role of specific individuals and institutions in shaping knowledge of the history of architecture.
LO6. Demonstrate formal skills in written, verbal and visual communication for both academic and professional settings.

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.

This is the fourth time this unit has been offered. Student feedback has shaped preparation for the assessments, as well as the organisation and operation of the seminars, and the balance between formal classes and informal one-on-one and small group tutorials, weighted heavily in favour of the latter.

Additional information

Additional costs

The assessment items require students to work closely with a specific historical book on the history of architecture (a list will be provided before week 1). Where books are not available as e-books (reducing the access constraints of the University's physical collection), students may find it preferable to purchase individual titles for private use.

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

Use of generative artificial intelligence (AI) and automated writing tools

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

MARC5100: Advanced Topics in Architectural History

Semester 1, 2025 [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) and automated writing tools

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