MARC5110: Semester 2, 2026

Units MARC5110 Semester 2 2026 [Normal day]

Unit outline_

MARC5110: Contemporary Architectural Theory

Semester 2, 2026 [Normal day] - Camperdown/Darlington, Sydney

Overview

The objective of this unit is to orientate students within the landscape of debate around contemporary architecture. Perspectives on this objective will change from year to year, but will work within the trajectory the Enlightenment to the present. Emphasis is placed on analysis of theories and positions of direct import to architectural design. Emphasis is also placed on the specific situations and cultural and philosophical contexts in which those theories arose, and ultimately how they were represented within the domain of architecture. It is organized predominantly as a conceptual survey which clearly identifies particular trains of thought in their continuity and transformation. Students will become generally conversant in the principles of theories central to contemporary architectural practice and debate, and will understand their terms and references. Through reading and participation in seminars, 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 defined aspect of contemporary architectural theory. 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.

Unit details and rules

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

Teaching staff

Coordinator	Hamish Lonergan, hamish.lonergan@sydney.edu.au

Assessment

The census date for this unit availability is 31 August 2026

Details
Criteria

Type	Description	Weight	Due	Length	Use of AI
Attendance - accreditation or faculty requirement	Participation attendance (tutorials) Tutorial attendance	0%	Multiple weeks	10 (out of 12) x 1 hour	Not applicable
Outcomes assessed:
Presentation	Assignment 1: Verbal presentation of the Concept Recorded presentation followed by discussion/ questions in tutorials	20%	Week 04 Due date: 25 Aug 2026 at 21:00	5 minute video recording	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Research analysis	Assignment 2: A Critical Visual Essay A Critical Visual Essay	70%	Week 11 Due date: 23 Oct 2026 at 21:00	Approx 3600 words fully illustrated	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Creative work	Assignment 3: Image submission Image submission	10%	Week 12 Due date: 28 Oct 2026 at 21:00	10 images	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
= hurdle task ?

Assessment summary

3 core assessments (as noted)

Assessment criteria

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

Assignment 2 (70 marks available): mark range FA-HD, submission required.

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 FA.

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 line with ADP standard

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: Subjectivity and disloyal theory	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 01	Concept allocation and early investigation techniques	Seminar (1 hr)
Week 02	Temporality, Pleasure, and Theory on the Move	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 02	Setting Scope, Uncovering Context	Seminar (1 hr)
Week 03	Architects Reading Theory: Power and the city	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 03	Compiling a Research Dossier	Seminar (1 hr)
Week 04	Performing the "Radical" 1970s	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 04	Concept Discussions (Assignment 1) session #1	Seminar (1 hr)
Week 05	The Postcritical, Cruelty, and Ethical Judgment	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 05	Concept Discussions (Assignment 1) session #2	Seminar (1 hr)
Week 06	Architecture's Reality: Materials and situated knowledges	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 06	Concept Discussions (Assignment 1) session #3	Seminar (1 hr)
Week 07	Tradition and its Discontents: Reading against the grain	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 07	Analysing Architecture	Seminar (1 hr)
Week 08	Writing In and Outside Architecture	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 08	Developing a Voice	Seminar (1 hr)
Week 09	Sources of Theory and Silences	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 09	Referencing and/as Theoretical Practice	Seminar (1 hr)
Week 10	Bodies, Experiences, and the Case Against Phenomenology	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 10	Essay Surgery session #1	Seminar (1 hr)
Week 11	Demolition and Care: Staging debates	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 11	Essay Surgery session #2	Seminar (1 hr)
Week 12	Aesthetics and Theory in Public	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 12	Publishing Theory	Seminar (1 hr)
Week 13	Orientations: Where do we stand in theory?	Lecture (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

Each session will require preparatory reading that will be advised at least one week in advance. The themes of each week's readings, lecture, and tutorial will be briefly introduced on 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 landscape of contemporary debate around architecture, broadly conceived and theorised, and with the literature of architectural theory.
LO2. Explain a set of specific theoretical and conceptual notions (to be determined by the UoS coordinator each year) within the broader scope of contemporary architectural theory.
LO3. Conduct research using a range of physical and online resources to advance knowledge of a specific research question in the realm of contemporary architectural theory, and apply skills to analyse and assess information on architectural works and themes from a range of sources.
LO4. Critique architectural theories and conceptual notions and articulate an individual position with a view to engaging in debate on issues raised in the course.
LO5. Identify and interpret the state of debate and scholarship on defined topics within its broad scope, and understand the role of specific individuals and institutions in shaping knowledge of the theory 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.

In response to student feedback, this year the unit incorporates: clarified lecture and tutorial descriptions; weekly tutorial guides available in advance on Canvas; and earlier introduction of exemplar assignments from previous years.

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

Disclaimer

On this page

Useful links