AA3HTA-History and Theory of Architecture: Critical writing

Module Provider: School of Architecture, School of Built Environment
Number of credits: 20 [10 ECTS credits]
Level:6
Terms in which taught: Autumn / Spring term module
Pre-requisites:
Non-modular pre-requisites:
Co-requisites:
Modules excluded:
Current from: 2023/4

Module Convenor: Dr Penelope Plaza
Email: p.plaza@reading.ac.uk

Type of module:

Summary module description:
This module is a third year optional module within a series of modules which relate to the history and theory of architecture, to be provided over three years within the Architecture programme. It is closely related to other modules including the third year design module. All architecture and design whether at the scale of a room, a building or a city plan, needs to be informed by a rigorous research and understanding of precedent both historical and cultural and of a current societal issues related to architecture and the built environment. This module will engage students in a discourse connected to architecture, so that a piece of structured critical writing is developed that will inform subsequent design work in the studio.

Aims:
Students will produce a piece of critical writing, as a structured essay, connected to architecture , culture and society chosen from a range of subjects.

Assessable learning outcomes:

Students will be able to demonstrate in written assignments knowledge and understanding of:

1. The cultural, social and intellectual histories, theories and technologies that influence the design of buildings;  GC 2.1


2. The influence of history and theory on the spatial, social, and technological aspects of architecture; GC 2.2


3. How the theories, practices and technologies of the arts influence architectural design; GC 3.1


4. The creative application of the fine arts and their relevance and impact on architecture; GC 3.2


5. Theories of urban design and the planning of communities; GC 4.1


6. The influence of the design and development of cities, past and present on the contemporary built environment; GC 4.2


7. Students will also have gained an understanding of the application of appropriate theoretical concepts to studio design projects, demonstrating a reflective and critical approach. GC 2.3


8. Students will have the ability to evaluate evidence, arguments and assumptions in order to make and present sound judgments within a structured  discourse relating to architectural culture, theory and design; GA 1.4

They will also be able to demonstrate:

9. An ability to engage in independent research, develop a structured informed argument related to architecture and use appropriate methodologies and written communication methods. 

Additional outcomes:

1. Students will have developed an insight into relationships between buildings and society.


2. Students will have developed their critical thinking, as well as their understanding of architecture and culture.

Outline content:
The module is structured around several topic areas related to set of themes set by invited speakers who will talk on a range of subjects connected to architecture, culture, society and the built environment.

Students will explore these topics by means of case studies and will choose which of the above topics to explore in more detail within a substantial piece of written work.

Global context:
The module will encourage students to consider, research and write about a range of topics relevant to architectural discourse and understanding both contemporary and historical, and will encourage consideration of examples from around the world, helping students to build an understanding of a range of issues arising in a variety of cultures and societies.

Brief description of teaching and learning methods:

The module will be delivered via lectures, seminar discussions with guest lecturers,

There will be an assigned tutor who will arrange discussions in seminar and tutorials around the progress and development of an individual piece of writing. 

Contact hours:

	Autumn	Spring	Summer
Lectures	10	10
Seminars	5	5
Project Supervision	10	10
Supervised time in studio/workshop	20	20
External visits	15	15
Guided independent study:	40	40
Total hours by term	100	100	0
Total hours for module	200

Summative Assessment Methods:

Method	Percentage
Written assignment including essay	100

Summative assessment- Examinations:

N/A

Summative assessment- Coursework and in-class tests:

Submission of a 5000 words dissertation.

Formative assessment methods:

This module will include formative assessment related to written assignments including interim feedback as work for formal assessment is developed.

Penalties for late submission:

The Support Centres will apply the following penalties for work submitted late:

• where the piece of work is submitted after the original deadline (or any formally agreed extension to the deadline): 10% of the total marks available for that piece of work will be deducted from the mark for each working day (or part thereof) following the deadline up to a total of five working days;
• where the piece of work is submitted more than five working days after the original deadline (or any formally agreed extension to the deadline): a mark of zero will be recorded.

The University policy statement on penalties for late submission can be found at: https://www.reading.ac.uk/cqsd/-/media/project/functions/cqsd/documents/cqsd-old-site-documents/penaltiesforlatesubmission.pdf
You are strongly advised to ensure that coursework is submitted by the relevant deadline. You should note that it is advisable to submit work in an unfinished state rather than to fail to submit any work.

Assessment requirements for a pass:
A mark of 40% overall

Reassessment arrangements:
Reassessment will be by coursework to be completed by August/September.

Additional Costs (specified where applicable):

1) Required text books:  

The student’s reading will be personalized: however core texts include:

Forty, A., (2000) Words and buildings, London. Thames & Hudson Jacobs, J.,

Groat, L., and Wang, D., (2013) Architectural Research Methods 2nd edition., New Jersey: Wiley.

Koolhaas, R., (1989) Toward the contemporary city, L’Architecture d’Aujourd’hui, April. Unpaginated.

Le Corbusier, (1975) The city of tomorrow and its planning. Cambridge, MA: MIT Press.

Lynch, K., (2000) The image of the city. Cambridge, MA: MIT Press.

Mumford, L., (1997) The city in history: Its origins, its transformations, and its prospects. New York: MJF Books

Mumford, E., (2000) The CIAM discourse on urbanism, 1928–1960. Cambridge, MA: MIT Press.

2) Specialist equipment or materials:

3) Specialist clothing, footwear or headgear:

4) Printing and binding:

5) Computers and devices with a particular specification:

6) Travel, accommodation and subsistence:

Last updated: 30 March 2023