AA1HTI: History and Theory of Architecture: an Introduction

Module code: AA1HTI

Module provider: School of Architecture, School of Built Environment

Credits: 20

Level: Level 1 (Certificate)

When you'll be taught: Semester 1

Module convenor: Dr Stephen Gage, email: s.g.gage@reading.ac.uk

Pre-requisite module(s):

Co-requisite module(s): IN THE SAME YEAR AS TAKING THIS MODULE YOU MUST TAKE AA1VCA AND TAKE AA1DS1N AND TAKE AA1STI AND TAKE AA1DS2N (Compulsory)

Pre-requisite or Co-requisite module(s):

Module(s) excluded:

Placement information: NA

Academic year: 2024/5

Available to visiting students: No

Talis reading list: Yes

Last updated: 21 May 2024

Overview

Module aims and purpose

This module provides an introduction to key concepts related to the history and theory of architecture. It is the first in a series of modules which relate to this subject area, to be provided over three years within the Architecture programme and is closely related to other modules including the first-year design modules. It may also be of relevance to other programmes. 

The module introduces ideas that inform architectural thinking around the theories and history of architecture. It will include a range of subjects from development of cities and civilisations, to understanding other aspects of culture and society that surround and inform contemporary architecture. There will be references to aspects of the architecture. These ideas and theories will inform the design studio work implicitly and explicitly. 

The module will involve consideration of examples from around the world, helping students to build an understanding of local issues arising in a variety of climates and societies. The scale of examples considered in this first year module include examples of the ‘building’, and the ‘body in space ‘to align within the scale of work developed by students in the design studio module. 

Module learning outcomes

By the end of the module, it is expected that students will be able to:

1. Understand the cultural, social and intellectual histories, theories and technologies that influence the design of buildings; GC 2.1
2. Understand the influence of history and theory on the spatial, social, and technological aspects of architecture; GC 2.2
3. Understand the of the application of appropriate theoretical concepts to studio design projects, demonstrating a reflective and critical approach; GC 2.3
4. Understand the theories, practices and technologies of the arts influence architectural design; GC 3.1
5. Understand the creative application of the fine arts and their relevance and impact on architecture; GC 3.2
6. Demonstrate the development of analytical skills and critical thinking as well as their ability to structure written reports and critical writing
7. Demonstrate the relationships between science and technology and the history, theory and practice of architectural design; and relationships between people, buildings and the environment. They will also have improved their understanding of how precedent can inform sustainable building design.

Module content

The module is structured around a range of topic areas:

1. The language of architectural theory
2. Architecture from ancient civilisations to the present day
3. Vernacular architecture
4. Architecture and society

Structure

Teaching and learning methods

The module will be delivered via lectures and seminar discussions, where student participation in leading discussion will be essential. There will be occasional guest lecturers. Students will work in teams and extra hours for essay guidance/supervision are included. Additional materials, including optional recorded lectures and weekly readings, will be provided online via Blackboard.  

Study hours

At least 40 hours of scheduled teaching and learning activities will be delivered in person, with the remaining hours for scheduled and self-scheduled teaching and learning activities delivered either in person or online. You will receive further details about how these hours will be delivered before the start of the module.

Please note the independent study hours above are notional numbers of hours; each student will approach studying in different ways. We would advise you to reflect on your learning and the number of hours you are allocating to these tasks.

Semester 1 The hours in this column may include hours during the Christmas holiday period.

Semester 2 The hours in this column may include hours during the Easter holiday period.

Summer The hours in this column will take place during the summer holidays and may be at the start and/or end of the module.

Assessment

Requirements for a pass

Students need to achieve an overall module mark of 40% to pass this module.

Summative assessment

Penalties for late submission of summative assessment

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

Assessments with numerical marks

• 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 three working days;
• the mark awarded due to the imposition of the penalty shall not fall below the threshold pass mark, namely 40% in the case of modules at Levels 4-6 (i.e. undergraduate modules for Parts 1-3) and 50% in the case of Level 7 modules offered as part of an Integrated Masters or taught postgraduate degree programme;
• where the piece of work is awarded a mark below the threshold pass mark prior to any penalty being imposed, and is submitted up to three working days after the original deadline (or any formally agreed extension to the deadline), no penalty shall be imposed;
• where the piece of work is submitted more than three working days after the original deadline (or any formally agreed extension to the deadline): a mark of zero will be recorded.

Assessments marked Pass/Fail

• where the piece of work is submitted within three working days of the deadline (or any formally agreed extension of the deadline): no penalty will be applied;
• where the piece of work is submitted more than three working days after the original deadline (or any formally agreed extension of the deadline): a grade of Fail will be awarded.

The University policy statement on penalties for late submission can be found at: https://www.reading.ac.uk/cqsd/-/media/project/functions/cqsd/documents/qap/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.

Formative assessment

Formative assessment is any task or activity which creates feedback (or feedforward) for you about your learning, but which does not contribute towards your overall module mark.

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

Reassessment

Additional costs