Department of Architecture & Civil Engineering, Unit Catalogue 2007/08 |
AR50328 History and theory |
| Credits: 12 |
| Level: Masters |
| Semester: 1 |
| Assessment: ES100 |
| Requisites: |
| While taking this unit you must take AR50330 |
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Aims: To provide students with knowledge and understanding of garden and landscape history and theory relating to the historic environment of all periods and in both urban and rural environments and of conservation philosophy in the historic environment. The unit includes an introduction to research methods and dissertation writing in the first week which is followed up with regular seminar sessions throughout the semester.
Learning Outcomes: Students successfully completing this unit will be able to demonstrate; * the ability to research, record, analyse, interpret and understand the significance of buildings and sites. * a practical understanding of research methodologies and archives and the ability to apply techniques of research, analysis, recording and evaluation to primary source material. * that they are able to make and prepare reports that are intelligible to specialist and non-specialist readers, on gardens, landscapes, sites, historic building fabric and artefacts illustrated by graphics such as sketches and photographs. * knowledge and understanding of garden and landscape history and theory relating to the historic environment of all periods and in both urban and rural contexts and of conservation philosophy in the historic environment. * to appreciate and understand the urban or landscape context of historic buildings and their contents, artefacts, ensembles and sites. * that they are able to synthesise a comprehensive and critical review of the historic environment and to translate the conclusions and findings by authoring and producing written reports to a standard consistent with professional requirements. Also to be able to identify and diagnose intrinsic and extrinsic causes and formulate a basis for appropriate responses or action. Students will be able to, * work autonomously or in multi-disciplinary groups and with other professionals in related fields using sound methods to resolve conflicts and develop strategies appropriate to needs, abilities and resources, and to recognise when advice should be sought and define areas of need for study by different groups. * apply the taught skills, techniques and methods and to exercise initiative and demonstrate personal responsibility in carrying out projects. * consolidate, extend and apply knowledge gained in an appropriate and competent way. * operate within the appropriate code of professional conduct, recognising obligations to society, the profession and the environment. * use the ability to carry out or commission research, analysis and recording of the historic environment and to maintain records accordingly. * document and communicate ideas effectively in writing and orally in a way appropriate and accessible to both professional and lay audiences. * critically evaluate arguments, assumptions and data and to make judgements, frame questions and achieve or identify a range of solutions to problems. Skills: Written communication, oral communication, data acquisitions handling and analysis, problem solving, working independently - taught, facilitated and assessed. Content: The History and Theory unit commences with an appreciation of the philosophy of conservation and the historic environment, and garden and landscape history including literary and artistic associations. It then addresses the four general types of cultural landscape worldwide, not mutually exclusive, all of which require management: urban landscapes, designed landscapes, vernacular landscapes, and relict landscapes including World Heritage Sites. It also addresses Gardens of Antiquity, Classical and Renaissance gardens, earthworks, Medieval gardens and Baroque gardens and the history of garden structures, eighteenth-century English landscape gardens, the Picturesque, Repton's Red Books and the improvement of landscapes, horror landscapes, public parks, and formal late C19 gardens, The Arts and Crafts garden, plant collections, post-war gardens, historic sites, historic designed landscapes, historic vernacular landscapes, ethnographic landscapes, Cultural landscapes, World Heritage Sites, National Parks in Great Britain and America and the gardens of Europe, and the Far East also form an integral part of the unit. |