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AR30039: History & theory 4: Issues in contemporary architecture

[Page last updated: 04 August 2021]

Academic Year: 2021/2
Owning Department/School: Department of Architecture & Civil Engineering
Credits: 6 [equivalent to 12 CATS credits]
Notional Study Hours: 120
Level: Honours (FHEQ level 6)
Period:
Semester 1
Assessment Summary: ES 100%
Assessment Detail:
  • Essay (ES 100%)
Supplementary Assessment:
Like-for-like reassessment (where allowed by programme regulations)
Requisites:
Aims: To provide an opportunity for students to develop their knowledge and understanding of key theoretical issues in contemporary Western architectural discourse. Provide students with the theoretical tools to create architectural designs that engage with contemporary debates in architecture. Facilitate the development of deeper, more considered and critical theoretical arguments to be developed in their own design research. To provide an opportunity for students to develop their skills in independent research, critical awareness and academic writing.

Learning Outcomes: On successful completion of this unit students will demonstrate:
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
knowledge of:
* the influence of the design and development of cities, past and present on the contemporary built environment
* the cultural, social and intellectual histories, theories and technologies that influence the design of buildings
* the influence of history and theory on the spatial, social, and technological aspects of architecture.

Skills: Independent library based research, academic writing - including the use of footnotes, the expression of methodology, developing an argument in writing with the assistance of illustrations and the close analysis of architecture.

Content: en lectures by experts outside the school and staff within the school where the topics relate to their own research interests which in turn relate to wider contemporary issues. Issue based tutorials may take place in groups related to the essays as appropriate.

Programme availability:

AR30039 is a Designated Essential Unit on the following programmes:

Department of Architecture & Civil Engineering
  • UEAR-ANB08 : BSc(Hons) Architecture with Thin sandwich placement(s) (Year 4)

Notes:

  • This unit catalogue is applicable for the 2021/22 academic year only. Students continuing their studies into 2022/23 and beyond should not assume that this unit will be available in future years in the format displayed here for 2021/22.
  • Programmes and units are subject to change in accordance with normal University procedures.
  • Availability of units will be subject to constraints such as staff availability, minimum and maximum group sizes, and timetabling factors as well as a student's ability to meet any pre-requisite rules.
  • Find out more about these and other important University terms and conditions here.