Undergraduate Course: Architectural Theory (ARCH10002)
Course Outline
| School | Edinburgh College of Art |
College | College of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences |
| Credit level (Normal year taken) | SCQF Level 10 (Year 3 Undergraduate) |
Availability | Available to all students |
| SCQF Credits | 20 |
ECTS Credits | 10 |
| Summary | This course explores the relationship between theory and architecture. We will use a range of case studies to look at how theory can challenge assumptions and offer new ways of thinking about key problems. This will involve close readings of:
1. Philosophical texts
2. Architectural Theory texts
3. Exemplary Architectural projects
The course will enable you to explore the relationship between architecture and other cultural practices. It will also provide you with an expanded interpretive framework for understanding architectural production.
The lectures involve thematic explorations of architectural discourse and practice and include discussions on architecture as a power apparatus, on notions of place and space, the everyday nature of technology, the relationship of architecture to various bodies, contributions of pop culture to architecture, etc. We will engage with a wide range of theory including critical approaches to modernism, deconstruction, phenomenology, continental philosophy and more.
You will develop skills in reading complex texts and writing responses to them. You will also develop critical perspectives on how architecture might respond to a range of contemporary social issues.
This is an exciting course taught by a group of lecturers who have each published and contributed to the development of theory and/or architectural theory. They will be assisted by four experienced tutors with backgrounds in architecture and design who are active in research via their current research projects.
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| Course description |
The course will consist of eleven weekly online modules on LEARN which will include video content, live meet the author sessions with key figures in the course, and a number of interactive elements to help you explore the content of the course on your own and with others such as discussion boards and personal blogs.
There will be three items of essential reading each week. These should be reviewed before the start of the module, and read closely before the Wednesday live session. The discussion board and personal blogs will help you to develop your critical reflections journal, which in turn will be beneficial for developing essay themes.
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Information for Visiting Students
| Pre-requisites | This course is only open to students on an approved exchange with ESALA. |
| High Demand Course? |
Yes |
Course Delivery Information
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| Academic year 2022/23, Not available to visiting students (SS1)
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Quota: 111 |
| Course Start |
Semester 1 |
Timetable |
Timetable |
| Learning and Teaching activities (Further Info) |
Total Hours:
200
(
Lecture Hours 11,
Seminar/Tutorial Hours 10,
Feedback/Feedforward Hours 1,
Programme Level Learning and Teaching Hours 4,
Directed Learning and Independent Learning Hours
174 )
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| Assessment (Further Info) |
Written Exam
0 %,
Coursework
100 %,
Practical Exam
0 %
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| Additional Information (Assessment) |
Learning outcomes are assessed by a reflective journal (1800) and an essay (2000 words).
Note that students on the BA Architecture Programme are permitted a maximum of two assessment attempts to pass this course. For those on the MA Hons programme there are no resits, as this is an honours level course. |
| Feedback |
Assignments will be assessed and grades or marks given against each learning outcome along with feedback.
The blog activities are designed to provide formative feedback throughout the semester on specific topics. Please use this activity to progress your journal and essay.
Further feedback will be provided on the reflective journal submissions. This feedback will be helpful for the final preparation of the essay. Feedback will be returned within 15 working days (maximum).
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| No Exam Information |
Learning Outcomes
On completion of this course, the student will be able to:
- Demonstrate knowledge of contemporary design theories and the ways in which they can inform specific approaches to, and practices of, architectural design.
- Demonstrate and analyse through careful argument how architectural production fits within wider philosophical, historical, social, ethical, political and economic discourses.
- Demonstrate ability to research issues in architectural theory, to critically reflect upon them, and to organise and present those reflections in the format of scholarly writing.
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Reading List
| The course reading list is available through Resource Lists @ Edinburgh. |
Additional Information
| Graduate Attributes and Skills |
Not entered |
| Keywords | Theory,philosophy,architecture,culture and society |
Contacts
| Course organiser | Miss Moa Carlsson
Tel:
Email: Moa.Carlsson@ed.ac.uk |
Course secretary | Mr Aidan Cole
Tel: (0131 6)50 2306
Email: acole33@ed.ac.uk |
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