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AR40105: History and theory of architecture and urban design

[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: Masters UG & PG (FHEQ level 7)
Period:
Semester 2
Assessment Summary: CW 100%
Assessment Detail:
  • Coursework (CW 100%)
Supplementary Assessment:
Like-for-like reassessment (where allowed by programme regulations)
Requisites:
Aims: To provide an investigation of Architectural Theory and History of Urban design in the post-war period. Themes within contemporary city theory will be identified via a discussion of their proponents. Links will be made to Design Studio that runs after this unit. Students who have completed this unit should be able to demonstrate the utilization of a major theme in architectural theory and history in the critical appraisal of practice; demonstrate an understanding of the contemporary built environment as filtered through assigned texts, and to set out a critical appraisal of the arguments presented; research an architectural topic of theoretical/speculative interest.

Learning Outcomes: Students who have completed this unit will be able to demonstrate the following: knowledge of:
* 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;
* how the theories, practices and technologies of the arts influence architectural design;
* the creative application of the fine arts and their relevance and impact on architecture;
* theories of urban design and the planning of communities;
* the influence of the design and development of cities, past and present on the contemporary built environment.

Skills: Independent research; presenting arguments coherently in Powerpoint and written form.

Content: Working in pairs students are asked to prepare a Powerpoint presentation of 30 minutes duration and an associated written paper on an allocated theorist. Assessment will be based on clarity of argument, criticality, depth of research and overall coherence.

Programme availability:

AR40105 is a Designated Essential Unit on the following programmes:

Department of Architecture & Civil Engineering
  • TEAR-APA29 : Architecture Degree Apprenticeship
  • UEAR-ANM08 : MArch(Hons) Architecture with Thin sandwich placement(s) (Year 1)

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.