Course syllabus

Arkitekturens teori och historia VI
The Theory and History of Architecture VI

ATHF05, 5 credits, G2 (First Cycle)

Valid for: 2020/21
Decided by: PLED A
Date of Decision: 2020-03-26

General Information

Main field: Architecture.
Compulsory for: A3
Language of instruction: The course will be given in Swedish

Aim

The course aims to bring together the knowledge and skills acquired in the previous courses in architectural theory and history, preparing the students for the task of studying the inherent relationships of society, culture, technology, urban planning and architectural design - the city of Rome serving as a case study example. The course also seeks to advance the student’s ability to discuss and debate well defined aspects of architecture theory and architectural phenomena. The course includes a series of lectures given by visiting academics and professionals – with associated seminars and exercises.

Learning outcomes

Knowledge and understanding
For a passing grade the student must

To be formally approved, the student must demonstrate that he/she:

• Is able to explain, discuss and reflect upon how different architectural basic concepts have been used within the field of architecture.
• Is able to define and identify the principal aspects of architectural theory, within a given text or relating to a work of architecture but also relate the aspects to different contexts within the field of architecture.

Competences and skills
For a passing grade the student must

To be formally approved, the student must demonstrate that he/she:

• Is able to discuss a specific architecture project and its core concepts while making use of theory.
• Is able to offer a reflective and informed criticism, written and debated; of an individually selected text or work of architecture, or his or hers own project.

Judgement and approach
For a passing grade the student must

To be formally approved, the student must demonstrate that he/she:

• Is able to demonstrate an ability to make advanced and theoretically grounded qualitative assessments of specific architectural works – while demonstrating an understanding of any related  historical, cultural background.
• Is able to formulate meta-theoretical questions relating to architecture and the architectural profession.

Contents

The course deepens the discussion of a number of central architectural concepts, through literature studies, own writing and theoretically supported reflection on concrete examples. The ability to verbalize their own architectural ideas is trained by having students discuss and write about their own and others' projects with a certain focus on Scandinavian examples. The course includes lectures, seminars, practical exercises and writing assignments. The course also introduces contemporary architecture.

Examination details

Grading scale: UG - (U,G) - (Fail, Pass)
Assessment: To be formally approved, the student must attain a passing grade in all exercises, and maintain not less than 80% attendance at tutorials and lectures.

The examiner, in consultation with Disability Support Services, may deviate from the regular form of examination in order to provide a permanently disabled student with a form of examination equivalent to that of a student without a disability.

Admission

Admission requirements:

• ATHA01 The Theory and History of Architecture I
• ATHA15 The Theory and History of Architecture III
• ATHA05 The Theory and History of Architecture II (Year 1) or ATHA20 The Theory and History of Architecture IV (Year 1)

The number of participants is limited to: No

Reading list

• Davies, Colin: Thinking About Architecture. Laurence King Publishing, 2011, ISBN: 978 185669 755 2.
• Forty, Adrian: Words and Buildings, A Vocabulary of Modern Architecture. Thames & Hudson, 2004, ISBN: 9780500284704. Reference.
• Ed. Korydon Smith: Introducing Architectural Theory, Debating a discipline. Routledge, 2012, ISBN: 978-0-415-88838-7.
• Spector, Tom & Damron, Rebecca L.: How Architects Write. Routledge, 2012, ISBN: 9780415891073.

Contact and other information

Course coordinator: Fredrik Torisson, Fredrik.Torisson@arkitektur.lth.se