Seminar course 1b: Theory and History of Architecture and Urban Design, 5 Credits

Contents

The course will provide the students with an orientation of the contemporary debate on architecture and urban planning, developing an awareness of the historical, theoretical political and professional concerns and agendas that drive it. Departing from the broad overview the students will identify, explore and research a specific issue related to their work in the synthesis project.

Expected learning outcomes

For a passing result, the student should be able to: 

Knowledge and understanding

• clearly explain the cultural, social histories, theories, technologies, practices and creative applications of arts that influence architecture and urban design. 

Competence and skills

• in writing argue and describe a specific issue or aspect of architectural urban design by analysing relevant theories, histories, processes and methods and their influence on the built environment. 

Judgment and approach

• critically describe how history and theory, practices and technologies of the fine arts influence the spatial, social, and technological aspects of architecture and urban design. 
• critically describe the history and theories of architecture and urban design and their influence on the planning, design and development of past and contemporary cities and built environments.

Required Knowledge

Bachelor's degree in architecture, minimum 180 ECTS or equivalent foreign degree and work samples/portfolio. English language proficiency equivalent to (the Swedish upper secondary school) English course B/6.

Form of instruction

The course consists of lectures, seminars, tutorials, individual and group project work and workshops.

Examination modes

The course will be graded through group presentations in seminars where individual assessment can be ensured and through an individual written examination.

The possible grades are Pass (G) or Fail (U). To pass the course all compulsory oral, written and practical assignments must be completed with a Pass grade.

Examiners may decide to deviate from the modes of assessment in the course syllabus. Individual adaption of modes of assessment must give due consideration to the student's needs. The adaption of modes of assessment must remain within the framework of the intended learning outcomes in the course syllabus. Students who require an adapted examination must submit a request to the department holding the course no later than 10 days before the examination. The examiner decides on the adaption of the examination, after which the student will be notified.  
 
Students who have achieved a pass are not permitted to retake an examination.  
Students who do not pass an examination have the right to retake examinations. The date of the retake must be notified no later than the date of the regular examination. The first opportunity to retake an examination is to be offered no later than two months after the regular examination, but no earlier than 10 working days after students have been notified of the results of the regular examination. For examinations held in May and June, the first opportunity to retake the examination is to be offered within three months of the regular examination session. In addition, at least one further re-examination is offered within a year from the regular exam date. 

A student who has taken a regular examination and retake in a course or a part of a course without obtaining a pass grade is entitled to request the appointment of another examiner or marking teacher, unless there are special reasons to the contrary. Students should address any such request to the director of studies or equivalent.

Other regulations

In the event of a course syllabus being withdrawn or undergoing major changes, students are guaranteed at least three examination opportunities (including the regular examination session) in accordance with the previous course syllabus during a maximum of two years from the expiry of the course syllabus or the discontinuation of the course.