Main Field of Study and progress level:
Architecture: Second cycle, has second-cycle course/s as entry requirements
Grading scale: Two-grade scale
Responsible department: Umeå School of Architecture
Revised by: Faculty Board of Science and Technology, 2024-04-02
Contents
The course focuses on preparatory research and studies in architectural and urban design theory and history prior to the degree project. Alongside of studies and design research in Synthesis Course 3 and technical and professional research in Seminar Course 3a, students shall conduct primary research in history and theory for application to the degree project.
The emphasis of the course is on identifying a strong position as a baseline and source of support for the degree project. To establish and articulate this position, students shall conduct research at libraries, archives and departments, as well as engage in interviews and fieldwork as needed. Primary research and acquisition of knowledge, including a 3,000-word research report, are stressed.
Expected learning outcomes
For a passing result, the student should be able to:
Knowledge and understanding
present specific issues, complex phenomena and situations in architecture and urban design, as well as cultural, social and intellectual history, theories, technologies, disciplines, processes, methods, current research, development efforts and the statutory provisions that affect them.
Judgment and approach
show a critical understanding of how knowledge is advanced through research to produce clear, logically argued and original written work relating to architectural culture, theory and design.
Required Knowledge
Admission to the course requires at least 240 credits, including the courses: Synthesis course 1: Architecture and Urban Design Project, Positioning (20 credits) Seminar course 1a: Architectural Technology, Sustainability and Environmental Impact (5 credits) Seminar course 1b: Theory and History of Architecture and Urban Design (5 credits) Synthesis course 2: Architecture and Urban Design Project, Resolution (20 credits) Seminar course 2a: Architectural Technology, Resolution (5 credits) Seminar course 2b: Professional Studies in Architecture and Urban Design (5 credits)
Form of instruction
The course includes counselling on research methodologies, seminars and individual tutorials.
Examination modes
The course is examined by an assessment of the research report and an individual oral presentation as well as an opposition of a fellow student's presentation in a public seminar.
A grade of Pass (G) or Fail (U) is awarded for the course. All mandatory oral, written and practical assignments must be finished and approved before the course can be assigned 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.
Literature
The literature list is not available through the web.
Please contact the faculty.
