Course Title: Architecture History and Theory Project

Part A: Course Overview

Course ID: 001684

Course Title: Architecture History and Theory Project

Credit Points: 12


Course Code

Campus

Career

School

Learning Mode

Teaching Period(s)

ARCH1027

City Campus

Undergraduate

315H Architecture & Design

Face-to-Face

Sem 1 2006,
Sem 1 2007,
Sem 2 2007

Course Coordinator: Dr Helene Frichot

Course Coordinator Phone: +61 3 9925-2667

Course Coordinator Email: helene.frichot@rmit.edu.au


Pre-requisite Courses and Assumed Knowledge and Capabilities

ARCH 1004 - Architecture Design 5
ARCH 1026 - Architecture History 4
ARCH 1025 - Architecture History 3
ARCH 1024 - Architecture History 2
ARCH 1023 - Architecture History 1


Course Description

In this course, a range of specialist Architectural History + Theory Projects will be offered covering areas that are the subject of focused research by academic staff in the Architecture program. This may include Australian and international architectural history and theory, contemporary urbanism, digital design discourse, and the relationship between critical theory and disciplinary design practice. Each semester students ballot for one of the commissioned offerings.


Objectives/Learning Outcomes/Capability Development

Students will experience staff delivering lectures on their architectural history and theory primary research. They are encouraged to respond to those lectures and accompanying readings by engaging in informed debate.

Students gain specialised knowledge of significant historical or contemporary theoretical issues relevant to the discipline and are able to discuss these in an informed manner. Students may gain archival and field research skills involving the study and documentation of local architectural history.

Students develop the skills to write an extended research essay or undertake a research project of equivalent scope dealing with issues and problematics relevant to the concerns of the particular History + Theory Project. Students will have an enhanced knowledge of architectural history and theory and its relevance to design.


Learning outcomes vary across each commissioned History and Theory Project but may include an enhanced capacity to write architectural history and theory critical essays, class papers, close reading papers, to undertake project-based analysis and research, to collect and organise architectural archival materials, and to curate and produce exhibition and publication materials.

The Architecture History + Theory Projects that a student may ballot for each semester are diverse and students should refer to the particular commissioned project outlines offered each semester for further information.


Overview of Learning Activities

History+Theory Projects will employ a mix of study and research modes which may include lectures, seminar class discussions, essay writing, project-based analysis and research, archival and field research, mini-conferences, on-line tasks, and study tours.

Refer to each of the commissioned History/Theory Project outlines offered each semester for further information about specific study modes.


Overview of Learning Resources

Refer to individual commissioned History+Theory Project outlines for relevant reading lists and teaching resources.


Overview of Assessment

History + Theory Project assessment tasks may include an extended critical research essay, tutorial class papers, close reading exercises, project-based analysis and research, weekly research assignments, and team-based archival and field research projects.

Refer to each of the commissioned History/Theory Project outlines offered each semester for further information about specific assessment modes.

Assessment criteria will include:
Demonstrated understanding of the material presented in class discussions, referred to in the literature and discovered in the research tasks. All answers should be well written, word-processed and illustrated.
The quality of the response a student makes to set tasks through the undertaking of projects or essays, showing evidence of critical and creative insight and development.
The standard of technical, conceptual & presentation skills demonstrated in assignments.
Appropriate reference to relevant literature and project-based precedent within the field that informs a students response to the material and learning tasks.
Development of skills acquired through undertaking learning activities and introductory research methodologies.
Appropriate time management. Students will need to complete all set tasks in the time available.

Penalties for Late Submission
Late submission will be assessed as the Grade FAIL - NN, unless a medical certificate from a doctor or counsellor is provided clearly stating the reason that the student was unable to present the work. It is up to the discretion of the Subject Coordinator to determine if this is a valid reason.


Plagiarism
Plagiarism consists of using, (directly as in quoting words and sentences or copying drawings, logos or indirectly as in using concepts and ideas), another person’s work without acknowledgment. It is, in effect, appropriating someone else’s intellectual property. Plagiarism is a serious offence and in cases where it has been found, disciplinary procedures (including exclusion) may be instituted.

Assessment Grades:

Grade - % Mark - Code

High Distinction  80-100%  HDH
Satisfies assessment criteria as set out in assignments to a high standard. Demonstration of an exceptionally clear understanding of subject matter and addresses all the specific aims with many to a high standard. High standard of technical, conceptual & presentation skills demonstrated in assignments. Clear evidence of critical and creative insight and originality.

Distinction  70-79%  DID
Satisfies assessment criteria as set out in assignments with several to a high standard. Strong grasp of subject matter and addresses the specific objectives, with several to a high standard. Good to high standard of technical, conceptual & presentation skills demonstrated in assignments. Evidence of solid work that in part demonstrates critical and creative insight.

Credit  60-69%  CRC
Satisfies assessment criteria as set out in assignments to a competent standard. Competent understanding of subject matter addresses the specific objectives, some reasonably well. Competent standard of technical, conceptual &; presentation skills demonstrated in assignments. Evidence of solid work.

Pass  50-59%  PAP
Satisfies assessment criteria as set out in assignments to a satisfactory standard only. Errors evident in the work. Satisfactory appreciation of subject matter and issues. Addresses the specific objectives; work generally lacking in depth and breadth. Satisfactory standard of technical, conceptual & presentation skills demonstrated in assignments. Often work of this grade demonstrates only basic comprehension or competency. Work of this grade may be poorly prepared and presented.

Fail  0-49%  NNN
Work does not satisfy assessment criteria as set out in assignments. Work does not demonstrate an understanding of the techniques taught in the subject. Errors evident in the work. Evidence of lack of understanding of subject, minimal or inadequate comprehension and does not address all the objectives. Work is often inadequate in depth and breadth and sometimes incomplete or irrelevant; lack of care and thought in organising and structuring work.

NB
Students must keep a copy of every submission they make to their tutor. Computer failure will not be accepted as a valid excuse for late submissions


Special Consideration:

Please refer to the University Special Consideration Policy at:
http://mams.rmit.edu.au/vbi4hpp6m8on.pdf

The Application for Special Consideration form can be obtained from:
http://mams.rmit.edu.au/8a5dgcaqvaes1.pdf

Students are required to personally submit their application to the Course Co-ordinator, who will discuss the outcome of the application at that time or advise otherwise. It is advisable for students to attach proof of your grounds to your special consideration application.

Support and documentation are available from the following free services at RMIT:
RMIT Counselling Service- for support and documentation of personal issues such as relationship break down anxiety, family problems: 9925-4365, counselling@rmit.edu.au
Disability Liaison Service- if you have an ongoing condition (including depression and anxiety): 9925-1089, dlu@rmit.edu.au
Campus Nurse Service - if you are sick and need to see a doctor: 9925-2297 campus.nurse@rmit.edu.au

A student may apply for special consideration if their work has been adversely affected by their medical or personal circumstances. A medical certificate from a doctor or counsellor must be provided, clearly stating the reason that the students work was affected. The only results that can be awarded under special consideration provisions is PXP or NN.