The module aims to introduce a broad framework of architectural concepts, themes and theories that have influenced the field of architecture globally from 1900 to the present. This framework can then serve as the critical foundation for design modules as well as the final 60-credit design project or dissertation.

The module also aims to introduce study, research and writing skills and methodologies and to link rigorous academic practices to real world and employment-related scenarios. Finally, the module aims to provide opportunities for the development of presentation, teamwork and time management skills via a variable and flexible seminar series and multiple activities throughout the semester.

(LO1) Identify a range of theories that have been influential in the field of architecture from 1900 onwards.

(LO2) Recognise and discuss the significance and evolution of key concepts and themes and how these reflect the development of architectural trends from 1900 onwards.

(LO3) Evaluate the content and different perspectives of various written architectural sources.

(LO4) Research, situate historically, critique and present visually and verbally – orally and in writing – the relationship of specific theories to relevant built or unbuilt architectural projects or to the oeuvre of an architect or an architectural practice.

(LO5) Plan and manage a written project.

(LO6) Prepare a well-documented, referenced and appropriately illustrated academic essay.

(LO7) Use well-documented and referenced research in a shorter written format appropriate for real life or employment-related purposes.

(S1) Reading, research and writing skills. How this is developed: Students will be directed to University resources on these skills. They will be implicitly taught through the scrutiny placed on related issues during the module lectures, seminars and tutorials. They will also be practised in the module coursework. Students will be engaging with guided readings in preparation for seminars. Students will also be asked to do additional readings for a visual and oral presentation (summative assessment 20%). Final assessment (summative assessment 80%: essay and real world / employment-related summary) will be based on a well-researched discussion of an agreed topic in written form.

(S2) Critical thinking skills. How this is developed: These skills will be implicitly taught through the scrutiny placed on related issues during the module lectures, seminar discussions, seminar presentations, and tutorials. They will also be practised in the final module coursework. Students will be invited to critically evaluate and discuss related readings during seminars. Students will also be asked to present such a critical evaluation in a visual and oral presentation (summative assessment 20%: presentation). Final assessment (summative assessment 80%: essay and real world / employment-related summary) will be based on a well-researched critical discussion of an agreed topic.

(S3) Visual and verbal communication skills. How this is developed: Students will develop these skills through practice and received feedback during the module seminar discussions, seminar presentations, tutorials and coursework. Students will be invited to discuss readings during seminars. In selected weeks, students will also be asked to prepare a well-researched visual and oral presentation (summative assessment 20%: presentation). Final assessment (summative assessment 80%: essay and real world / employment-related summary) will be a written discussion accompanied by appropriate illustrations.

(S4) Teamwork skills. How this is developed: Students will develop these skills through practice and received feedback during the module seminar. Students will prepare at least one oral presentation within a group. They may also be invited to propose a specific format for some of the seminars and to collaborate towards planning those sessions themselves.

(S5) Time management skills. How this is developed: Students will develop these skills through practice during the module seminar discussions, seminar presentations, tutorials, self-directed study and coursework. The varied format of the module’s summative assessment (presentation, and essay and real world / employment-related summary) and the varied nature of tasks throughout the semester will require good time management.

The module syllabus commences with an introduction to the principal tenets of Modernism, one of the most influential architectural developments in the early decades of the twentieth century. In parallel to key concepts and texts, it briefly discusses links to earlier approaches that led to modernism, particular strands within modernism, as well as significant diversions from mainstream modernism.

The rest of the syllabus will review subsequent development of, or challenges to, modernist positions. These will be organised under broad thematic headings and the discussion will be largely comparative, juxtaposing the wide range of alternative approaches within these themes. In addition to key concepts, theories, and texts, the module will review landmark architectural figures, projects and events that relate to the theoretical positions discussed.

Selected topics, texts and projects may vary from year to year but will broadly cover the following themes: modernism; space and place; post-modernism; aspects of human identities in relation to the built environment, for example, gender issues, nature, environment, sustainability, cities and urbanism.

Teaching Method 1 - Lecture
Description: Weekly sessions through the semester will broadly alternate between lecture and seminar sessions.
Lectures will introduce the themes for readings and discussion in the seminars in subsequent weeks, as well as broader themes of general interest to the overall focus of the module.
The first weekly session will also cover study and research skills, as well as an introduction to resources available in the University and elsewhere.
Attendance Recorded: Yes

Teaching Method 2 - Seminar
Description: Weekly sessions through the semester will broadly alternate between lecture and seminar sessions.
All seminars will include guided discussion on themes introduced in the lectures the weeks before. All students will be expected to do pre-selected readings and participate in discussion in the classroom. In selected weeks, students will be expected to make a presentation on agreed essay-related topics which will constitute t heir first assessment component (presentation 20%).
Attendance Recorded: Yes

Teaching Method 3 - Small group tutorial
Description: The final two weeks of the semester will be dedicated to small group tutorials on the students’ individual coursework, further supporting the development of research and writing skills.
Attendance Recorded: Yes

Self-directed learning: Readings for seminars; online training for referencing and academic integrity; research and presentation preparation for group tutorials; research and reading and writing for final coursework.

The majority of teaching will be delivered face to face on campus. Online delivery will be used to complement the on campus delivery and where technology affords a better learning experience.