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Unit outline_

ARCH9040: General Elective 2

Semester 2, 2024 [Normal day] - Camperdown/Darlington, Sydney

This elective allows an individual to pursue an agreed topic with a member of academic staff, or for a group of students to pursue a topic proposed by a member of academic staff in a formal learning environment. For individual study arrangements this is an opportunity to develop independent study skills. The unit is undertaken with an agreement between the student and a supervisor on a topic related to the supervisor's expertise. The student will meet with the supervisor regularly to discuss progress. For group study arrangements the unit of study is available to engage in a topic that is organised by a member of academic staff. This allows a member of staff to teach a topic of special interest or for a visiting academic to teach a subject related to their specialty. Students will participate in lectures, tutorials, or other activities as needed to pursue the elective topic. Students will develop an understanding of a special topic through reports, projects, and/or tutorial exercises.

Unit details and rules

Academic unit Architecture
Credit points 6
Prerequisites
? 
None
Corequisites
? 
None
Prohibitions
? 
None
Assumed knowledge
? 

None

Available to study abroad and exchange students

No

Teaching staff

Coordinator Duanfang Lu, duanfang.lu@sydney.edu.au
The census date for this unit availability is 2 September 2024
Type Description Weight Due Length
Assignment Assessment 2b: Seminar presentation and moderation
Presentation. Refer to Canvas for details.
20% Multiple weeks
Due date: 08 Oct 2024 at 23:59

Closing date: 08 Nov 2024
Maximum 12 minutes
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO2 LO3
Assignment Assessment 1: Research presentation: Traditional Asian Constructional Cultures
Research report. Refer to Canvas for details.
20% Week 06
Due date: 03 Sep 2024 at 23:59

Closing date: 03 Oct 2024
Maximum 12 minutes
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO3
Assignment Assessment 2a: Architectural Criticism
Essay. Refer to Canvas for details.
60% Week 11
Due date: 15 Oct 2024 at 23:59

Closing date: 15 Nov 2024
Maximum 3,000 words/8 minutes
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO2

Assessment summary

Assessment 1. Research presentation: Traditional Asian Constructional Cultures: This assignment requires you to deliver a research report/presentation that explores various aspects of a selected traditional constructional culture in Asia.

Assessment 2a. Architectural Criticism: This assignment requires you to deliver a detailed architectural criticism essay/presentation of a contemporary building in Asia.

Assessment 2b. Seminar presentation and moderation: You will select a seminar discussion session to lead, during which you will present on the topic related to the assigned reading and facilitate the seminar discussion.

Assessment criteria

Grade

Description

High Distinction

85 - 100

Work of outstanding quality, demonstrating mastery of the learning outcomes assessed. The work shows significant innovation, experimentation, critical analysis, synthesis, insight, creativity, and/or exceptional skill.

Distinction

75 - 84

Work of excellent quality, demonstrating a sound grasp of the learning outcomes assessed. The work shows innovation, experimentation, critical analysis, synthesis, insight, creativity, and/or superior skill.

Credit

65 - 74

 

Work of good quality, demonstrating more than satisfactory achievement of the learning outcomes assessed, or work of excellent quality for a majority of the learning outcomes assessed.

Pass

50 - 64

Work demonstrating satisfactory achievement of the learning outcomes assessed.

Fail

1 - 50

Work that does not demonstrate satisfactory achievement of one or more of the learning outcomes assessed.

For more information see guide to grades.

Late submission

In accordance with University policy, these penalties apply when written work is submitted after 11:59pm on the due date:

  • Deduction of 5% of the maximum mark for each calendar day after the due date.
  • After ten calendar days late, a mark of zero will be awarded.

This unit has an exception to the standard University policy or supplementary information has been provided by the unit coordinator. This information is displayed below:

In accordance with University policy, these penalties apply when written work is submitted after 11:59pm on the due date: • Deduction of 5% of the maximum mark for each calendar day after the due date. • After ten calendar days late, a mark of zero will be awarded.

Academic integrity

The Current Student website provides information on academic integrity and the resources available to all students. The University expects students and staff to act ethically and honestly and will treat all allegations of academic integrity breaches seriously.

We use similarity detection software to detect potential instances of plagiarism or other forms of academic integrity breach. If such matches indicate evidence of plagiarism or other forms of academic integrity breaches, your teacher is required to report your work for further investigation.

Use of generative artificial intelligence (AI) and automated writing tools

You may only use generative AI and automated writing tools in assessment tasks if you are permitted to by your unit coordinator. If you do use these tools, you must acknowledge this in your work, either in a footnote or an acknowledgement section. The assessment instructions or unit outline will give guidance of the types of tools that are permitted and how the tools should be used.

Your final submitted work must be your own, original work. You must acknowledge any use of generative AI tools that have been used in the assessment, and any material that forms part of your submission must be appropriately referenced. For guidance on how to acknowledge the use of AI, please refer to the AI in Education Canvas site.

The unapproved use of these tools or unacknowledged use will be considered a breach of the Academic Integrity Policy and penalties may apply.

Studiosity is permitted unless otherwise indicated by the unit coordinator. The use of this service must be acknowledged in your submission as detailed on the Learning Hub’s Canvas page.

Outside assessment tasks, generative AI tools may be used to support your learning. The AI in Education Canvas site contains a number of productive ways that students are using AI to improve their learning.

Simple extensions

If you encounter a problem submitting your work on time, you may be able to apply for an extension of five calendar days through a simple extension.  The application process will be different depending on the type of assessment and extensions cannot be granted for some assessment types like exams.

Special consideration

If exceptional circumstances mean you can’t complete an assessment, you need consideration for a longer period of time, or if you have essential commitments which impact your performance in an assessment, you may be eligible for special consideration or special arrangements.

Special consideration applications will not be affected by a simple extension application.

Using AI responsibly

Co-created with students, AI in Education includes lots of helpful examples of how students use generative AI tools to support their learning. It explains how generative AI works, the different tools available and how to use them responsibly and productively.

Support for students

The Support for Students Policy 2023 reflects the University’s commitment to supporting students in their academic journey and making the University safe for students. It is important that you read and understand this policy so that you are familiar with the range of support services available to you and understand how to engage with them.

The University uses email as its primary source of communication with students who need support under the Support for Students Policy 2023. Make sure you check your University email regularly and respond to any communications received from the University.

Learning resources and detailed information about weekly assessment and learning activities can be accessed via Canvas. It is essential that you visit your unit of study Canvas site to ensure you are up to date with all of your tasks.

If you are having difficulties completing your studies, or are feeling unsure about your progress, we are here to help. You can access the support services offered by the University at any time:

Support and Services (including health and wellbeing services, financial support and learning support)
Course planning and administration
Meet with an Academic Adviser

WK Topic Learning activity Learning outcomes
Week 03 Overview & Traditional Chinese Gardens Lecture (1.5 hr) LO1 LO2
Introduction Seminar (1.5 hr) LO1 LO3
The Chinese Garden of Friendship, 1 Harbour Street, Darling Harbour Field trip (3 hr) LO1
Week 04 Colonial Architecture and Cultural Identity in India Lecture (1.5 hr) LO1 LO2
Colonial Architecture and Cultural Identity Seminar (1.5 hr) LO1 LO3
The Japanese Gardens in the Auburn Botanic Gardens, 99 Chiswick Road, Auburn Field trip (3 hr) LO1
Week 05 Tropical Architecture and Tourism in Indonesia Lecture (1.5 hr) LO1 LO2
Tropical Architecture and Tourism Seminar (1.5 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3
Week 06 Research Presentation: Traditional Asian Constructional Cultures Presentation (3 hr) LO1 LO3
Week 07 Traditional and Modern Architecture in Japan & Architectural Criticism Lecture (1.5 hr) LO1 LO2
Between Traditional and Modern Architecture Seminar (1.5 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3
Week 08 Contemporary Architecture and Globalisation Lecture (1.5 hr) LO1 LO2
Contemporary Architecture and Globalisation Seminar (1.5 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3
Writing Architectural Criticism Tutorial (3 hr) LO2
Week 09 Cultural Heritage and Adaptive Reuse Lecture (1.5 hr) LO1 LO2
Cultural Heritage and Adaptive Reuse Seminar (1.5 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3
Writing Architectural Criticism Tutorial (3 hr) LO2
Week 10 Urbanisation and Housing Lecture (1.5 hr) LO1 LO2
Urbanisation and Housing Seminar (1.5 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3
Week 11 Final Presentation: Critical Perspectives on Contemporary Asian Architecture Presentation (3 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3

Attendance and class requirements

Students are expected to attend a minimum of 90% of timetabled activities for each unit of study, unless granted exemption. Please refer to Clause 8 (3) (a) of the Resolutions of the University School: University of Sydney School of Architecture Design and Planning Faculty Resolutions 2022.

Typically, there is a minimum expectation of 1.5-2 hours of student effort per week per credit point for units of study offered over a full semester. For a 6-credit-point unit, this equates to roughly 9-12 hours of student effort weekly.

Study commitment

Typically, there is a minimum expectation of 1.5-2 hours of student effort per week per credit point for units of study offered over a full semester. For a 6 credit point unit, this equates to roughly 120-150 hours of student effort in total.

Required readings

Refer to Canvas for details.

Learning outcomes are what students know, understand and are able to do on completion of a unit of study. They are aligned with the University's graduate qualities and are assessed as part of the curriculum.

At the completion of this unit, you should be able to:

  • LO1. Develop an understanding of the ways in which various social, political, cultural, economic and geographical conditions have affected the development of architecture, urbanism and constructional cultures in different parts of Asia.
  • LO2. Demonstrate advanced knowledge of important themes and theoretical positions in contemporary architectural discourse, and be able to evaluate works of architecture using sophisticated skills in written, verbal and graphic expression.
  • LO3. Demonstrate a deep understanding of readings and develop skills in engaging in group discussion and moderating debates.

Graduate qualities

The graduate qualities are the qualities and skills that all University of Sydney graduates must demonstrate on successful completion of an award course. As a future Sydney graduate, the set of qualities have been designed to equip you for the contemporary world.

GQ1 Depth of disciplinary expertise

Deep disciplinary expertise is the ability to integrate and rigorously apply knowledge, understanding and skills of a recognised discipline defined by scholarly activity, as well as familiarity with evolving practice of the discipline.

GQ2 Critical thinking and problem solving

Critical thinking and problem solving are the questioning of ideas, evidence and assumptions in order to propose and evaluate hypotheses or alternative arguments before formulating a conclusion or a solution to an identified problem.

GQ3 Oral and written communication

Effective communication, in both oral and written form, is the clear exchange of meaning in a manner that is appropriate to audience and context.

GQ4 Information and digital literacy

Information and digital literacy is the ability to locate, interpret, evaluate, manage, adapt, integrate, create and convey information using appropriate resources, tools and strategies.

GQ5 Inventiveness

Generating novel ideas and solutions.

GQ6 Cultural competence

Cultural Competence is the ability to actively, ethically, respectfully, and successfully engage across and between cultures. In the Australian context, this includes and celebrates Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures, knowledge systems, and a mature understanding of contemporary issues.

GQ7 Interdisciplinary effectiveness

Interdisciplinary effectiveness is the integration and synthesis of multiple viewpoints and practices, working effectively across disciplinary boundaries.

GQ8 Integrated professional, ethical, and personal identity

An integrated professional, ethical and personal identity is understanding the interaction between one’s personal and professional selves in an ethical context.

GQ9 Influence

Engaging others in a process, idea or vision.

Outcome map

Learning outcomes Graduate qualities
GQ1 GQ2 GQ3 GQ4 GQ5 GQ6 GQ7 GQ8 GQ9

This section outlines changes made to this unit following staff and student reviews.

This is a new elective. Primary changes have been made.

Disclaimer

The University reserves the right to amend units of study or no longer offer certain units, including where there are low enrolment numbers.

To help you understand common terms that we use at the University, we offer an online glossary.