The Ideas Behind the Course
It is important to distinguish between theory that is explored in studio, through projects, and theory that should be taught formally, the basis of Architecture 311w. Studio-based theory has the advantage of providing diverse viewpoints of the whole faculty. In addition, theory is subordinate to work and used primarily in the critique process. Studio theory can be strongly ideological, specific professional outlooks can be explored, and different styles of theoretical investigation can be included.
The formal study of architecture theory is not the same as a historical survey of architectural theory. Both kinds of approaches should be provided within the curriculum. Architecture 311w aims to develop students' ability to theorize and assumes that individual abilities will be tailored to individual needs and styles. Therefore, it is important to focus on thinking, writing, and reading skills that allow students to develop their own critical and theoretical strengths. Unlike studio-based theory, Architecture 311w does not endorse a particular ideological position, nor is it a historical review of selected theories, nor does it aim to use theory to justify or condemn particular architectural practices. It emphasizes:
The aim is to increase students' level of sophistication: their comprehension of the multiple dimensions of the architectural work, including issues of production and reception, architecture's social and political roles, and the historical frameworks that form the context of architectural development. The hoped-for result is an increase in students' ability to question, to transpose issues from one context to others, and to be aware of the general conditions of thought, in particular "poetic thought."
The relation between theory and practice is a question with a long and troubled history. One is not inferior to the other. Theory should not be used to justify practice. Practice should not be expected to produce theory. In short, buildings are made out of buildings and theories are made out of theories. Theory aims for "the true," in the highest sense. Practice aims for "the certain," in the most comprehensive sense. The action of practice can be effective without caption or explanation. Theory, on the other hand, is always concerned with explanation and understanding, but it has the ambitious aim of applying these to artistic objects, where the normative meanings of "explanation" and "understanding" are modified to accept art's specific conditions.
The outlook of anyone who teaches Architecture 311w should always be open for examination, either in terms of public lectures, critiques at other schools, or publications in generally available media. His or her work, which should be substantially theoretical, should be subject to external review.
There are many kinds of learners. Architecture 311w should attempt to accommodate a fairly broad range of study styles. Therefore, lectures will be minimalized, and lecture content will be available on the class's web site. Discussion sessions will be voluntary for undergraduates (although arrangements must be made for absences). Students will have some choice of what is discussed.Writing assignments will be regular and the results will be public. Readings will be chosen to support weekly discussions, but a broad range of optional readings will be made available.
Basic class structure
Each week, the class will meet for discussion of a the textbook chapter and a "lesson text" posted on the class's web site. The chapter/lesson relates to required readings (the basis of quizzes and essays) and supplementary optional readings. Quizzes and optional readings must be completed before the class period. A quiz and essay are required. Quizzes are usually due on Mondays, and essays are due by Wednesday. There is an opportunity to discuss and comment on writings and assignments on the web site and during Thursday sessions.
Deadlines. Quizzes are due on the Monday preceeding the class presentation of the same material (at 9 pm) for full credit. To assure feedback and full credit, essays should be posted by Wednesday (6 pm) before the next class.
There are eight "standard" sessions and three "open mike" sessions, where guests are invited to discuss topics chosen from previous sessions by the students.
There is a midterm examination for evaluation and diagnosis of learning and teaching problems. The final exam is an essay applying the ideas of the course to a particular architectural example.
Quizzes count 3 points on the final grades (total = 24 points). Essays count 5 points (total = 40 points). Each attendance counts 1.0 for a maximum of 24 points (this allows for some absences). The midterm counts 10 points on the final grade, and the final (written essay) counts 14 points. Summarized:
- 16 points for quizzes
- 12 points for essays
- 12 points for attendance
- 20 points for midterm
- 40 points for final
- 100 points total
- Note that the 'W' status of the course requires that over half of the credit be gained by writing. This course is not specifically directed towards writing improvement. No writing instruction per se will be given. The purpose of the 'W' is to insure that writing be a required component of at least one course in every undergraduate curriculum. The course, however, emphasizes critical writing and reading as central to the activity of architecture theory. Writing quantity and quality is encouraged in every way.
Graduate Theory Course
Graduate students will be using 311w as the basis for their own theory course, Arch511, "Perspectives in Architecture Theory." Graduate students will have different assignments and options.
Open Mike Link Game
Students have available a list of topics discussed during session and included in readings. For "open mike" sessions, they pick a combination of four topics and submit them to the instructors. The instructors choose the most interesting combination to serve as a basis for discussion and write up a "prospectus" to guide guest critics and the audience.
Web site
The class's web site includes the schedule, "lesson texts" covering weekly discussion topics, lists of assigned and optional readings. The faculty at large is invited to contribute works for the optional readings list. Writing is posted (authors remain anonymous) from weekly essay assignments, and the site is linked to individual student "portfolio" sites.
Texts
Lesson texts are copyrighted. Reproduction in any form is prohibited without the permission of the authors. Assigned readings will be available at a cost determined by reproduction costs and copyright fees. A selection of optional readings will be placed on reserve in the Architecture Reading Room.
By the Way
It would be nice if non-architecture students found this course a means of discovering the ways in which art meets philosophy. We invite any interested parties to join in the "fun" (we hope it will be that) and contribute their own distinctive disciplinary points of view. Of course, since the course is about deconstructing the point of view, be prepared to remove some mental fences.
Please contact us about any issue of interest in this course prospectus. Add books to the booklist, suggest appropriate additions to the required readings, or volunteer for an "open mike" night. Send to Don Kunze or Christopher Diehl.