Syllabus

LEARNING OUTCOMES

The student will gain an understanding of the most central themes of post-1960s architectural theory. The student will reach an ability to approach contemporary architecture in an analytical and critical manner. The student will attain abilities to follow and contribute to contemporary architectural discourse; position themselves within various architectural ideologies; and to develop their personal architectural values and professional identity.

Credits: 6

Schedule: 26.02.2025 - 28.05.2025

Teacher in charge (valid for whole curriculum period):

Teacher in charge (applies in this implementation): Anni Vartola

Contact information for the course (applies in this implementation):

CEFR level (valid for whole curriculum period):

Language of instruction and studies (applies in this implementation):

Teaching language: English. Languages of study attainment: English

CONTENT, ASSESSMENT AND WORKLOAD

Content

• valid for whole curriculum period:

  Architecture Theory 2 is an advanced course that focuses on the phenomena and theoretical developments in contemporary Western architecture (post-1960s). The course has an applied theoretical approach with an emphasis on  Finnish architecture. The coursework entails, for instance, theoretical readings, discussions, theoretical analyses in writing, oral presentations at class, and panel discussions.

Assessment Methods and Criteria

• valid for whole curriculum period:

  Evaluation is 0–5. Accepted coursework entails completing all the exercises and participation at all of the classes. Any absences must be compensated with individually negotiated extra coursework. Coursework evaluation is based on the student's self-assessment (30%) and the mean average of the assignments (70%). The assessment of these utilises evaluation rubrics which will be available on MyCourses course page.

Workload

• valid for whole curriculum period:

  The course workload entails an estimated amount of 165 hours of work: 18 contact hours and 147 hrs of independent work. The course entails lectures, reading, critical essay writing, architectural analyses, and presentations; these can be partly groupwork. Class participation is mandatory. The course applies digital online tools; online participation is possible. 

DETAILS

Study Material

• valid for whole curriculum period:

  All the course readings will be available in pdf format or as online links on the MyCourses platform at the start of the course. 

Substitutes for Courses

• valid for whole curriculum period:

  Substitutes for Courses

Prerequisites

• valid for whole curriculum period:

  Prerequisites

FURTHER INFORMATION

Further Information

• valid for whole curriculum period:

  Teaching Language: English

  Teaching Period: 2024-2025 Spring IV - V
  2025-2026 Spring IV - V

  Registration:

  Min 5 students, Max 20 students
  Registration for courses Sisu. Priority order to courses is according to the order of priority decided by the Academic committee for School of Arts, Design and Architecture, https//www.aalto.fi/en/services/registering-to-courses-and-the-order-of-priority-at-aalto-arts

Description