Architecture 331.......................................Theories of Architecture
Louisiana Tech University....................................................................Winter 2005-2006
School of Architecture
William T Willoughby, Associate Professor........................................................section 001

"The Education of the Architect"
"The architect should be equipped with knowledge of many branches of study and varied kinds of learning, for it is by the architect's judgment that work done by the other arts is put to test. This knowledge is the child of practice and theory. Practice is the continuous and regular exercise of employment where manual work is done with any necessary material according to the design of a drawing. Theory, on the other hand, is the ability to demonstrate and explain the productions of dexterity on the principles of proportion.
"It follows, therefore, that architects who have aimed at acquiring manual skill without scholarship have never been able to reach a position of authority to correspond to their pains, while those who relied only upon theories and scholarship were obviously hunting the shadow, not the substance. But those who have a thorough knowledge of both, like persons armed at all points, have sooner attained their object and carried authority with them."

-- from Vitruvius, The Ten Books on Architecture (New York: Dover Publications Inc., 1960)


Aldo Rossi, Via Croce Rossa Monument, Milan, Italy, 1988

Course Description: Architecture 331: Theories of Architecture, Prerequisite: Architecture 231. A study and evaluation of the architectural profession, its intentions, and its cultural relevance as described in the writings of contemporary theorists.

Introduction
This course is meant to contribute to and deepen your understanding of architecture as a practical and profound endeavor. The pursuit of architecture can be viewed as a lifelong discourse and an ongoing discussion about techniques and ideas. This course is meant to be the place for you to inquire into advanced notions of architectural theory through the topics discussed. Reading, notetaking, writing, diagramming, and research skills are indispensable to your understanding and growth in this Seminar. The readings, lectures, class discussions, notetaking, writing, diagramming assignments, and impromptu quizzes you will encounter during this course are opportunities for you to apply your insights to the topics we discuss.

Experience tells me that the creation of a course of topical discourse is never automatic-- it must be preconceived and structured to encourage the widest group participation. In light of the fact that we have a large number of students, I view this course as a chance for discussion and dialogue about concepts and ideas crucial to your professional development. The course atmosphere is meant to promote serious and focused group discussion on selected topics; facilitated group discussions and dialogues will proceed after lectures.

Conflicting opinions on subject matter are expected, and dialogue is meant to expose a further understanding of subject matter. A good dialogue depends on the quality of knowledge brought to the table, the courtesy and temperance of those involved in dialogue, and the attentiveness and encouragement put forth from the those serving their role as audience. This means that we must together strive to create a decorum in the classroom where group learning can emerge. For the most part, I view my position in this course to be that of a lecturer, guide, facilitator and catalyst for an open symposium on architectural knowledge. You as student, seeker of knowledge, and dialogue partner must share the burden of maintaining the quality and pertinence of our group's education.

Course Objectives

  1. To present and clarify current trends in architectural theory so that the student of architecture may develop a theoretical position from which to view the present physical, cultural, and historical context of architecture. (see NAAB Performance Criteria No. 8, 10 and 12)
  2. To develop critical mechanisms that will enable the student of architecture to better explain, evaluate and critique architecture with respect to cultural and social phenomena. (see NAAB Performance Criterion No. 8)
  3. To provide a forum where the student of architecture will engage in a traditional discourse grounded in the architectural theories inherent in Global, Western, national, and regional thought. (see NAAB Performance Criteria Nos. 1, 10 and 12)
  4. To provide the student of architecture with a methodology for critical and analytical reading; and to enrich his/her technique and craft of analytical writing. (see NAAB Performance Criteria Nos. 1 and 3)
  5. To provide the student of architecture and design with broader criteria for self-critique and self-evaluation of design work within the studio setting.

Required Texts
All topical sets of primary and secondary readings for this course are available online. Please link here to ARCH 331: Required Readings and Course Schedule. In order to view the readings, you will need a password to access the site and you will need Adobe Acrobat Reader 4.0 (or higher). Details about both of these items are available at the link above. You can read the essays in their electronic format, or you can print them out for your own, in-class use.

While reading you should have available, at minimum, the equivalent of a Merriam-Webster's Webster's New Collegiate Dictionary, latest edition, (Springfield, MA: G. & C. Merriam Co., most recent date).

Course Methods
Topical Readings and Lectures
Typically, topical readings will be issued at the end of Wednesday's class. You will be expected to read the topical essay for the next Monday. A faculty lecture, class-discussion, video presentation, or guest lecture will occur during the Monday class. Wednesdays will be for a continuation of the topic in the form of another lecture, video presentation, or the more likely of the three, an in-class discussion of the readings.

For each Monday (or Wednesday if we meet only on that day that week), bring to class for submission to the instructor a list of words or architectural terms that you needed to define in order to read and understand the essay (make a list the words that you needed to look up in a dictionary).

Be sure to view the web page entitled How You should Read for Architecture 331. You are expected to read and annotate all readings in the manner described on this webpage. Required readings will be assigned that relate to the weekly topic; you should have read the assigned reading prior to the day of discussion. Please, Please, Please read what is assigned prior to the class period when it will be discussed. Your personal method of reading should include a method of note-taking that uncovers: an understanding of the basic argument presented by the author, the structure of the essay, attention to parallel arguments as presented by other authors, and of course, your own personal insights into the reading at hand. If I suspect that you are not prepared to discuss the readings, or are relying heavily on lecture material alone, I will most likely issue an impromptu quiz (of which you can expect a minimum of two). These quizzes will count as a component of your seminar grade and contribute significantly to your overall grade for the course.

Course Policies:
Architecture 331 observes the attendance policy stated below:

All students enrolled in Architecture 331 are accountable to all policies and requirements described in this Course Description and all subsequent course documents available on this course site. The policies and requirements are extensive and specific. It is therefore not the policy of the course instructor to remind students of every policy or requirement. You are accountable to these policies whether or not these policies and requirements are mentioned during the quarter.

Architecture 331 is required for graduation from the program. The substitution of this course for a Related Readings Courses (Architecture 450B) is not permitted.

Classes will start promptly at the prescribed time. Since this is a lecture/discussion course, and much information must be covered in a short period (see course schedule), the efficient use of class time is of the essence. You are required to arrive on time and stay attentive for the duration of the class. If you are absent, for any reason, you will jeopardize your performance in this course. If you accrue more than two absences, whether excused or unexcused (meaning over ten percent (10%) or more of the total number of classes, then you will accept a loss of 5 final percentage points (one letter grade) for each absence beyond two. Any student who consistently arrives late or leaves early may have their final grade lowered by 5 final percentage points (one letter grade). A sign-in sheet will be circulated at the beginning of each class -- be sure that you sign it for every class that you attend.

Unless excused for medical reasons or serious corroborated emergency (in writing), the attendance policy will be strictly enforced. Unless warranted by medical necessity or serious tragedy, there shall be no incomplete grades issued at the completion of the quarter.

Cheating or plagiarism of any type will not be tolerated. These offenses can be cause for dismissal from and/or failure of course. This course is conducted with the expectation that all students uphold The Honor Code at Louisiana Tech University. The Honor Code encompasses basic principles of academic integrity: honesty, fairness, respect, responsibility, and excellence. Section Three of the Honor Code specifically addresses cheating. The Honor Code Statement reads as such, "Being a student of a higher standard, I pledge to embody the principles of academic integrity." See the online Student Handbook and open the portable document format file entitled "Honor Code": Louisiana Tech University Student Judicial Affairs.

No recording devices of any kind will be permitted in lecture without the prior consent of the instructor. Also, please leave the classroom in the same condition (clean and orderly) that it was at the beginning of class (no food or drink is allowed in the classroom).

The instructor reserves the right to keep any and all graded course material (writing assignments, exercises, and other submissions) either indefinitely or for a minimum of 30 class days into the subsequent regular quarter session (excluding Summer Quarter).

Special Note: The instructor reserves the right to modify or change any aspect of this course including evaluation criteria, deadlines, and course schedule at any time and for any reason. You will be adequately informed any modifications or changes to this course prior to those modification or changes taking effect. Notices of changes to this course will be announced in class and displayed on this course's announcements page.

Evaluation
Evaluations are based on your understanding, skill, and application of the material covered by this course. A system of percentages is used to assess your class participation, impromptu quiz grades, weekly assignments, initial and final assignments, and development during the semester.  This system also serves as the basis for establishing final grades for all students enrolled in the course.  A final letter grade of A, B, C, D, or F (as defined by the current edition of the Louisiana Tech Academic Course Bulletin) will be issued.

Each student is expected to take notes on the material presented in lecture. The instructor's personal lecture notes will not be made available for student use. I recommend that you maintain a personal notebook that documents your efforts for this course in an organized and coherent fashion. The notebook you keep is primarily for your benefit. It should contain notes or diagrams taken while reading assigned essays, any notes taken during lectures, any ideas presented our class discussions, and pertinent handouts issued in class. Keep a copy of all assignments you submit during this course of the quarter.

I will maintain a folder in which I will collect all assignments handed in. Due dates for the weekly assignments is as follows:

The folder will also contain your initial assignment, your final assignment, and any impromptu quizzes issued during the quarter. Be sure you keep a copy of all submissions you make to your folder for your own records.

Each page you submit should have your name and the date of its submission. No assignments will be accepted after the date they are due. If it is late, the submission will not be factored into your grade.

10 Monday assignments - 20% (2% each)
10 Wednesday assignments - 30% (3% each)
5 Diagrams (5 out of the 10 weeks) - 20% (4% each)
Initial assignment - 10%
Final assignment - 10%
Participation/Development/Quizzes - 10%
Total - 100%

A= 90% and above, B= 80% to 89%, C= 70%-79%, D= 60-69%, F= 59% and below

Your final grade will then be modified based on any point deductions incurred due to class absences (see the attendance policy above). Also, your final grade can be modified based on any point additions due to participation in the extra credit portion of this course (see the extra credit policy below).

Extra Credit
Perfect attendance in this course will gain you a bonus of five final percentage points (5%) on to your final grade. In addition, each student will have the opportunity to complete extra credit work by attending and writing a brief summary (a single, word-processed page) on a minimum of four cultural events hosted by Louisiana Tech University -- this may include events sponsored by the School of Art (film series/art exhibitions), the School of Architecture (lecture series, symposia, and exhibits), and the School of Performing Arts (Music, Voice, Dance, and Theater). All other events sponsored by other University departments (or other venues) that you might like to attend should be presented for approval by the instructor prior to the student attending the event (as a general rule, sporting events or sorority/fraternity events will not count). Failure to complete the minimum of four cultural events (attendance and summary) for submission by the last day of class disqualifies the student from participating in this extra credit program. Extra credit work does not guarantee that a final grade average will be enhanced. See the instructor for further details on gaining extra credit from cultural events if you are interested.

Cell Phones and General Disruptions
Cell phone use will not be allowed in this course. If you have a cellular phone or a pager, please make sure that you turn it off in class -- or at least put it on 'vibrate' mode if you are expecting an important call (in such cases, the instructor should be informed of the circumstance before class). No calls should be placed from cell phones during class time, and no calls should be received during class time. Interruptions in class, including distractions (gestures and noises), talking between students, and general inattentiveness during lecture or class discussions will not be tolerated. If the attention of the class as a whole or the instructor is interrupted during class time due to cell phone, pager use, or any such distractions you can except to receive a serious reprimand; otherwise, anticipate being asked to leave the class for the remainder of the period with readmission contingent upon a formal apology.

Office Hours
I want to make myself available to you as much as I can, please note my office hours (see office hours above) or by appointment. My office room number is GTM Hall 104 or sometimes Hale Hall 226 and my phone is (318) 257-2660. Please do me the courtesy of calling or emailing me if for any reason you must miss or be late for class.

RETURN TO MAIN INDEX PAGE