Module Database Search

MODULE DESCRIPTOR
Module Title
History and Theory 2. Classical, Medieval and Renaissance Architecture
Reference	AC1008	Version	3
Created	April 2018	SCQF Level	SCQF 7
Approved	July 2016	SCQF Points	15
Amended	July 2018	ECTS Points	7.5

Aims of Module
To provide the student with an understanding and overview of the architectural and landscape design production of the principal periods of Western civilizations from Ancient Greece up to the Baroque.

Learning Outcomes for Module
On completion of this module, students are expected to be able to:
1	Identify and describe a range of key ideas, periods, sites, buildings and designs in the evolution of Western Architecture and Landscape design up to the Baroque, and evaluate their significance in relation to their cultural context.
2	Discuss in written academic format a chosen topic relating to the evolution of Western Architecture and Landscape design up to and including the Baroque period.

Indicative Module Content
The module presents a historical survey of the main features of the various stages of architectural and landscape design production within the stream of Western Architecture from pre-classical Antiquity up to the Baroque with detailed examination of key and representative examples. Architectural History is understood as a narrative into which several different strands are woven. The lecture course, therefore, introduces aspects of technology & construction techniques, stylistic traits and artistic background, functional aspects, cultural dimensions, social structures and relations, theory, etc., as and when relevant to the student's understanding of the 'story'. A number of particular buildings and projects, such as the Parthenon, the Pantheon, the Tempietto of San Pietro in Montorio, etc., are studied which reflect or condense the relationship between their socio-cultural context and spatial and technological types. Relationships are drawn between broader artistic ideas and their influence on architecture. For example, the relationship between classical sculpture and architecture is discussed in relation to the design of the Parthenon; similarly, the influence of linear perspective is discussed in relation to the Early Renaissance architecture of Brunelleschi; etc. The module emphasizes writing (and drawing and oral presentation to a lesser degree) as tools useful in understanding and describing the subject studied.

Indicative Module Content

The module presents a historical survey of the main features of the various stages of architectural and landscape design production within the stream of Western Architecture from pre-classical Antiquity up to the Baroque with detailed examination of key and representative examples. Architectural History is understood as a narrative into which several different strands are woven. The lecture course, therefore, introduces aspects of technology & construction techniques, stylistic traits and artistic background, functional aspects, cultural dimensions, social structures and relations, theory, etc., as and when relevant to the student's understanding of the 'story'. A number of particular buildings and projects, such as the Parthenon, the Pantheon, the Tempietto of San Pietro in Montorio, etc., are studied which reflect or condense the relationship between their socio-cultural context and spatial and technological types. Relationships are drawn between broader artistic ideas and their influence on architecture. For example, the relationship between classical sculpture and architecture is discussed in relation to the design of the Parthenon; similarly, the influence of linear perspective is discussed in relation to the Early Renaissance architecture of Brunelleschi; etc. The module emphasizes writing (and drawing and oral presentation to a lesser degree) as tools useful in understanding and describing the subject studied.

Module Delivery
Lectures in the architectural history, theory & social context of various civilizations up to the Baroque introduce the broader picture. These are supplemented by tutorials and seminars intended to develop deeper understanding and self-directed learning.

Indicative Student Workload	Full Time	Part Time
Contact Hours	25	N/A
Non-Contact Hours	125	N/A
Placement/Work-Based Learning Experience [Notional] Hours	N/A	N/A
TOTAL	150	N/A
Actual Placement hours for professional, statutory or regulatory body

ASSESSMENT PLAN
If a major/minor model is used and box is ticked, % weightings below are indicative only.
Component 1
Type:	Coursework	Weighting:	50%	Outcomes Assessed:	2
Description:	Submission of a written essay on a chosen topic relating to the program articulating the significant theoretical concepts, strategies and arguments.
Component 2
Type:	Examination	Weighting:	50%	Outcomes Assessed:	1
Description:	The exam assesses general knowledge and understanding.

MODULE PERFORMANCE DESCRIPTOR
Explanatory Text
In order to pass the module students must achieve 40% or greater in each component.
Module Grade	Minimum Requirements to achieve Module Grade:
A	70% or better
B	60% or better
C	50% or better
D	40% or better
E	35% or better
F	Less than 35%
NS	Non-submission of work by published deadline or non-attendance for examination

Module Requirements
Prerequisites for Module	None.
Corequisites for module	None.
Precluded Modules	None.

ADDITIONAL NOTES
Additional bibliography presented in teaching plans and lectures.

INDICATIVE BIBLIOGRAPHY
1	Moffett, Fazio, Wodehouse A World History of Architecture, Laurence King 2003
2	Mark, R. (ed), Architectural Technology up to the Scientific Revolution, MIT Press, Cambrdge, Ma., 1993.
3	Murray, Peter The Architecture of the Italian Renaissance, Thames & Hudson, 1963
4	Turner, T Garden History: Philosophy and design 2000BC – 2000 AD, 2005
5	Nuttgens, P., The Story of Architecture, Phaidon Press, London, 1997.

Robert Gordon University, Aberdeen

Module Database Search