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MODULE DESCRIPTOR
Module Title
Architectural Criticism, Journalism and Publishing
Reference AC5007 Version 5
Created July 2021 SCQF Level SCQF 10
Approved August 2009 SCQF Points 15
Amended June 2022 ECTS Points 7.5

Aims of Module
To provide students with an understanding of the practical and intellectual issues surrounding the publication of magazines and books about architecture. To allow them to understand the current trends within publishing within the wider historical context.

Learning Outcomes for Module
On completion of this module, students are expected to be able to:
1 Develop an understanding of the history of architectural publishing.
2 Be aware of the wide range of contemporary printed formats used to explore architectural ideas, buildings and landscapes.
3 Develop the practical skills that would allow the student to produce their own publication – the School’s Yearbook.
4 Produce a reflective journal/report recording their individual contribution to, and the collective process of, creating an architectural publication.

Indicative Module Content
The module is focused around the practical project of producing an architectural publication, the content of which may change from year to year. The module will address both the question of content and criticism and practical issues such as; form, format, graphics and publishing software, production values, photography, drawing reproduction, print and distribution.

Module Delivery
The module will contain discussions and examples from the history of architectural publications and the best of contemporary design magazines, books and websites. Student-led discussion groups should allow the student group to develop the skills to organise the production of a publication. These discussion groups will address both the content and delivery of the publication. A substantial part of the module will be given over to studio based research, writing, design, planning and production.

Indicative Student Workload Full Time Part Time
Contact Hours 24 N/A
Non-Contact Hours 126 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: 60% Outcomes Assessed: 1, 2
Description: Group work.
Component 2
Type: Coursework Weighting: 40% Outcomes Assessed: 3, 4
Description: An individual reflective report (1000 words) on personal learning through the module.

MODULE PERFORMANCE DESCRIPTOR
Explanatory Text
The overall module grade is based on 60% weighting of Component 1 (Coursework Y axis) and 40% weighting of Component 2 (Coursework X axis). An overall minimum grade D is required to pass the module. Non-submission of either component will result in an NS grade. Architecture students must pass each component with a minimum D grade to pass the module.
Coursework:
Coursework: A B C D E F NS
A A A B B E E
B B B B C E E
C B C C C E E
D C C D D E E
E E E E E E F
F E E E F F F
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.

INDICATIVE BIBLIOGRAPHY
1 Architectural Review, El Croquis and A10 and other architectural publications.
2 Forty, A, Words and Buildings: A Vocabulary of Modern Architecture.
3 Berger, J., Ways of Seeing, 1972, Penguin, London - Chapter 7- On Publicity.
4 Meggs, Philip B., Megg’s History of Graphic Design, 2005. J. Wiley & Sons.
5 Strunk, W. and White, A., The Elements of Style (1979) Allyn and Bacon, Boston.

Robert Gordon University, Garthdee House, Aberdeen, AB10 7QB, Scotland, UK: a Scottish charity, registration No. SC013781