fall 2007
ARC 386M:
Post Professional Seminar
Instructor:
Larry Doll
The purpose of this course is to begin an architectural conversation that will lead to your Post Professional project whether it is a Thesis or Masters Design Study. Many of you may have been involved in the profession in ways that minimize critical discourse. We hope that the readings and discussions in this seminar will reconnect practice and theory.
The course will be broken into five, two-week modules. The first week of each module will be a discussion based on readings in architectural theory. After reading the assignment you will prepare a one page commentary for each one. Your commentary should include a paragraph summarizing the essay, a paragraph listing other related readings with which you are familiar, and a personal critique of the essay. In the second week we will look at related practice and writings. Each of you will be responsible for 1-2 'practice' presentations. By the end of the semester, each of you should be ready to write a personal manifesto and present it to the class.
30 AUG Why Theory?
6 SEP Personal Statements - Where I've been, where I'm going
13 + 20 SEP Module 1 Architectural Praxis
Readings and buildings from Stan Allen and others
27 SEP + 4 OCT Module 2 Theory versus Ideology
Readings from Mario Gandelsonas, buildings from Peter Eisenman and others
11 + 18 OCT Module 3 Building the City
Readings and buildings from Rem Koolhaas and others
25 OCT + 1 NOV Module 4 Drawing from Maps
Readings and projects from James Corner and others
8 + 15 NOV Module 5 Diagrams Matter
Readings and buildings from Ben van Berkel and others
29 NOV + 6 DEC Final Project
Presentations of Individual Manifestos
Grades
Your work will be evaluated on its rigor and evolution over the semester.
grade descriptions
A : excellent work- Project surpasses expectations in terms of inventiveness, appropriateness, verbal and visual ability, conceptual rigor, craft, and personal development. Student pursues concepts and techniques above and beyond what is discussed in class. Project is complete on all levels and explores modes of communication not required by the instructor.
B : good work- Project is thorough, well researched, diligently pursued, and successfully completed. Student pursues ideas and suggestions presented in class and puts in effort to resolve required projects. Project is complete on all levels and demonstrates potential for excellence.
C : required work- Project meets the minimum requirements. Suggestions made in class are pursued but not with dedication or rigor. Project is incomplete in one or more areas.
D : poor work- Project is incomplete. Basic skills including graphic skills, model-making skills, verbal clarity or logic of presentation are not level-appropriate. Student does not demonstrate the required design skill and knowledge base.
F : unacceptable work- Project is unresolved. Minimum objectives are not met. Performance is not acceptable. Note that this grade will be assigned when you have excessive unexcused absences.
X : (excused incomplete)- Can be given only for legitimate reasons of illness or family emergency. Simply not completing work on time is not an adequate cause for assigning this evaluation. It may only be used after consultation with the Associate Deans' offices and with an agreement as to a new completion date. Studio work must be completed before the second week of the next design semester in which you are enrolling, according to School of Architecture policy.
ALL GRADES ARE SUBJECT TO DEDUCTIONS FOR ABSENCES, LATE WORK AND LATE ARRIVALS.
Attendance
Attendance is mandatory. Participation is expected. Students with three (3) absences may be dropped from the course without further notice. The minimum penalty for three absences is a full letter drop in your final grade for the course. Please contact the instructor prior to class if you expect to be late or miss class.
A student who misses classes or other required activities for the observance of a religious holy day should inform the instructor as far in advance of the absence as possible, so that arrangements can be made to complete an assignment within a reasonable time after the absence. A student who fails to complete missed work within the time allowed will be subject to the normal academic penalties.
Disabilities
Please notify your instructor of any adaptation you may require to accommodate a specific physical need. You will be requested to provide documentation to the Dean of Students' Office, in order that the most appropriate accommodations can be determined. Specialized services are available on campus through the Services for Students with Disabilities, also found via the web at http://deanofstudents.utexas.edu/ssd/.
Security, safety and the studio
The studio is an exceptional learning environment. Since it is a place for all, it necessitates the careful attention to the needs of everyone in it. Please see your instructor if there are any problems (music, visual pollution) that you are unable to resolve on your own. All spraying of fixative, spray paint or any other substance should be done in the shop. Security is a necessary component for a studio that is accessible to you and your colleagues 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Please be mindful not to admit any uninvited visitors and keep all exterior doors locked after hours.
Academic Integrity
The following statement references the University's policy on academic integrity. According to the General Information catalog, "the value of a university degree depends on the absolute integrity of the work done by each student for that degree, a student should maintain a high standard of individual honor in his or her scholastic work" (page 98). All work handed in by you is considered to be your own work, prepared without unauthorized assistance" (page 72). Students who violate University rules on scholastic dishonesty are subject to disciplinary penalties, including the possibility of failure in the course and/or dismissal from the University. Since such dishonesty harms the individual, all students, and the integrity of the University, policies on scholastic dishonesty will be strictly enforced.