Course syllabus for Nordic architecture

Course syllabus adopted 2024-02-02 by Head of Programme (or corresponding).

Overview

  • Swedish nameNordisk arkitektur
  • CodeACE360
  • Credits5 Credits
  • OwnerMPARC
  • Education cycleSecond-cycle
  • Main field of studyArchitecture
  • DepartmentARCHITECTURE AND CIVIL ENGINEERING
  • GradingTH - Pass with distinction (5), Pass with credit (4), Pass (3), Fail

Course round 1

  • Teaching language English
  • Application code 05133
  • Maximum participants36 (at least 10% of the seats are reserved for exchange students)
  • Minimum participants8
  • Open for exchange studentsYes
  • Only students with the course round in the programme overview.

Credit distribution

0123 Written and oral assignments 5 c
Grading: TH		0 c0 c5 c0 c0 c0 c

In programmes

Examiner

Eligibility

General entry requirements for Master's level (second cycle)
Applicants enrolled in a programme at Chalmers where the course is included in the study programme are exempted from fulfilling the requirements above.

Specific entry requirements

English 6 (or by other approved means with the equivalent proficiency level)
Applicants enrolled in a programme at Chalmers where the course is included in the study programme are exempted from fulfilling the requirements above.

Aim

The course provides an introduction to themes and history of Nordic architecture and town planning, through model making, research, critical reflection, and the use of exhibition as a communication tool.

Learning outcomes (after completion of the course the student should be able to)

Knowledge and understanding
  • Identify common features and aspects of Nordic architecture, critically question and expand those designations, and reflect on similarities and differences across the Nordic region.
Competence and skills
  • Collaborate with group members to build models on several scales, develop model building as a tool for understanding, and use models for communication through the exhibition format.
  • Creatively combine archival materials such as architectural drawings, images, films, and interviews, with study visits and secondary sources.
Judgement and approach
  • Formulate research questions to relate specific Nordic architects and buildings to their social, cultural and historical contexts and build physical models that highlight these questions.

Content

The subject of analysis is focused on a specific architectural theme which may vary from year to year. A selection of buildings from the Nordic countries is chosen to be studied in groups and analysed in depth. Projects are investigated through making multiple types of physical models alongside images, collages, and text. The analysis develops and clarifies concepts of Nordic architecture and its markers, by examining and interpreting essential qualities of the buildings in their historic, spatial, and social contexts.

Organisation

The course is based on activities that develop the students’ ability for self-led work, self-organisation and independent analysis. These activities include
  • student-organized study visits
  • student-led seminars
  • physical model building in groups
  • student-curated exhibition
The activities incite the students to combine practical model making with theoretical thinking, and to continually share findings within the group and across groups.

These core activities are complimented by lectures and tutoring

Literature

A list of literature will be provided before the beginning of the course.

Examination including compulsory elements

To pass the course the following is required: attendance and active participation in all aspects of group work: model building, seminars, study visits, reports, and final exhibition.

For any student being present at all the lectures, trips, seminars, and the model building and demonstrating fulfilling all the learning objectives the normal grade is 4. Lesser participation will result in the grade 3 or not passed. Exceptional contributions during the course in terms of teamwork, process, and/or outcome might result in the grade 5.

The course examiner may assess individual students in other ways than what is stated above if there are special reasons for doing so, for example if a student has a decision from Chalmers on educational support due to disability.