Frameworks of Contemporary Practice

Purpose of the course is to:

1. Examine architecture through the lenses of the Discipline, Profession and Practice — the issues of knowledge domains, development of technique, analytics and technologies; ethics, social responsibility and regulation; value and innovation as they relate to different social, economic, political, and environmental conditions.

2. Explore the range of contemporary and emergent practices as they relate to the re-framing of our participation in and impacts on changing social, political, economic, cultural, technological and material landscapes;

3. Develop analytic frameworks and tools for critically examining different approaches to and modes of practice, including their respective organization, operations and business models;

4. Challenge students to think about their present and future participation in practice, and to assist in their visualization of possibilities.

Course Format: Seven interactive lectures by the instructor; two team assignments that will require students to meet outside of class hours in small groups (5 or less) for group discussions, content development, preparation of presentations, and in-class delivery; one and/or case studies; and two mandatory sessions devoted to presentation of a semester project (to be undertaken individually or in a team of two).

Evaluation: Students are expected to be in regular attendance, to participate in class discussions, and to collaborate with others on team assignments. Evaluation is based on class participation (30%), team projects (30%), and a semester project (40%).

Prerequisites: Seminar is enrolled by lottery and limited to 25 students, but it is open to enrolled students in all GSD departments and GSD degree programs. For March I and MLA I students only, completion of the core practice requirement is a pre-requisite.