course+description

=Course Description, Expectations and Grading Policy=

Course Description
Architects must be knowledgeable in every aspect of a design project from aesthetics to engineering and everything in between. They must be able to see the big picture and the tiny details. Architects must also be able to communicate their ideas in a visual, verbal and written form, to their clients and to the many other individuals who are involved in the construction process. The study of architecture involves a study of both the technical and creative aspects of the discipline. In this introductory course we emphasize the creative design aspect of architecture. The first half of the course focuses on: the design process, elements and principles of architecture, and representation (through analog and digital drawing and model making). In the second half of the course students will use these skills and concepts as they engage with the architect’s process through specific design challenges.

In this course students will focus on the design process: Defining the problem, Researching the problem, Ideating (brainstorming), Verifying (prototype) and Evaluating (critique and refinement of the solution). They will become familiar with and learn to apply the elements and principles of design as applied to architecture to pursue, in the words of architect Louis Kahn, “the thoughtful making of spaces and places”. The process of architecture will be explored through the interaction of: site, space, society, and structure/skin in a studio environment. The primary means of communication for the content of the course is the Media Studio – Architecture wiki. Students will create and maintain an e-portfolio, which contains all of their completed assignments and projects. Students will also maintain a personal sketchbook, which will be assessed on a periodic basis.

**Expectations**
Come to class with an open mind Be willing to take creative risks Come to class prepared to do the work that is assigned to the best of your ability. Manage and use class time effectively to complete work in a timely fashion. Treat fellow students and yourself with respect. Use the equipment, materials and technology responsibly.

**Studio Rules**
1. No uncovered drinks and food in the computer lab 2. Clean up after yourself. The studio must be clean at the end of the class. 3. Do not waste materials. Recycle or re-use materials when at all possible. Place in appropriate containers. 4. Listening to music is permitted when I am not directly teaching and as long as you are wearing headphones. 5. Electronic devices (iPads, cell phones) may be used with discretion, if it is a part of studio work. Texting or phone calls are not permitted unless you have permission. I reserve the right to confiscate your device until the end of class, if you consistently and repeatedly violate this rule. Egregious misuse of your iPad will result in appropriate action (see: responsible use policy) 6. Ask others before asking me, You are each others best and primary resource. Build a community of learners.

**Grading**
Grading for the course is as follows:

General Assessment 50% E-Portfolio 50%

**General Assessment** is the student’s overall behavior, attitude, personal growth and participation in class - how well they are meeting the goals and expectations of the class

The **E-Portfolio** is made up of unit grades. Unit grades are made up from Activities 40% (smaller assignments and sketchbook) and a larger culminating Project 60%.

The Final course grade is made up from the combined General Assessment and E-Portfolio grade plus the mid-term (written test and/or project) and final exam (project).

Unlike many other subjects, assessing a student's study in the arts, is more difficult to quantify in the typical sense. The grading of creative work is to a large extent subjective. In the end the degree of effort extended and the amount of growth achieved are more important than making superficially correct work. I would rather a student fail beautifully because they tried to extend beyond their own limitations, than to make the safe or “correct” choice. Work must be completed in a timely fashion. Work that is turned in past the due date may be marked down for lateness.
 * Grading Criteria **

What follows below are the guidelines that I use while assessing and deciding on a grade for a unit (a unit includes activities, projects and any sketchbook assignments).

All of the work in a given unit is present and fully complete in the e-portfolio. The work rises above the average by virtue of the depth of knowledge that is demonstrated. Critical thinking and making are clearly present. The work indicates a particularly strong effort to go beyond what is comfortable and known. The work shows an excellent grasp of the concepts and techniques explored in the activities and projects. It shows attention to detail and creative risk taking. The unit, activity or project exceeds expectations and is completed in a timely fashion.
 * A **

A clear majority of the work is present and substantially complete. It shows: a good effort, good grasp of the basic concepts and techniques of the activities and projects, and good creative thinking and problem solving. Many details are present and there is evidence of risk taking and some attempt to push beyond the comfort zone. The work fulfills the expectations of the unit, activity or project and is completed in a timely fashion
 * B **

Most of the work is present and complete. The work shows some effort and a beginning grasp of the concepts and techniques of the activities and projects. There is minimal creative thinking and problem solving demonstrated in the work. Few risks are taken and their is little attempt to challenge the limits of their knowledge. The work fulfills some of the expectations of the activity or project and may or may not be completed in a timely fashion
 * C **

The majority of the work is not present and/or not complete in the e-portfolio. The work shows little or no effort, grasp of concepts and techniques, creative thinking or problem solving. There is little evidence of creative risk taking or growth. The work does not fulfill the expectations of the activity or project. The work has not been completed in a timely fashion.
 * D **

**F** There is no effort to meet the basic goals and expectations of the course. Work is not present in the e-portfolio, and the student makes no effort to participate in and/or attend the class.