Theory Reading Posts

What is a Thesis?

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The readings for Sunday, August 30th focus on writing a thesis from three angles:

First, Skwire & Skwire (2011) argue for The Persuasive Principal, guiding you towards more compelling writing that is interesting to read.

Second, Lange (2012) explains “How to be an Architecture Critic” and uses examples from our specific field.

Finally, Spector and Damron (2012) illustrate how to craft an architectural thesis.

For your reflection notes in the event’s comment section, please provide your reaction to these readings by answering the following questions and/or responding to the comments of your classmates:

  • What does having done the reading mean to your current or future practice of architecture?
  • What do you agree with?
  • What do you disagree with (you must disagree with something)?
  • What did you try to—but still don’t—understand?
  • Why does this writer’s work matter to the field of architecture?

photo credit: Luciti via photopin cc

General

Writing About Architecture

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Welcome to ARCH 311w, Architectural and Planning Theories at The Pennsylvania State University. With the “w” designation, the course satisfies the “writing across the curriculum” requirement for undergraduate students. Though the course is required and intended for third-year undergraduate architecture students, others are welcome within the course enrollment limit.

I created this course with the intention of making architectural education more connected to the activities and writings within the profession—active, engaged, relevant writing found in current periodicals. The course transitioned from being locked behind the ANGEL LMS to a WordPress site in Spring 2015 to facilitate these links and current ways of working. As CAD was first used as a digital 2D pencil, ANGEL was merely a repository for readings via PDF scans, and student work via Dropbox submissions.

The enthusiastic participation of Spring 2015 students proved that the move allows broader and more engaged thinking on the topic of architectural and planning theories. However, this site (and its instructor) is still undergoing significant development. If you have any suggestions for improvement, and especially if you find any broken links, please let me know in the comment section. I review these on a regular basis as the site becomes more fully functional.

If you need to learn more about WordPress and how to use it (as a student you must post here), check out the WordPress Tutorials on Lynda.com, available to you through PSU’s IT services at the following links. You must authenticate yourself with the first link before you are able to access the content in the second link.

Thank you for your participation in my entry to the 21st century. Now onward!

photo credit: Rhughes411 via photopin cc