The Architecture of Wishful Thinking

Subject 702-516 (2009)

Note: This is an archived Handbook entry from 2009. Search for this in the current handbook

Credit Points: 12.50
Level: 9 (Graduate/Postgraduate)
Dates & Locations:

This subject has the following teaching availabilities in 2009:

Semester 2, - Taught on campus.
Pre-teaching Period Start not applicable
Teaching Period not applicable
Assessment Period End not applicable
Last date to Self-Enrol not applicable
Census Date not applicable
Last date to Withdraw without fail not applicable

On campus

Timetable can be viewed here. For information about these dates, click here.
Time Commitment: Total Time Commitment: 120 hours
Prerequisites: Entry to Graduate School of Architecture Building & Planning, or approval of the subject coordinator.
Corequisites: None
Recommended Background Knowledge: None
Non Allowed Subjects: None
Core Participation Requirements:

For the purposes of considering request for Reasonable Adjustments under the Disability Standards for Education (Cwth 2005), and Student Support and Engagement Policy, academic requirements for this subject are articulated in the Subject Overview, Learning Outcomes, Assessment and Generic Skills sections of this entry.

It is University policy to take all reasonable steps to minimise the impact of disability upon academic study, and reasonable adjustments will be made to enhance a student's participation in the University's programs. Students who feel their disability may impact on meeting the requirements of this subject are encouraged to discuss this matter with a Faculty Student Adviser and Student Equity and Disability Support: http://services.unimelb.edu.au/disability

Coordinator

Ms Annmarie Brennan
Subject Overview:

This subject will explore utopian architecture and planning projects based on political idealism, wishful thinking and the prospects of technology. What does technology contribute to the creation of a modern utopia? Is technology the key to a democratic society without poverty and class warfare? Is it a mechanism for the development of a totalitarian state? This subject will investigate the productive and critical dimensions of utopian thought, exploring the ways in which architecture performs as a vehicle for the implementation of political and social vision.
Objectives:

At the conclusion of this subject students will have a highly developed understanding of modern urban and architectural utopian vision, together with a high capacity for critique of them.
Assessment: Project proposal of up to 1000 words due in week 4 (20%) and written and/or graphic project of at least 4000 words due at the end of semester (80%).
Prescribed Texts: None
Breadth Options:

This subject is not available as a breadth subject.
Fees Information: Subject EFTSL, Level, Discipline & Census Date
Generic Skills:
  • Critical thinking and analytical ability
  • Ability to comprehend architectural concepts and express them lucidly, orally and textually
  • Methods of documentation and presentation
Links to further information: http://www.abp.unimelb.edu.au/environments-and-design-students/melbourne-school-of-design-students.html
Notes: An enrolment quota applies to this subject, with selection based on academic merit and priority.

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