Architecture Theory: The Canon unit (KDA241)

Launceston

Introduction

Bachelor of Architecture and Built Environments Architecture Theory units focus on establishing and enhancing students’ capacity to think with clarity and rigour to ensure solid bases for research inquiry and design practice. At Intermediate level, these units provide foundational understandings of the history and lived spaces of architecture and built environments. Architecture Theory: The Canon focuses on the development of core knowledge and critical understanding of the canon of Architecture. Through lectures, self-directed research and interactive seminars and workshops you will explore, discuss and critique the relationships between the objects of architectural production and their historical, cultural and discursive position. You will develop knowledge of key precedents, their historical position within the canon of Architecture, and the basis for their canonical significance (including associated debates). The relationship of these debates to contemporary positions will be critically explored. By undertaking focused research on a specified topic in architectural history, you will develop skills in critical inquiry and techniques of academic communication employing appropriate conventions in written, verbal and visual formats.

Summary

Unit name	Architecture Theory: The Canon
Unit code	KDA241
Credit points	12.5
College/School	Sciences and Engineering School of Architecture and Design
Discipline	Architecture & Design
Coordinator	Associate Professor David Beynon
Available as an elective?	Yes
Delivered By	University of Tasmania
Level	Intermediate

Availability

Location	Study period	Attendance options		Available to
Launceston	Semester 2

Note

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Key Dates

Study Period	Start date	Census date	WW date	End date
Semester 2	5/7/2026	27/7/2026	30/8/2026	24/10/2026

* The Final WW Date is the final date from which you can withdraw from the unit without academic penalty, however you will still incur a financial liability (refer to How do I withdraw from a unit? for more information).

Unit census dates currently displaying for 2026 are indicative and subject to change. Finalised census dates for 2026 will be available from the 1st October 2025. Note census date cutoff is 11.59pm AEST (AEDT during October to March).

About Census Dates

Learning Outcomes

• Identify precedents and their location within the chronology of the canon of Architecture
• Interrelate the objects of architectural production and their historical, cultural and discursive position
• Articulate a critical position informed by focused inquiry into a specified topic in architecture and design history and theory
• Situate architectural ideas by applying academic conventions within written, verbal and visual communications

Fee Information

Field of Education	Commencing Student Contribution 1,3	Grandfathered Student Contribution 1,3	Approved Pathway Course Student Contribution 2,3	Domestic Full Fee 4
040101	$1,192.00	$1,192.00	not applicable	$2,919.00

• Available as a Commonwealth Supported Place
• HECS-HELP is available on this unit, depending on your eligibility³
• FEE-HELP is available on this unit, depending on your eligibility⁴

¹ Please refer to more information on student contribution amounts.
² Please refer to more information on eligibility and Approved Pathway courses.
³ Please refer to more information on eligibility for HECS-HELP.
⁴ Please refer to more information on eligibility for FEE-HELP.

If you have any questions in relation to the fees, please contact UniConnect or more information is available on StudyAssist.

Please note: international students should refer to What is an indicative Fee? to get an indicative course cost.

Teaching

Teaching Pattern	1 hour / week of lectorial content for 10 weeks 2 hours / week of workshop interactive content for 10 weeks 3 hours / week of fieldwork (walking tour) for 2 weeks
Assessment	Debate (30%)|Research documentation (30%)|Visual Essay (40%)
Timetable	View the lecture timetable | View the full unit timetable

Textbooks

Required	Required readings will be listed in the unit outline prior to the start of classes.

The University reserves the right to amend or remove courses and unit availabilities, as appropriate.