Course detail

Social Sciences and Architecture

FA-SOC-TEAcad. year: 2025/2026

The course consists of six blocks of lectures which present selected aspects of space and architecture. The lectures focus on general introduction to the topic of space and architecture in social sciences, on social science analysis of the role of urban design in modern society, on spatial experience of various social groups, and on the possibilities of applying available data in urbanistic and architectural work.

Language of instruction

English

Number of ECTS credits

1

Mode of study

Not applicable.

Department

Department of Urban Design (UU)

Entry knowledge

Not applicable.

Rules for evaluation and completion of the course

The course evaluates students´ work during the semester which consists of notes from the assigned reading and students´ participation in lectures.
The course grade reflects the results from an individual electronic test with 20 closed questions which tests students from the content of the lectures and the required literature via MOODLE e-learning.

Aims

The course aims to introduce students to the basic knowledge that they will be able to actively use in their architectural and urban design practice, so that they would be able to critically evaluate the consequences of their work and at the same time to creatively avoid various forms of disadvantages which the space might pose in front of the users.
  • Students will acquire the basics of social sciences approach to the problem of space and architecture.
  • Students will be able to critically think about their own design practice.
  • Students will be able to find relevant data as a background materials for developing their projects.
  • Students will be able to assess the relevance of sources.
  • Students will familiarize with selected aspects of space and architecture.

Study aids

Not applicable.

Prerequisites and corequisites

Not applicable.

Basic literature

COWAN, Alexander and Jill Steward. (eds.). The city and the senses: urban culture since 1500, Aldershot, England ; Burlington, VT: Ashgate, 2007. (EN)
HALL,Tim, Phil HUBBARD and John Rennie Short (eds.). The SAGE companion to the city. Los Angeles: SAGE Publications, 2008 (EN)
HUBBARD, Phil, Rob KITCHIN and Gill VALENTINE. Key texts in human geography. Los Angeles, Calif.: SAGE, 2008. (EN)
MADANIPOUR, Ali. Public and private spaces of the city. London: Routledge, 2003. (EN)
SMITH, Allison E. Ageing in urban neighbourhoods: place attachment and social exclusion. Bristol, UK ; Portland, OR : Policy Press, 2009. (EN)
WOODWARD, Ian. Understanding material culture. Los Angeles : Sage, 2007. (EN)

Recommended reading

Not applicable.

Classification of course in study plans

  • Programme B_A+U Bachelor's 4 year of study, winter semester, compulsory

Type of course unit

 

Seminar

21 hod., compulsory

Teacher / Lecturer