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SCHOOL OF ARCHITECTURE, BUILDING & DESIGN
Centre for Modern Architecture Studies in Southeast Asia (MASSA)
___________________________________________________________________
Foundation in Natural and Built Environments
Module: Culture & Civilization [CLS 30105]
Prerequisite: None
Credit hours: 5
Instructor: Normah Sulaiman [ normah.sulaiman@taylors.edu.my]
Ida Marlina Mazlan [ida.mazlan@gmail.com]
Module Synopsis
This module will equip students with theory of the Western and Eastern culture and civilization from
prehistoric to present. It engages students with an overview of archeological discoveries, ancient
monuments, artworks, philosophy and achievement of great leaders through investigations. The module will
be presented in the form of a studio with lectures, tutorials, student presentations and class discussion.
Module Teaching Objectives
The teaching objectives of the module are:
1. To introduce the Western and Eastern culture and civilization through an overview of archeological
discoveries, ancient monuments, artworks, philosophy and achievement of great leaders from
prehistoric to present.
2. To examine the similarities and differences between Eastern and Western civilizations.
3. To show basic skills on enquiry, investigation, application and presentation of relevant information.
Module Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion of the module, students will be able to:
1. Able to describe the historical development of human civilization.
2. Able to recall the development of Eastern and Western human civilizations in the past as well as
present.
3. Able to develop skills of data gathering.
4. Able to demonstrate good documentation and presentation skills.
Modes of Delivery
This is a 3 credit hour module conducted over a period of 18 weeks. The modes of delivery will be in the
form of lectures, tutorials, and self-directed study. The breakdown of the contact hours for the module is as
follows:
 Lecture: 2 hours/week
 Tutorial: 2 hours/week
 Self-study: 2 hour/week
Office Hours
You are encouraged to visit the instructor/lecturer/tutor concerned for assistance during office hours. If the
office hours do not meet your schedule, notify the instructor and set appointment times as needed.
TIMeS
TIMeS will be used as a communication tool and information portal for students to access module materials,
project briefs, assignments and announcements

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Taylor’s Graduate Capabilities(TGC)
The teaching and learning approach at Taylor’s University is focused on developing the Taylor’s Graduate
Capabilities in its students; capabilities that encompass the knowledge, cognitive capabilities and soft skills
of our graduates.
Discipline Specific Knowledge
TGCs Acquired
Through Module
Learning Outcomes
1.0 Discipline Specific Knowledge
1.1 Solid foundational knowledge in relevant subjects 1-3
1.2 Understand ethical issues in the context of the field of study
Cognitive Capabilities
2.0 Lifelong Learning
2.1 Locate and extract information effectively
2.2 Relate learned knowledge to everyday life
3.0 Thinking and Problem Solving Skills
3.1 Learn to think critically and creatively 1,2
3.2 Define and analyse problems to arrive at effective solutions 3
Soft Skills
4.0 Communication Skills
4.1 Communicate appropriately in various setting and modes
5.0 Interpersonal Skills
5.1 Understand team dynamics and work with others in a team
6.0 Intrapersonal Skills
6.1 Manage one self and be self-reliant 2
6.2 Reflect on one’s actions and learning. 3
6.3 Embody Taylor's core values. -
7.0 Citizenship and Global Perspectives
7.1 Be aware and form opinions from diverse perspectives. -
7.2 Understand the value of civic responsibility and community engagement. -
8.0 Digital Literacy
8.1
Effective use of information and communication (ICT) and related
technologies.
-

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General Rules and Regulations
Late Submission Penalty
The School imposes a late submission penalty for work submitted late without a valid reason e.g. a medical
certificate. Any work submitted after the deadline (which may have been extended) shall have the
percentage grade assigned to the work on face value reduced by 10% for the first day and 5% for each
subsequent day late. A weekend counts as 1 day.
Individual members of staff shall be permitted to grant extensions for assessed work that they have set if
they are satisfied that a student has given good reasons.
Absenteeism at intermediate or final presentations will result in zero mark for that presentation.
The Board of Examiners may overrule any penalty imposed and allow the actual mark achieved to be used
if the late submission was for a good reason.
Attendance, Participation and Submission of Assessment Components
Attendance is compulsory. Any student who arrives late after the first half-hour of class will be considered as
absent. A minimum of 80% attendance is required to pass the module and/or be eligible for the final
examination. You are expected to attend and participate actively in class. The lectures and tutorials will
assist you in expanding your ideas and your research progression.
Students will be assessed based on their performance throughout the semester. Students are expected to
attend and participate actively in class. Class participation is an important component of every module.
Students must attempt all assessment components including Portfolio. Failure to attempt assessment
components worth 20% or more, the student would be required to resubmit or resit an assessment
component, even though the student has achieved more than 50% in the overall assessment. Failure to
attempt all assessment components, including final exam and final presentation, will result in failing the
module irrespective of the marks earned, even though the student has achieved more than 50% in the
overall assessment.
Plagiarism (Excerpt from Taylor’s University Student Handbook 2013, page 59)
Plagiarism, which is an attempt to present another person’s work as your own by not acknowledging the
source, is a serious case of misconduct which is deemed unacceptable by the University. "Work" includes
written materials such as books, journals and magazine articles or other papers and also includes films and
computer programs. The two most common types of plagiarism are from published materials and other
students’ works
a. Published Materials
In general, whenever anything from someone else’s work is used, whether it is an idea, an opinion or the
results of a study or review, a standard system of referencing should be used. Examples of plagiarism may
include a sentence or two, or a table or a diagram from a book or an article used without acknowledgement.
Serious cases of plagiarism can be seen in cases where the entire paper presented by the student is copied
from another book, with an addition of only a sentence or two by the student. While the former can be
treated as a simple failure to cite references, the latter is likely to be viewed as cheating in an examination.
Though most assignments require the need for reference to other peoples’ works, in order to avoid
plagiarism, students should keep a detailed record of the sources of ideas and findings and ensure that
these sources are clearly quoted in their assignment. Note that plagiarism refers to materials obtained from
the Internet too.
b. Other Students’ Work
Circulating relevant articles and discussing ideas before writing an assignment is a common practice.
However, with the exception of group assignments, students should write their own papers. Plagiarising the
work of other students into assignments includes using identical or very similar sentences, paragraphs or
sections. When two students submit papers which are very similar in tone and content, both are likely to be
penalised.

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Student Participation
Your participation in the module is encouraged. You have the opportunity to participate in the following
ways:
 Your ideas and questions are welcomed, valued and encouraged.
 Your input is sought to understand your perspectives, ideas and needs in planning subject revision.
 You have opportunities to give feedback and issues will be addressed in response to that feedback.
 Do reflect on your performance in Portfolios.
 Student evaluation on your views and experiences about the module are actively sought and used as
an integral part of improvement in teaching and continuous improvement.
Student-centered Learning (SCL)
The module uses the Student-centered Learning (SCL) approach. Utilization of SCL embodies most of the
principles known to improve learning and to encourage student’s participation. SCL requires students to be
active, responsible participants in their own learning and instructors are to facilitate the learning process.
Various teaching and learning strategies such as experiential learning, problem-based learning, site visits,
group discussions, presentations, working in group and etc. can be employed to facilitate the learning
process. In SCL, students are expected to be:
 active in their own learning
 self-directed to be responsible to enhance their learning abilities
 able to cultivate skills that are useful in today’s workplace
 active knowledge seekers
 active players in a teamwork
Types of Assessment and Feedback
You will be graded in the form of formative and summative assessments. Formative assessments will
provide information to guide you in the research process. This form of assessment involves participation in
discussions and feedback sessions. Summative assessment will inform you about the level of
understanding and performance capabilities achieved at the end of the module.
Assessment Plan
Assessments Type Learning
outcomes
Submission Presentation Assessment
Weightage
Project One
Group & Individual
(10%+10%)
1,3 Week 5 √ 20%
Project Two
Group & Individual
(20%+10%)
2,4
Week 12 √ 30%
Final Project Individual (40%) 1,2,4 Week 17 - 40%
E- Portfolio &
Participation
Individual All
Week 18
As Schedule
- 10%
TOTAL 100%

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Assessment Components
1. Project One – (Group + Individual)
This is an introduction project to the rise of human civilization through investigation by plotting major
historical events on a timeline. Students will be investigating the background and family tree of their families
through a series of research and interviews. This project aims for student to work in a group and exchange
information and background and express them in a concise information, graphic and journal and convert
them in a video format.
2. Project 2: Messages from the Past; Play (Group + Individual)
The second project is a role play exercise in a group. Students are to understand and adapt the chosen
character in their own representation. Student will be investigating on the era through research and
investigation and creatively simplify the findings for their performance. Students will work in a group of five
to six people and present their findings to the audience.
3. Art, Culture and Architecture - (Individual)
The final project requires student to create a photo book or a series of postcard to showcase journey and
photographs shot by students from their visit of places in Malaysia / Kuala Lumpur based on certain concept
and relating to specific theme. Students will be able to choose theme and propose a concept and make a
compilation.
4. Taylor’s Graduate Capabilities Portfolio (Online Portfolio) – (Individual)
Each student is to develop an e-Portfolio, a web-based portfolio in the form of a personal academic blog.
The e-Portfolio is developed progressively for all modules taken throughout Semesters 1 and 2, and MUST
PASS THIS COMPONENT. The portfolio must encapsulate the acquisition of Module Learning Outcome,
Programme Learning Outcomes and Taylor’s Graduate Capabilities, and showcases the distinctiveness and
identity of the student as a graduate of the programme. Submission of the E-Portfolio is COMPULSARY.

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Marks and Grading Table
Assessments and grades will be returned within 2 weeks of your submission. You will be given the grades
and necessary feedback for each submission. The grading system is shown below:
Grade Marks
Grade
Points
Definition Description
A 80 – 100 4.00 Excellent
Evidence of original thinking; demonstrated outstanding
capacity to analyze and synthesize; outstanding grasp of
module matter; evidence of extensive knowledge base
A- 75 – 79 3.67 Very Good
Evidence of good grasp of module matter; critical capacity
and analytical ability; understanding of relevant issues;
evidence of familiarity with the literature
B+ 70 – 74 3.33
Good
Evidence of grasp of module; critical capacity and analytical
ability, reasonable understanding of relevant issues;
evidence of familiarity with the literatureB 65 – 69 3.00
B- 60 – 64 2.67
Pass
Evidence of some understanding of the module matter;
ability to develop solutions to simple problems; benefitting
from his/her university experience
C+ 55 – 59 2.33
C 50 – 54 2.00
D+ 47 – 49 1.67
Marginal
Pass
Evidence of minimally acceptable familiarity with module
matter, critical and analytical skills
D 44 – 46 1.33
D- 40 – 43 1.00
F 0 – 39 0.00 Fail
Insufficient evidence of understanding of the module matter;
weakness in critical and analytical skills; limited or irrelevant
use of the literature
WD - - Withdrawn
Withdrawn from a module before census date, typically mid
semester
F(W) 0 0.00 Fail Withdrawn after census date, typically mid semester
IN - - Incomplete
An interim notation given for a module where a student has
not completed certain requirements with valid reason or it is
not possible to finalise the grade by the published deadline
P - - Pass Given for satisfactory completion of practicum
AU - - Audit
Given for a module where attendance is for information only
without earning academic credit

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Weekly Module Schedule
Week/Date Topic
Lecture
Hour
Tutorial
Hour
Blended
Learning
Week 1
22 September
Subject Introduction
Overview of Subject Outline
Introduction to Culture &Civilization
Briefing Project 1
2 3 3
Week 2
29 September
Lecture 1
South East Asia ; The Early Empires (NS) 1 3 2
Week 3
6th October
Lecture 2
Malaysia; Identity and Nationalism (NS)
1
3
( On line
discussion/foru
m)
2
Week 4
13th October
Lecture 3
The Eastern Civilizations : China (IM) 1 3 2
Week 5
20th October
Lecture 4
India Civilization(IM)
Briefing Project II
1 3
2
Digital
upload of
Project 1
Week 6
27th October
Lecture 5
The Japanese Civilization (NS)
PROJECT 1 SUBMISSION*
*Tutorial Slot
1 3
2
Digital
upload of
Week 7
3rd November
Lecture 6 : Roman Empire – The divergence of East
and West (SP)
Lecture 7 : Greece – Early History and the
Eastward Expansion (SP)
1 3 2
H MID SEMESTER BREAK
Week 8
10th November
Lecture 8 : The 19th century of British Colonization
(SP)
Lecture 9 :
The Early and High Renaissance : Byzantium and
Orthodox Europe (SP)
1 3 2
Week 9
17th November
Lecture 10 : The European Middle Ages and
Renaissance (SP)
Lecture 11
The Age of Discovery – The Maritime Power and
Western Imperialism (SP)
1 3
2
Digital
upload of
Week 10
24th November
Lecture 12: The Imperialism in Asia – The arrivals of
the Portuguese, the Spaniards and The Dutch and the
age of discovery (SP)
Briefing Project III
1 3 2
Week 11
9th December
PROJECT II PRESENTATION 1 3 2

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Week 12
16th December
Lecture 14: World War I & II - World in Conflict, The
Great Depression and the Cold (NS)
1
3
( On line
discussion/foru
m)
2
Digital
upload of
H SEMESTER BREAK
Week 13
31st December
Discussion on Final Project 1 3 2
Week 14
6th Jan 2015
Discussion on Final Project 1 3 2
Week 15
14th Jan 2015
Discussion on Final Project 1 3
2
Digital
upload of
Final Project
Week 16
20th Jan 2015
Discussion on Final Project 1 3
2
Digital
upload of
E-portfolio
Week 17 FINAL PROJECT SUBMISSION
Week 18 E-PORTFOLIO SUBMISSION
CNY FINAL EXAM – NO FINAL EXAM FOR C&C
Note: The Module Schedule above is subject to change at short notice.
References
Main References : 1. Kagan, N.,2006, National Geographic Concise History of the World: An
Illustrated Time Line, National Geographic
2. Janson, A., 2002 History of Art for Young People (6th Edition) Prentice Hall; 6
ed.
3. C, Arthur., 2011, ASIA : A concise History, Wiley & Sons
4. N, Fountain., 2003, WWII – The People’s Story, Reader’s Digest
Additional
References :
5. Robinson, W., 1995, Instant Art History: From Cave Art to Pop Art, Ballantine
Books; 1st edition
6. Tilden, J. (Ed.), 1998, First Under Heaven: The Art of Asia (Fourth Hali
Annual),Laurence King
7. C.D, Neher., 2000, Southeast Asia: Crossroads of the World (NIU, No. 2)
8. R, Murphey., 2006, History of Asia, A (5th Edition), Pearson
9. Famous artists: Master index - wwar.com/artists