1. SCHOOL OF ARCHITECTURE, BUILDING & DESIGN
Center for Modern Architecture Studies in Southeast Asia
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Foundation in Natural and Built Environments
Module: Culture & Civilization [FDES 0815]
Prerequisite: None
Credit hours: 5
Instructor: Ida Marlina Mazlan | ida.mazlan@gmail.com
Sufina Abu Bakar | Sufina.AbuBakar@taylors.edu.my
Module Synopsis
An introduction to the Western and Eastern culture and civilization from prehistoric to present through an
overview of archeological discoveries, ancient monuments, artworks, philosophy and achievement of great
leaders.
Module Teaching Objectives
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 this subject, students will be able to demonstrate the following:
1. Able to describe the historical development of human civilization.
2. Able to recall the development of Eastern and Western human civilization 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 5 credit hour subject held over 18 weeks. The mode of delivery will be in the form of Lectures,
Tutorials and Self-study. The breakdown of the hours is as follows:
Contact Hours
Lecture: 2 hour/week
Tutorial: 2 hours/week
Self Study: 1 hour/week
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2. Module Schedule
Time & Venue : Lecture: Tuesday, 12.00 pm – 2.00pm @ LT 8
: Tutorial: Thursday, 4.00 pm – 6.00pm @ LT 7
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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3. 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.
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4. Discipline Specific Knowledge
General Rules and Regulations (refer to programme guide and student handbook 2011)
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TGCs Acquired
Through Module
Learning Outcomes
1.0 Discipline Specific Knowledge
1.1 Able to put theories into practice. -
1.2 Understand ethical issues in the context of the field of studies. -
1.3 Understand professional practice within the field of studies. -
Cognitive Capabilities
2.0 Lifelong Learning
2.1 Learn independently. 3
2.2 Locate, extract, synthesise and utilise information effectively. 4
2.3 Be intellectually engaged. 1,2
3.0 Thinking and Problem Solving Skills
3.1 Think critically and creatively. -
3.2 Define and analyse problems to arrive at effective solutions. -
Soft Skills
4.0 Communication Skills
4.1 Communicate appropriately in various setting and modes. 1,4
5.0 Interpersonal Skills
5.1 Understand team dynamics and mobilise the power of teams. 3
5.2 Understand and assume leadership. 3,4
6.0 Intrapersonal Skills
6.1 Manage one self and be self-reliant. -
6.2 Reflect on one’s actions and learning. -
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. -

5. 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.
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. However, the facilitator(s) reserves the right
NOT to accept work submitted more than one week late.
Absenteeism at intermediate or final presentations will result in zero mark for that presentation.
Attendance and Participation
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 (TU Student Handbook 2011)
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
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6. 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
penalized.
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 Criteria
This unit is assessed by coursework in the form of interactive design projects. The general
assessment criteria are as follows:
Abstract and Introduction
Chosen idea / topic was successfully presented
Literature Review & Clarity of Content
Relevancy of the content and creativity in simplifying content into presentation
Richness of Content
Depth of data gathering and evaluation of relevant information
Assessment Plan
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7. Assessments Type Learning
outcomes
Marks Presentation Submission
Project 1 Group
A, C 20 %
(drafts
10%)
N/A √
Project 2 Group & Individual B, D 35% √ √
A, B, D 35%
Project 3 Individual
(drafts for
10%)
N/A √
Portfolio Individual D 10% N/A √
Total 100%
Coursework
This module will be graded in the form of coursework. It consists of 3 projects, a quiz and a portfolio.
1. Project 1: Back to our Roots – (Group – 20% )
This project introduces students to the culture of oneself. They will have to represent their family’s history
and culture through a timeline, family tree and a culture infographic. Students are also exposed to structure
and interview and to make a video out of it
2. Project 2: Messages from the Past; Project Runway (Group- 15% & Individual – 20%)
The second project is a role play exercise in a group. In this exercise, they would need to study the
civilization and culture of a chosen ancient civilization. Students are to understand and
adapt the chosen character into their own representation.
3. Project 3: Postcard Series (Individual – 35%)
The final project requires student to create a series of postcard in regards to the civilization and culture of
Malaysia. The aim of this project is to test on the student’s understanding on the civilization and culture of
Malaysia, as well as the ability to translate ideas into a series of postcard
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.
Student Input
Student participation is encouraged through various means. In this module, students have the opportunity to
participate in the following ways:
 Students’ ideas and questions are welcomed, valued and encouraged.
 Student input is sought to understand their perspectives, ideas and needs in planning subject
revision.
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8.  Students are offered opportunities to give feedback with the assurance that issues will be
addressed in response to that feedback.
 Students reflect on their performance in personal portfolios.
 Student evaluation allows their views and experiences about the sessions are actively sought and
used as an integral part of improvement in teaching and continuous improvement.
Marks and Grading Table
Assessments and grades will be returned within 4 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
Evidence of grasp of module module; critical capacity and
Good
analytical ability, reasonable understanding of relevant
B 65 – 69 3.00 issues; evidence of familiarity with the literature
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
D 44 – 46 1.33 matter, critical and analytical skills
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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9. Recommended Reading
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 / ar t ists
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10. Semester Schedule
Week/Date Description Tutorial /Submission
Week 1
4th August 2014
Module Introduction – Module Outline
Introduction
Briefing for project II
(Students are to prepare the link to their e-portfolio)
Tutorial Project I
Week 2
11th August 2014
Lecture 1: South East Asia ; The Early Empires
(Students are to give the link to their e-portfolio)
Lecture 2: Malaysia; The rise of the pre-Islamic kingdoms,
ethnicity, identity and nationalism, cultural mix. (Replaced with
Site visit to Mini Malaysia, Malacca )
Tutorial Project I (Video)
Week 3
18th August 2014
Lecture 3 : India - early Indian civilization 1500BC – 500AD,
great schools of thought and the beginnings of Hinduism
(Brahmanism)
Tutorial Project I (Final)
Week 4
25th August 2014
Lecture 4: The Eastern Civilization: China
Submission Project 1
(28th August 2014)
Week 5
1st Sept. 2014
Lecture 5 : The Japanese Civilization - Early history to Feudal
period and Modern civilization
(Reflection on lessons so far)
Tutorial Project II
Week 6
8th Sept. 2014 Lecture 6 : Greece – Early History and the Eastward Expansion Tutorial Project II
Week 7
15th Sept. 2014
Lecture 7 : Roman Empire – The divergence of East and West Tutorial Project II
Week 8
22nd Sept. 2014
Lecture 8 : The 19th century of British Colonization Tutorial Project II
Week 9
29th Sept. 2014 Lecture 9 : The European Middle Ages Tutorial Project II
Week 10
6th October 2014 Lecture 10
: The Age of Enlightenment – Europe Renaissance Presentation of Project II
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11. : The Age of Discovery – The Maritime Power and Western
Imperialism
(Reflection on lessons so far)
Messages From the Past
(9TH October 2014)
Week 11
13th October 2014
Lecture 11: The Industrial Revolution of Europe
Briefing for Project III
Tutorial Project III
NON CONTACT WEEK
Week 12
27th October 2014
Lecture 12 : The Imperialism in Asia – The arrivals of the
Portuguese, the Spaniards and The Dutch and the age of
discovery
Tutorial Project III
Week 13
3rd November 2014 Lecture 13: World War I & II - World in Conflict, The Great
Depression and the Cold War
Tutorial Project III
Week 14
10th November 2014
Draft Submission
Week 15
17th November 2014
SITE VISIT
Week 16
24th November 2014
Tutorial Project III
Week 17
1st December 2014
Final Review for Project III Submission Project III
(4th December 2014)
Week 18
8th December 2014
SUBMISSION OF PORTFOLIO
Week 19
15th December 2014
EXAM WEEK
# Note: This module outline is subject to change without prior notice.
-END OF MODULE OUTLINE-TU
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