This document outlines an assignment for a course on Theories of Architecture and Urbanism. Students are required to submit three synopses in the form of reaction papers to selected readings over the course of the semester. The reaction papers should analyze and discuss the key points of the readings, identify the authors' arguments, and provide the students' perspectives and insights. Guidelines are provided on writing the reaction papers, including formatting, submitting by the due date, and avoiding plagiarism. Assessment will be based on identifying key points, use of terminology, clarity of opinions, and logical progression. (151 words)

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SCHOOL OF ARCHITECTURE, BUILDING & DESIGN
Centre for Modern Architecture Studies in Southeast Asia (MASSA)
Bachelor of Science (Honours) (Architecture)
THEORIES OF ARCHITECTURE & URBANISM [CLS60103]
Synopsis
Assessments Type
Learning
outcomes
Marks Presentation Submission
Synopsis Group/Individual
1, 2
(refer to MO)
40% Reaction Paper Paper
Synopsis -Readings:
1: Week 6: Modern & Post Modern Theory
2: Week 8: Phenomenology: of Meaning and Places
3: Week 9: Critical Regionalism: Kenneth Frampton
Introduction
Subsequent to each thematic lecture, students are required to submit a synopsis in the form of a
reaction paper. Its aim is for the students to read a selected reading in relation to the theme that
has been discussed in class for the week and submit a reaction paper to the text. There will be a
total to 3 synopses.
A reaction or response paper requires the writer to analyze a text, then develop commentary related
to it. It requires thoughtful reading, research and writing. It should identify the key points
highlighted in the text and then focus on your personal perspective on issues raised through the
text. In addition to your personal perspective, you should identify experiences or insights that have
shaped your perspective.
Objectives of Project
1. To engage students with relevant theories which have shaped cities and
experience around architecture, including its role as mediator between our society
and its architecture.
2. To provide critical perspectives on key issues within the contemporary discourse
of architecture, through integration of case-studies and theoretical studies

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Learning Outcomes
1. Describe the theoretical issues related to design through study of architecture and
urbanism and its related studies
2. Relate architectural theories to contemporary architecture and urban forms.
Tasks - Methodology
Student may continue with the same grouping from Project 1: Case study. Group reading is
encourage for idea collaboration and better learning. Each student is to prepare and submit a
reaction paper as a synopsis of the given reading during tutorial sessions. The reaction papers shall
be formulated based on questions listed below:
 What issues or problems does the author address?
 What is the author's main point?
 What points or assumptions does the author make, and how does he/she back that up?
 What are strengths and weaknesses? Where are problems with the argument?
 How do the texts relate? (if multiple texts)
 How do these ideas connect to the overall ideas of the class/unit/etc.?
Format
-The reaction paper should be at least 300 words (not to exceed 1 page of A4 size) – use the
attached given template.
-Type-written, Arial narrow 12 pts, 1 ½ - spacing.
Assessment Criteria
1. Identification of key points from the reading
2. Use of appropriate architectural terminologies and writing skills in the synopsis
3. Clarity in opinions and reactions
Submission Date and Guidelines
Submission DUE : Wednesday, 14 June 2017 (Week 10)

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Plagiarism
To avoid plagiarism, students need to paraphrase and / or quote sources, cite sources and include
sources in the reference list. A plagiarized paper will automatically get an F grade.
Plagiarism (Published Material and Other Student’s Works)
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
Note: Refer to Module outline and student handbook.
Paper Outline
http://www.esuhistoryprof.com/writing_reaction_papers.htm
Introduction
Main Body
Conclusion
What is your
opinion of the
book? Impact
of the reader
on you?
Introduce the
reader/text
What makes
the reader
different from
other reader?
What is the
Author’s argument?
Analyze the
author’s point of
view
What is the book
about?
What is the Author
trying to prove?
Is the Author
successful and clear
about his attempt?

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List of Text for Reading/Paper
Reader A
Text 1 (Group A):
Frank Lloyd Wright, “In the Cause of Architecture”, (1908)
Text 2 (Group B): Robert Venturi, et AL,” Learning From Las Vegas: The Forgotten Symbolism of
Architectural Form”, (1977)
Reader B
Text 3 (Group A): Juhani Pallasma, “The Eyes of the Skin: Architecture and the Senses”, (2007),
Text 4 (Group B):
Juhani Pallasma, The Geometry of Feeling A Look at Phenomenology of Architecture (1996)
Reader C
Text 5 (Group A)
Kenneth Frampton ‘Towards Critical Regionalism: Six Points for an Architecture of Resistance.
No.3&4
Text 6 (Group B)
Kenneth Frampton ‘Towards Critical Regionalism: Six Points for an Architecture of Resistance.
No.5&6
Online References
1. http://www.wikihow.com/Write-a-Reaction-Paper
2. http://www.slideshare.net/venj88/guide-to-writing-a-reaction-paper

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Prepared by: Checked by: Approved by:
Prince Favis Isip Keith Tan Kay Hin Mohd Adib Ramli
……………………………. ……………………………. …………………………….
Date: Stream Coordinator Programme Director
Email: Princefavis.isip@taylors.edu.my (Culture, Artistic & Social Studies)
Office Location: Academic Suite C5
Remarks:
1. The Project Brief is to be distributed to the students in the first week of the semester.
2. Any changes to the Project Brief shall be communicated (in writing) to the Programme
Director and the approved revised version must be communicated to the students
SYNOPSIS DESCRIPTION ASSESSMENT RUBRIC
Grades Marks Key points (2.5) Appropriateness of
Terminologies (2.5)
Clarity in Opinions and
Reactions (2.5)
Logical Progression
(2.5)
A 1.8 -
2.5
Evidence of outstanding
understanding of Key
points through clear
explanation
Appropriate use of
Terminologies In discussing
the Issues/ Concepts/Theories
Outstanding Clarity in
opinions and reactions -
Supported with strong
Logical explanation
Outstanding
Articulation of logical
expressions ending
with well-developed
paragraphs
B 1.5 -
1.79
Evidence of
understanding of Key
points through
reasonable explanation
Reasonable use of
Terminologies In discussing
the Issues/ Concepts/Theories
with Minor unfamiliarity
Reasonable clarity in
opinions and reactions -
Supported with Logical
explanation
Reasonable
Articulation of logical
expressions ending
with well-developed
paragraphs
C 1.25 -
1.49
Evidence of Some
Understanding of Key
points through
acceptable explanation
Acceptable use of
Terminologies in discussing
the Issues/ Concepts/Theories
with Noticeable unfamiliarity
Acceptable Clarity in
opinions and reactions -
Supported with
satisfactory explanation
Acceptable
Articulation of logical
expressions ending
with some ambiguous
statements
D 1 -
1.24
Evidence of Some
Understanding of Key
points through not quite
acceptable explanation
Evidence of Terminologies
however poorly communicated
in discussing The Issues/
Concepts/Theories With
Weak Clarity in opinions
and reactions -
Supported with Lengthy
explanation
Poor Articulation of
logical expressions
ending with noticeable
ambiguous statements
F 0 -
0.99
Insufficient Evidence of
Understanding of Key
points through weak
explanation
Insufficient Evidence of
Terminologies in discussing
the Issues/ Concepts/Theories
With
Improper opinions and
reactions. Not Matching
the Issues/ Concepts/
Theories -Inadequate
Reasons
Unable to Articulate /
illogical expressions.
Poorly written
synopsis.

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BACHELOR OF SCIENCE (HONOURS) IN ARCHITECTURE
THEORIES OF ARCHITECTURE AND URBANISM
(ARC61303/ARC2224)
SYNOPSIS: REACTION PAPER (MARCH 2017)
Name: ID No.:
Lecturer: Tutorial Time:
Reader/Text Title: Synopsis No:
Author:
Word Count: Mark Grade
Assessed by: Date Page No.