We would like to lighten the character of the purely 'theoretical' compulsory course, replacing endless hours of theoretical lectures with lively [hopefully] discussion and group exercises in critical thinking during class, on material that will be shown - and sometimes shared - in the classroom.
The active presence of students, if we are to achieve this, is invaluable!

Assessment will be done by giving weight mainly to participation in the in-class discussion, but also to the preparation and presentation of unfolding group exercises-work and interaction between student groups with comments, questions, feedback.   Secondly, the assessment will also be based on the results of the written examinations which is  necessary.

The course is based on active interactive teaching with physical presence, aiming at lively interaction.

 

The title of the course, consisting of the complex concepts of 'Landscape', 'Nature', 'Urban Ecosystems', may foreshadow a complex research subject.

The concepts we will address are treated less theoretically, and more through examples discussed using classroom lectures as a starting point. The aim is to familiarize students with critical thinking on the issues of sustainability, climate crisis, and inclusiveness, cultivating different perspectives.

These issues concern not only humans but all living things on Earth, and it is useful as part of the formation of architects to be aware of them. As architecture is a science & art that alters the environments in which it is practiced, the benefit of awareness is manifold.

Critical thinking is sharpened through discussions during lecture time, but also in the context of the 4 exercises-workshops. For each assignment, large groups of students are formed, with the aim of further exploring and discussing in front of everyone, and through argumentation, the issues relevant to the lectures that preceded them. The exploration and interaction between students of the same team, and with other student teams, creates the conditions for direct and unmediated awareness and learning.

Also, field excursions, with the educator and lectures by guest speakers, aim at deepening and at the same time establish a practical correlation from different points of view, through our own body and direct experiences, with the subject.

The total participation in the discussions with the lecturer, emanating from the lectures, is graded with 10%.

Participation in each of the 4 group projects and in the open interactive discussion with the other student groups, with 15%.

Written Exams:

For students who participate fully in the course and in all 4 assignments, the exams are graded at 30% only . Their written exam will be a summary - summary - of the student's opinion on each of the group projects in which they participated, what they learned from each small investigation and the discussion with them & their peers.

For those students who missed some of the group work, other topics will be given to develop in order to be assessed , and the grade of the written examination will carry more weight in the absence of the corresponding group work.