Postgraduate Prospectus
A. Program Title
Master of Science in Human Settlements (MScHS) B. Program Description
The Master of Science in Human Settlements (MScHS) program develops professionals who are capable of investigating the human settlements from multiple viewpoints. The program is committed to both professional training and research. By proposing an expanded architecturally- based teaching-learning model, the post-professional program aims to enhance the capacity of professionals to engage in inter-disciplinary practice that negotiates between diverse actors in the development of sustainable human settlements. The key quality of MScHS program is its
combined strength of multidisciplinary theory, design studio, workshop, thesis and project. Design studio and projects are approached as design-research exercises, where the program exploits the pedagogic potential of the studio as a form of design-based critical inquiry. It takes advantage of architecture’s traditional concerns for site specificity, spatial experience, functionality,
morphology and physical form, while also engaging realms of knowledge associated with disciplines such as urban and rural planning, urban geography, anthropology, archeology, urban ecology, landscape design, environmental science etc. In this sense, the program is considered experimental, exploratory, and unorthodox relative to the established canons of the traditional architectural design studio. Grounded in theory, technical and social science research with focused subject matter, the thesis/design-research project culminates with a supervised independent research that allows each participant to frame problems relevant to their field of specialization.
C. Aim and Objectives
The MScHS program aims to develop participants' dexterities in design thinking and
entrepreneurial approaches to development practices. It is committed to achieve following five specific objectives:
• Promote learning from cutting edge conceptual debates in human settlement design and development theories, and practices so as to identify, investigate and justify possible solutions to problems emerging out of the debates.
• Develop skills in gathering, organizing and using evidence and information from a wide variety of sources. This will be complemented by guidance on how best to manage workloads and obtain research materials.
• Develop analytical skills and inter-disciplinary knowledge in order to advance design communication beyond the generalist education of a professional degree.
• Provide with competency in developing reasoned arguments, finding commonalities and differences, and defending different solutions.
• Enable to explore context-bound approaches and relating these to the operational
framework for policy, planning, programming, and design to promote development of more equitable and sustainable human settlements in urban and rural areas.
D. Course Structure
Master of Science in Human Settlements program is an intensive three terms (36 credit) full time professional course with a focus on design research. It includes minimum 18 credit of theory course and 18 credit of sessional course. The courses are delivered through lectures, seminars, workshop, field trips, and design studio. Student performance is assessed through reading, essay writing, individual and group project work, examination, seminar, jury, criticism and
dissertation/project report.
Postgraduate Prospectus
The course is structured as that 12 credit is devoted to the core subjects of human settlement studies and 6 credit to the offered specialist stream. The core courses provide the theoretical and methodological components of the course while the specialist modules allow students to examine different approaches and problems in accordance with their own particular interests.
The sessional course includes one workshop and one design studio. In the first term, the students engage in workshop that aims to provide an opportunity for students to acquire concepts and skills relating to settlement development, urban and rural design, urban transformations at different scales, as well as more general skills such as verbal, written and visual presentation, analysis and synthesis. During the second term design studio allows students to bring together theory and practice towards development of equitable and sustainable human settlements. The studio focuses on learning from real-life design problems based on case studies from local, regional and global contexts. The third term consists of a thesis on a topic of the student’s own research interest that includes colloquium on the thesis concentration.
Program Requirement
Program Duration 1.5 Year (18 Months)
Number of Terms 03 Term
Total Credit Requirement Minimum credit to be earned 36
Credit in Core and Optional Course
Minimum credit to be earned from core course 27 Minimum credit to be earned from optional course 9
Term wise Total Credit Distribution
Year Term Core Course Optional Course Total Credit
Theory Sessional Theory Sessional
First year 1st 6 3 3 0 12
2nd 0 6 6 0 12
Second year
1st 0 9 3 0 12
Total 03 6 18 12 0 36
27 9
E. Admission Requirements:
For admission an applicant must have result as follows:
Name of the examination Required Division/Class or GPA
S.S.C or equivalent First division or 3.50 (out of 5.00)
H.S.C or equivalent first division or 3.50 (out of 5.00)
Bachelor degree with 4/5 years duration, or Masters with 3 year Honors
2.50 (out of 4) or 2nd Class
For admission to the courses leading to the degree of MScHS an applicant must have Bachelor’s degree in Architecture/ Planning/ Engineering/ Social sciences/ Landscape/ Anthropology/
Geography/ Environmental Studies/ Art History or in a relevant subject from any recognized university/institution; or Master’s degree with 3 (three) years Honors in Planning/ Engineering/
Social sciences/ Landscape/ Anthropology/ Geography/ Environmental Studies/ Art History or in a relevant subject from any recognized university/institution.
For international applicants English Language proficiency certificate should be submitted with minimum IELTS score of 6 or equivalent.
An in service candidate, if selected for admission, has to submit proof of having obtained permission for study from the concerned authority.
Postgraduate Prospectus
Every selected candidate, unless he/she has already been registered, shall get himself /herself registered with the University. After admission, in advance of each enrolment and course registration for any term, the Head of the Discipline shall check and approve the student’s schedule for subjects and other prerequisites. The student is expected to consult with the Head of the Discipline in all academic matters but it is the responsibility of the individual student to see that his/her schedule conforms to the course requirements.
F. Duration of the Programme
Total duration of the programme is One and Half year (18 months)
An academic year shall consist of two terms. Duration of each term will be as follows
Teaching, Research and Assignments 13 weeks
Preparatory leave and conducting examinations 5 weeks
A Candidate for Master’s Degree must complete all the requirements for the degree within the double time duration of the minimum required time duration (terms/ academic years) plus another one term from the date of his/her first admission.
G. Admission and Registration Procedures
Applications for admission to the course MScHS shall be invited through the university’s regular means of advertisement by the Registrar, Khulna University and shall be received by Head of the Discipline.
Application form could be collected personally from the office of Architecture Discipline upon payment of Tk. 1000. Alternatively a self addressed envelope along with bank draft/ pay-order in Agrani Bank, Khulna University branch in favor of Head, Architecture discipline, Khulna
University could be sent to collect the postal service. Students can also collect the application form from discipline website (www.archku.ac.bd) in doc. format.
A candidate may be required to appear at an oral and/or written test to be conducted by the PGAC of the respective Discipline.
After admission each student shall be assigned under an Adviser who shall check and approve his/her student’s schedule for subjects, pre-requisites etc. and the total credit hours. The student is expected to consult his/her Adviser on all academic matters but, it is the responsibility of the individual student to see that his/her schedule conforms to the academic regulations.
Every registered student shall get himself/herself enrolled on payment of prescribed fees and other dues as per University rules before the commencement of each term. In an academic year there will normally be two terms. All course registration must be completed within two weeks from the start of a term. Otherwise, the student shall not be allowed to continue the course in that term.
H. Academic Requirements and Regulations (Syllabus, Course Requirements, Course Registration and Course Withdrawal by Students)
Syllabus
Academic progress of a student shall be measured in terms of credit hours earned by the student.
One lecture/contact hour per week throughout 13 weeks shall be considered as one credit hour for the theory courses, for thesis/ project/ laboratory/ practical/ sessional courses three class hours a week shall be considered as one credit hour. The number of credit hours for each course shall be specified in the syllabus prepared by the respective Discipline.
Course Requirements
The requirement of credit hour to be earned by a student for the Master’s Degree programme shall be as follows:
Postgraduate Prospectus
Name of the Degree Minimum Credit Hours to be earned/Assigned
Total Credit Hour Theoretical Thesis
MScHS 18 18 36
Students must register for a minimum of 9 credit hours and a maximum of 18 credit hours per term. A student shall not be allowed to be in fulltime employment of any organization. However, they may be employed as teaching/ research assistant at the University. It should be noted here that there is no restriction of registration for the minimum credit hours in the last term of the concerned student(s).
Course Registration Procedures
The students shall register with the University in each term on payment of necessary fees as per the University rules.
The courses to be offered in a particular term will be decided and announced by the Head of the respective Discipline at least one week before the date of registration for the courses of the term.
The students will register before the classes commence by duly completing the Course Registration From and submitting to the Registrar’s office through the Head of the Discipline.
Course Withdrawal by the Students
If any student is unable to complete the term Final Examination due to serious illness or serious accident, he/ she may apply to the Head of the Discipline for total withdrawal from the term within a week after the end of the term final Examination. A medical certificate from the Chief Medical Officer of the University must support the application. The Academic Council will take final decision about such an application.
A student will have some limited options to add or drop courses from his/her registration list within two weeks from the beginning of the classes. This can be done with the advice of the concerned Course Co-coordinator and with the consent of Discipline Head. Adjustment of initially registered courses in any Term can be done by duly filling in Adjustment Form. The Registrar’s Office will do the needful on this matter.
I. Examination Procedures
There shall be at least three class tests for each theory course in a term. The class tests, assignment, homework shall carry 30 per cent, class attendance 10 per cent and the term final examination covering the whole course shall 60 percent of the total marks carried by a particular theory course.
The marks assigned to practical/sessional course(s) shall be distributed as follows for the purpose of grading:
Attendance 10 %
Viva 30 %
Assessment 60 %
The basis for awarding marks for class participation/attendance will be as follows:
% of attendance Marks
90 and above 10
85 to less than 90 9
80 to less than 85 8
75 to less than 80 7
70 to less than 75 6
65 to less than 70 5
60 to less than 65 4
Less than 60 0
Postgraduate Prospectus
The marks assigned to thesis/ project works shall be distributed as follows for the purpose of grading:
Thesis 80 %
Oral Examination/ Defense 20 %
All theory and other examinations will be evaluated out of 100 marks.
The Chairman of the Examination Committee shall prepare the appropriate list of paper-setters and examiners for various courses and send to the Controller of Examination for necessary action.
There shall be one paper-setter (course teacher) for each course who will not be below the rank of Assistant Professor having at least Master’s Degree. There shall be 8 questions for all theory examinations of which 6 questions are to be answered for 3 hours examination and 6 questions for all theory examinations of which 4 questions are to be answered for 2 hours examinations.
The Chairman of the Examination Committee shall prepare result and submit to the Controller of Examination for formal approval of the result and subsequent notification. The Chairman will submit all the records of Examination within six months for the publication of result. The Controller of Examinations shall preserve all such records for a period of 5 (five) years after awarding of degrees.
If a student does not sit for the class test(s) for reasons satisfactory enough to the course teacher, the course teacher may allow the student another chance for such examination(s) during the term but it must be held before the Term Final examination.
If a student does not appear at the final examination, the student concerned shall lose the marks assigned to that final examination. The concerned student shall have to repeat the course(s) as applicable.
Numerical grading shall be made after evaluating all examination scripts, home- works, assignments and thesis/ project works etc. Letter grades and corresponding grade points will be awarded in accordance with provision Set school ordinance.
Course(s) in which the student gets F grade(s) shall not be counted towards credit hour requirements and for the calculation of Grade Point Average (GPA).
(a) The C grades, up to a maximum of two courses, may be ignored for calculation of GPA at the written request of the student to the Head of the Discipline on the recommendation of the supervisor/ Advisor, provided that the student has fulfilled the total course credit hour requirement in the remaining subjects with a minimum GPA of 2.75.
(b) When a course is repeated for improvement, better grade shall be counted for calculation of GPA.
(c) Performance in all the subjects including all the F grades shall be reflected in the transcript.
Satisfactory or Unsatisfactory will be used only as final grades for thesis/ project and non-credit courses. Grade for thesis/ project “In Progress” shall be so recorded. If thesis/ project are found not satisfactory, the thesis/project work will be continued and ‘X’ mark will be recorded in his/her grade sheet. Students may enroll for non-credit course(s) termed as audit course(s) on
recommendation of his/ her thesis/ project Supervisor and Head of the Discipline.
Each student is entitled to one official transcript of the University record at the completion of his/her academic program from the office of the Controller of Examinations on production of statement of clearance from all Disciplines and Departments of the University.
J. Qualifying Requirements
The qualifying requirement for graduation is that a student must earn a minimum grade point of 2.50 based on the weighted average in his/her course work.
Postgraduate Prospectus
Two courses may be repeated for improvement with the prior approval of the Head of the Discipline on the recommendation of the Supervisor/Adviser. Such approval shall be reported to the BOAS through the Executive Committee of the SET School.
A student obtaining F grade in a course may be allowed to repeat the course with the prior approval of Head of the Discipline on the recommendation of the Supervisor/ Adviser. Such approval shall be reported to the BOAS through the Executive Committee of the SET School.
.
A student shall not be allowed to continue the programme if he/she obtains a total of three or more F grades in one or more than one subjects taken together, during the course of his/her studies.
If at the end of the second or any subsequent term, the cumulative GPA falls below 2.50, he/she shall not be allowed to continue in the programme.
In addition to successful completion of course works every thesis student shall submit a thesis on his/her research work or a report on his/her project work.
K. Thesis
Research work for a thesis shall be carried out under the supervision of a full-time member of the staff belonging to the discipline. However, in special case, a full-time member outside the Architecture Discipline may be appointed as Supervisor, if the research content of the thesis is within the field of specialization of the member of the staff. A Co-supervisor from within or outside the Discipline may be appointed, if necessary. The thesis proposal of a student shall be submitted for approval of the BOAS through the Executive Committee of the SET School after completion of at least 12 credit hours of course work.
If any change is necessary of the approved thesis (title, content, cost, Supervisor, Co-supervisor etc.) it shall be approved by the BOAS through the Executive Committee of the SET School.
The research work must be carried out in this University or at a place(s) recommended by the BOAS through the Executive Committee of the SET School. The work schedule and financial involvement should be mentioned in the research proposal for carrying out research work outside the University.
Every student shall submit to the Head of the Discipline, through his/her Supervisor, required number of type written copies of his/her thesis in the approved format on or before a date to be fixed by the Supervisor concerned in consultation with the Head of the Discipline.
The student shall certify that the research work was done by him/her and that this work has not been submitted elsewhere for the award of any other diploma or degree. The thesis should demonstrate an evidence of satisfactory knowledge in the field of research undertaken by the student.
Every student submitting a thesis in partial fulfillment of the requirements of a degree, shall be required to appear at an oral examination, on a date or dates fixed by the Supervisor concerned in consultation with the Head of the Discipline and must satisfy the examiners that he/she is capable of intelligently applying the results of this research to the solution of problems, of undertaking independent work, and also afford evidence of satisfactory knowledge related to the theory and technique used in his/her research work.
An Examination Board for every student for thesis and oral examination shall be approved by the BOAS through the Executive Committee of the SET School on recommendation of the thesis Supervisor in consultation with the Head of the Discipline.
In case a student fails to satisfy the Examination Board in thesis and/or oral examination, the student shall be given one more chance to resubmit the thesis and/or appear in oral examination as recommended by the Board.
Postgraduate Prospectus
L. Striking off and Removal of Names from the Rolls
The name of the student shall be struck off and/or removed from the rolls of the University on the following grounds:
(i) Non-payment of dues within prescribed period. Post Graduate students residing in the halls of residence shall be subject to the same conditions as allowed in the Ordinance relating to the Board of Residence and Discipline.
(ii) Failing to make satisfactory progress in his/her programme as reported by the Supervisor of the thesis/project and approved by the BOAS through the Executive Committee of the SET School.
(iii) Withdrawn officially from all the courses and/or thesis/project.
M. Academic fees
Items of Academic fees shall be fixed and published by the Controller of Examinations. These fees shall be reviewed and recommended from time to time by the Academic Council.
N. Refund of Fees
A student withdrawing officially from all courses is entitled to get a refund of 50% of the course registration fees provided he/she withdraws in writing through the respective Head of the Discipline before the expiry of two working weeks from the commencement of the classes.
Thesis/Project registration fees in any case are not refundable.
O. Registration for Foreign Students
Foreign students with degrees from public and internationally recognized universities will be allowed to register in Master’s Programme.
Full time Registration of the foreign students shall follow the same procedure as followed by the local students. Their application would need the recommendation of the PGAC and approval by BOAS through the Executive Committee of the SET School. Also their registration fee, course fees and other charges will be fixed and published by the Controller of Examinations.
Foreign students with degrees from public and internationally recognized universities will be allowed to register for completion of some courses including thesis. Their applications along with the courses they intend to register, credit hours etc. will be decided by the concerned Discipline depending upon availability of course teachers, supervisors, research facilities, etc. Their
application recommended by the Discipline shall need onward recommendation of the PGAC and approval by BOAS through the Executive Committee of the SET School. Also their registration fee, course fees and other charges will be fixed and published by the Controller of Examinations.
Postgraduate Prospectus
Course Curriculum and Syllabus for the Degree of
Master of Science in Human Settlements (MScHS)
Summary of Syllabus for MScHS 1st Year, 1st Term Course
Type
Course No.
Course Title Theory
hr./Week
Sessional hr./Week
Credit Core
Course
Arch 6111 History and Theory of Human Settlements
3 3
Arch 6121 Research Methodology 3 3
Arch 6102 Design Communication Workshop
9 3
Term Total Core 6 9 9
Option al Course
Adviser’s Choice* 3 3
Term Total Optional 3 3
Term Total 9 9 12
1st Year, 2nd Term Course
Type
Course No. Course Title Theory hr./Week
Sessional hr./Week
Credit Core
Courses
Arch 6202 Design Studio 18 6
Term Total Core 18 6
Optional Course
Adviser’s Choice** 3 3
Student’s Choice** 3 3
Term Total Optional 6 6
Term Total 6 18 12
Year Total 15 27 24
2nd Year, 1st Term Course
Type
Course No. Course Title Theory hr./Week
Sessional hr./Week
Credit Core
Course
Arch 7182 MScHS Thesis 24 12
Arch 7184 Thesis Colloquium 6 3
Term Total Core 15
Optional Course
Students Choice*** 3 3
Term Total Optional 3 3
Term Total 3 30 18
Total Credit to be Completed 18 57 42
*Theory course to be taken from Housing and Settlements Stream and subject to approval of the adviser.
**Can be taken from offered theory courses from any specialization stream without repetition and subject to approval of the adviser.
***Can be taken from offered theory courses from any specialization stream or Independent Study Module (ISM) without repetition and subject to approval of the adviser.
Postgraduate Prospectus Detail Syllabus of MScHS
Design Process Arch 6102
Design Communication Workshop 09 hour per week, 3.0 credit
The workshop provides basic skills and techniques of settlement studies through hands-on training and practices. This sessional course aims to provide an opportunity for students to acquire
concepts and skills relating to settlement development, urban and rural design, urban
transformations at different scales, as well as more general skills such as verbal, written and visual presentation, analysis and synthesis. Learning activities are focused on practical sites where multiplicities and challenges of intervention are met with the compounded realities of informality, socio-political, cultural and built environmental constructs.
Arch 6202 Design Studio
18 hour per week, 6.0 credit
This sessional course offers a research-focused design studio which allows students to pursue a rigorous professional approach to architecture within a highly speculative and creative context.
This project-based course aims to provide an opportunity for students to acquire concepts and skills relating to real life problems related to development, urban design or rural settlement issues at different scales, as well as more general skills such as verbal, written and visual presentation and analytical ability.
URP 7104
Introduction to Geographic Information System (GIS) 09 hour per week, 3.0 credit
The sessional course allows students to gain an overview of GIS so as analyze and manage spatial data in all forms and at multiple scales. The foundational course in GIS introduces necessary terms and concepts, available systems, data sources, and design and policy decisions that must be addressed prior to implementation. Through lectures and hands-on experience with ArcGIS Version 10, this course will provide students with practical knowledge of GIS and a concrete sense of planning and design work involved in using GIS.
History, Theory and Criticism Arch 6111
History and Theory of Human Settlements 03 hour per week, 3.0 credit
The lecture-based course provides students with a general introduction to the history and theory of human settlements. Being theoretically informed, students attain a higher-level analytical skill to comprehend spatio-physical growth pattern of human settlements. The development of a given society is a complex process and it is best understood by examining both history of and conceptual elements behind the development of a given settlement. This course hence offers an opportunity to examine these historical and theoretical aspects with a focus on both local and global context.
Through this course, students learn how to appreciate key factors influencing human settlement development. Course content includes lectures on the history of human settlements and also on current theories in relation with settlement planning, design, and sustainability.
Arch 7113
Architectural Anthropology 03 hours per week, 3.0 credits
This course covers both theories and methods of architectural anthropology. As an
underdeveloped yet potential disciplinary area, it explores theories and methods of anthropology in ways which could benefit the study of the evolution of the built environment and hence
Postgraduate Prospectus
understanding of the transformation of human settlements. For having an ‘in-depth’ nature, this course offers students ample scope to critically investigate the built environment (form and space) in relation with the manifold forces, including natural, social, political, economic and
religious/spiritual ones. Different ethnographic and archaeological tools and techniques relevant to the study of built environments are also discussed.
Methods and Approaches Arch 6121
Research Methodology 03 hour per week, 3.0 credit
This course introduces students to a number of research methods useful for academic and professional investigations of information practices, texts and technologies. By examining applications, strengths and major criticisms of methodologies drawn from both qualitative and quantitative traditions, this course permits an understanding of various decisions and steps involved in crafting (and executing) a research methodology, as well as a critically informed assessment of published research. It will also discuss mixed method approaches, case studies, participatory and user-centered research as well as research involving minors.
Arch 7123
Methods of Rural and Urban Design 03 hour per week, 3.0 credit
This is a foundation course for students interested in basic literacy of urban and rural design. It acts as an entry point to the field of spatial design from which students can build deeper
knowledge and praxis with further coursework and research. This course explores the possibility of modern and contemporary theories and their application in the architectural design process of rural and urban areas. It covers major historical and contemporary trends in rural and urban design theory and practice and also introduces emerging theories pertaining to the development and functioning of these regions. It focuses on key theories, concepts, techniques and tools necessary for the morphological analysis of rural and urban spatial environments. The course highlights the need for a collaborative, interactive, applied and community-based design and planning process.
Generally, it is a classroom lecture-based course, although course assessment involves hands-on application of the theories through the morphological analysis of a given human settlement (either urban or rural) from the student’s own context. A comparative analysis of rural and urban design methods and techniques are also conducted.
Arch 7125
Research Methods for Built Environment Studies 03 hour per week, 3.0 credit
An intensive course in research methods for built environmental analysis. Topics include how to frame research questions, set objectives, establish hypotheses, engage methodologies, produce literature reviews, organize fieldwork, and present findings. The course offers an overview of the different approaches, considerations and challenges involved in built environmental studies. In addition to reviewing conventional research methods, it will explore methods used in advanced built environmental analysis. Basic concepts of built environment and its relationships to the contemporary urban context will also be explored.
Housing and Settlements Arch 6131
Human Settlements and Development Issues 03 hour per week, 3.0 credit
The course critically examines concepts and theories of development and the process of development planning. It analyses strategies and development policies in third world and its influence on human settlement. The course investigates global issues and its impact on human settlement. It reinvestigates concepts of urban and rural borderline. The course focuses on the climate change, environmental, socio-cultural and economic aspects of urban and rural settlement
Postgraduate Prospectus
pattern. It also explores settlement policies (urban / rural / informal) under different socio- economic spectrums and sustainable human settlement development policies around the world.
Arch 6133
Housing Policy and Finance 03 hour per week, 3.0 credit
This course offers an introduction to theories and concepts relevant to housing. It critically examines housing policies and the role of state and market under different political economies.
The course analyzes structures and processes in different national housing systems, housing production process and the role of major actors. The course also examines housing
affordability concepts and factors under different socio-economic spectrum. It analyses housing subsidy options under different political economies. The course focuses on
International and local perspectives on key aspects of housing finance. It examines the positions of international agencies, governments, banks, developers, civic organizations/civil society and end-users. The course reviews international shifts in housing policy since 1960s, in light of housing policies of Bangladesh and other developing countries.
Arch 6135
Human Settlement, Planning and Sustainability 03 hour per week, 3.0 credit
This course will address sustainability theory and applications in human settlement planning. The course focuses on the climate change, environmental, socio-cultural and economic issues. It also explores best practices in sustainable human settlement planning from around the world.
Arch 6237
Rural-Urban Settlement System 03 hour per week, 3.0 credit
Rural and urban are inseparable categories particularly in the socio-cultural-economic-spatial realities of the developing nations. Whereas cities in these nations assume qualities of rural areas in many ways, the opposite is also frequent. In the interest of architecture and planning, this course therefore offers theories, ideas and empirical examples that help students to understand this interconnected nature of these two apparently opposite spatial categories. The key intension of this course is to outline a possible framework, that include a systematic understanding of this
settlement system in the light of theories, and formulation of methods applicable for the architectural design and planning of and within such settlements.
Arch 6239
Informal Sector Housing 03 hour per week, 3.0 credit
This course introduces the basic concepts of urbanization, migration and housing. The course focuses on informal-formal continuum; reasons for lack of affordable housing in developing cities;
urban housing question in relation to the informal sector; housing market in developing countries;
failure of housing supply system; housing tenure, housing need and affordability of urban poor.
The course also explores pro poor growth and poverty alleviation policies, role of different stakeholders in informal sector housing. It examine the concepts that are currently applied in housing and urban poverty, including sustainability, livelihoods, assets and vulnerability, autonomy, exclusion, governance, participation, enablement. The course compares strategies in informal sector housing provision in Bangladesh as well as other Asian cities.
Urban and Rural Design Arch 6241
History and Theory of Urban Design 03 hour per week, 3.0 credit
The course provides a general introduction to the history and theory of urban design. The content of the lecture series varies to some extent from year to year, to reflect evolution of design studio topics, but it typically includes lectures on the history of urbanism (focusing on the last 100 years
Postgraduate Prospectus
and particularly on contemporary developments) and on current theories related to urban design, such as space syntax, generative systems and theories related to the issue of sustainability.
Arch 6243
Urban and Rural Place Studies 03 hour per week, 3.0 credit
The course explores contemporary theory and practice in the field of place making in urban and rural context. The course includes methods and techniques used in the study of places, focusing on epistemology debates, philosophical concerns, and cultural determinants in different context.
Basic concepts and elements of place making and their sitting design in urban and rural settings will be explored.
Climate Change and Environmental Design Arch 6251
Disaster Risk Reduction in Cities 03 hour per week, 3.0 credit
The course includes a detailed examination and structured understanding of Disaster Studies and Disaster Risk Reduction. It aims to provide students with an understanding of the ways in which climate change will affect urban areas in low- and middle-income countries.
Arch 6253
Climate Change and Coastal Settlements 03 hour per week, 3.0 credit
The course aims to provide students with an understanding of the ways in which climate change will affect human settlements in coastal regions. It focuses on exploring planning and
development approaches to build resilient coastal settlements.
Arch 6255
Landscape Ecology and Design 03 hour per week, 3.0 credit
This course introduces the basic principles, theories and processes of landscape ecology. It explores the complex integration of social, cultural, ecological and economic system in the built environment. The course examines the implementation of environmental conservation policies and strategies based on a landscape ecology approach. It focuses on exploring design approaches of landscape ecology to mitigate/adapt the impact of climate change.
Cultural Heritage and Development Arch 6261
Cultural Heritage in the Digital Age 03 hours per week, 3.0 credits
Pervasive media and technology means that shifts in the digital landscape are no longer based on- screen but are integrated into everyday life and the very fabric of urban and rural environments and institutions. Heritage in this strand refers to institutions, lived and placed environments and the cultural interactions with them. This course explores the extent of such interactions, and consequent understanding and production of heritage, which have been altered by digital technologies. As this stage we need to re-conceptualize heritage in the digital age, as something that is mobile, global, flowing and related to content, technologies, codes and software, but is also embedded into wider cultural sectors and processes.
Arch 6263
Heritage Interpretation 03 hour per week, 3.0 credit
This course provides a brief understanding of heritage interpretation through introducing interpretive principles, planning, practice and evaluation, including an assessment of
Postgraduate Prospectus
characteristics, opportunities, constraints and issues associated with various interpretive theoretical models. Guidelines and charters from ICOMOS and UNESCO on presentation and interpretation of heritage will be studied to focus on developing a range of specific skills associated with best practice in interpretation and communication of natural and cultural heritage. The emerging trends of using digital media and technologies in interpreting heritage will also be discussed from the viewpoint of both heritage managers and visitors.
Arch 6265
Topics in Heritage Conservation 03 hours per week, 3.0 credits
The principal aims of the course are to develop an understanding of history and theoretical basis of the development if the idea and practice of conservation from Classical times to the present, and to interpret and apply those theories of practice in practical, on-site . This course focuses on
culturally significant structures and cultural landscapes and includes: methods of survey and documentation (locating, describing and recording components with possible heritage value;
identifying and reading historic fabric; historic and archival research methods; thematic history methods; pattern recognition; natural systems; settlements; cultural mapping; aesthetic analysis;
material and stylistic analysis); evaluation methodology (assigning heritage significance);
assessment methodology (establishing conservation priorities); and appropriate conservation actions (conservation and management plans, policies and strategies). At the end of the course student will successfully demonstrate: an understanding of the ICOMOS Burro Charter and the ability to prepare, in accordance with current accepted professional practice, a conservation plan of a place or places of cultural significance, skill in methods and techniques of analysis,
assessment and documentation of cultural significance and the ability to develop relevant policies and strategies for the conservation of a variety places of cultural significance.
Arch 6267
Place, Power and Identity 03 hour per week, 3.0 credit
The course introduces issues of place, identity, territory and power. It covers key theories of identity and also creative and official representation of places and of peoples. The course investigates crisis of place and identity generated by modernity and global capitalism. It explores the re-presentations, negotiations and contestations over places and identities at various scales.
The course analyzes different theoretical framework (feminist, poststructuralist and postcolonial) about place, power and identity. This course explores relationship between unequal accesses to economic, political and cultural resources and the construction of identities, both individual and societal. It investigates the ways in which people and place are constructed through discourse. It also analyzes through case studies how place, power and identity are mutually constitutive.
Communication Arch 6271
Space Syntax Approach to Settlement Planning and Design 03 hour per week, 3.0 credit
The course provides general introduction to social logic and concepts of space syntax approach. It introduces principles, methodologies, technology and applications of syntactic tools in settlement studies. It includes tutorials to provide hands-on instruction in the use of ‘Depth map’ spatial analysis software and a spatial layout design exercise to generate design proposals for a given site.
By the end of this course student will have basic understanding of space syntax concepts, principles, methodologies, technology and applications in planning and design practice.
Arch 6273
Serious Games &Learning Media 03 hour per week, 3.0 credit
New and emerging media, interactive digital media, games and serious games for learning are being used to inform, educate, train, persuade, influence and change. Their immediacy,
accessibility and portability could complement existing teaching tools, methods and resources and
Postgraduate Prospectus
do so economically, reaching students in all communities, including the underrepresented and underprivileged. This course will provide an appreciation of the increasing emergence of interactive learning media, games and serious games for purpose, current trends in their development and use, and the social, cultural and ethical considerations in their wide adoption.
Arch 6275
Emerging Media Interaction Design 03 hour per week, 3.0 credit
Concentrates on issues related to and methods for the design and analysis of emerging interactive digital media with focus on a human-computer interaction (HCI) perspective. It provides students with knowledge and skills to compare, critique and apply traditional and emerging methodologies with focus on user-centered design, experience-centered design and activity-centered design The course explores technological developments and trends in interactive digital media supporting a variety of activities from entertainment, education, artistic creation, communication, mobile to work-related and provides an appreciation of the impact of interactive digital media over individual, societal and cultural activities, and how our social and cultural environment and activities can inform design.
Stat 6277
Intermediate Statistics 03 hour per week, 3.0 credit
This course offers how to use correlation analysis, regression analysis, analysis of variance and covariance to address social questions. Using real data as a catalyst, this course discusses how to formulate research questions; select appropriate statistical techniques; conduct necessary calculations; examine assumptions; interpret results; identify rival explanations; and summarize findings in a convincing argument. Computer-based statistical analyses are an integral part of the course.
Independent Study Module (ISM) ISM 7181
Independent Study Module 03 hour per week, 3.0 credit
Independent research plays an important role in graduate education. The Independent Study Module (ISM) is designed to enable students to explore an approved topic in Architecture and Human Settlements in depth. The student should approach a lecturer to work out an agreed topic, readings, and assignments for the module. A formal, written agreement is to be drawn up giving a clear account of the topic, program of study, assignments, evaluation, and other pertinent details.
Head's and/or supervisor’s approval for written agreement is required. Regular meetings and reports are expected. Evaluation is based on 100% continuous assessment and must be worked out between concerned student and teacher prior to seeking departmental approval.
Thesis Arch 7182
MScHS Thesis
18 hour per week, 6.0 credit
The students complete their programs by a research work for MScHS thesis. Arch 7104 course is mandatory for this course. Students conduct their research under the supervision of a supervisor appointed by the concern body.
Arch 7184
Thesis Colloquium 09 hour per week, 3.0 credit
The seminar based sessional course is integrated with Arch 7102 course, which enables students to conduct research work on human settlement issues. The course includes research activities such as research seminar, proposal defense and research dialogue etc. as prescribed by the concern body.
Postgraduate Prospectus
A r ch 6 2 2 9
Sustainable Urban Water and Sanitation 03 hour per week, 3.0 credit
Course Description:
This course provides students with a critical review of improved planning and implementation of sustainable urban water and sanitation services. The aim of the course is to enhance professional capability and skills to ensure access to safe and affordable drinking water and access to adequate and equitable sanitation for all. This course helps to create greater awareness about the urban water and sanitation challenges and the need for integrated approaches for long-term sustainable systems.
‘Equity and inclusion’, ‘innovative sustainable tools’ and ‘integrated approach’ are intimately connected to ensure urban water and sanitation for all and these will enter into classroom dialogue as three principles with special focus on Sustainable
Development Goal (SDG) 6. The course will be conducted in interactive format to enable professionals to engage in the process of inclusive water and sanitation service oriented settlement planning. The course will introduce City Wide Integrated
Sanitation (CWIS) focusing on both Faecal Sludge Management (FSM) and Solid Waste Management (SWM). Learning activities are focused on understanding the spatial dimensions of inclusive water and sanitation services in selected urban informal settlement to ensure sustainable urban water and sanitation loop for all.
Course Objectives:
Specific Objectives of the course are:
1. To identify the inequity of urban water and sanitation services for urban ‘marginalized’ and ‘unserved’ people through problem mapping.
2. To explore knowledge about experiences, principles, processes, methods and innovative tools for planning and implementation of sustainable urban water and sanitation systems.
3. To assess the performance of field-level practice of CWIS.
4. To design solution mapping of integrated approaches for planning and implementation of urban water and sanitation systems from a people-centric perspective.
5. To orient the students about different tools in line with achieving CWIS.
Intended Learning Outcomes:
At the end of the workshop the students will be able to:
1. Critically evaluate existing approaches and methods in sustainable urban water and sanitation system.
2. Identify the water and sanitation challenges of urban marginalized people in general and women in particular.
3. Select and use appropriate methods and techniques to design CWIS.
4. Lead the process of participatory inclusive water and sanitation system with a multidisciplinary approach.
5. Communicate planning and design process to multiple stakeholders and actors involved in the sustainable water and sanitation in the urban context of Bangladesh.
6. Design, organize, arrange, sustainable water and sanitation related events and activities; and report/document those using multiple media and communication tools.
