Critical Writing Sessions

Dr. Nancy Couling

Closely connected to selected theoretical positions discussed in the Urban Theory Sessions, this course will support students in writing a 3000-word essay of publication quality, to present their research and frame their design project. Through critical writing exercises, discussions, peer-reviewing, and guest inputs, the objective is to offer a pedagogical framework within which students learn to discuss their urban and territorial design work in relation to the sessions, courses and inputs in the MAS programe, and inspired by methods discussed in this seminar.

Critical writing is the result of critical thinking and reflection. It analyses, takes a position, evaluates and draws conclusions rather than merely describing.

The resulting texts should articulate the project’s broader theoretical, disciplinary, geographic, and sociocultural context as well as the specific design contribution.
Students gain both theoretical and practical experience in writing, critical reflection, and peer-reviewing. The student’s original design and research hypothesis is embedded in the essay, which will be published on the MAS online platform.