Course Syllabus
Contact Information
Course Details
For a list of course activities, scroll to the bottom of this page.
Course Delivery
- Synchronous Online: Learning occurs online and in real time. These "Live Sessions" take place weekly from 7 pm to 9 pm (CST). Live Sessions will count toward your participation grade. As such, it is highly recommended that you participate in real time. However, in the event that your work or personal schedule makes it impossible for you to attend, please review the recording of the Live Session for the particular week you were unable to attend, and as a make-up assignment, write a paragraph summarizing the Live Session from your perspective. Specific details and procedures on how to complete the make-up assignment can be found within each module on the "LIVE SESSION" tab.
Course Prerequisites
- ARCH 5812, ARCH 5822, ARCH 5842, ARCH 5912, ARCH 5932, ARCH 5942
- ARCH 5842: Introduction to Research Methods for Analysis
- ARCH 5932: Sustainable Design Literature Reviews
- ARCH 5942: Case Study Research
Course Materials
All required materials can be found linked to the individual weekly modules within Canvas. They are also available at the RESOURCES: Course Materials page in the Start Here Module.
Program Learning Outcomes (PLO)
The Case Study Development and Presentation course in the MS in Sustainable Architecture program aligns closely with the program learning outcomes (PLOs), focusing on research methodologies and bias awareness in sustainable design. CLO A addresses bias awareness, aligning with the AIA Framework for Design Excellence (PLO 5), emphasizing the importance of inclusive design practices. CLO B, centered on research to inform design, comprehensively aligns with all PLOs (1-5), encompassing research methodologies, design and assessment, financial strategies, environmental and societal impacts, and integration within the AIA Framework. This alignment ensures students develop a holistic approach to case study development, considering technical, social, and environmental aspects of sustainable architecture while honing their research and presentation skills.
- Research - Research and evaluate emerging science and methodologies for optimizing building and human performance through the case study method.
- Design, Build, and Assess - Use analysis, tools, and methods to design, develop, select materials and assess the building systems and performance of code-compliant sustainable projects.
- Fund and Manage - Evaluate financing and life cycle cost accounting strategies used in green building initiatives.
- Account for ESG Impacts - Explain how design decisions impact society, systemic issues and the environment for all communities today and in the future.
- AIA Framework - Demonstrate integrated project design and sustainability within the AIA Framework for Design Excellence.
Course Learning Outcomes (CLO) Alignment
| CLO | Description | PLO |
|---|---|---|
| A | Bias Awareness. Learn about implicit and explicit bias and practice situating your own identities and biases in the case study. | 5 |
| B | Research to Inform Design. Identify the appropriate qualitative or quantitative methods used in the project including historical, social, scientific, and geographic contexts, and gather data that informed the design decisions. | 1 - 5 |
Grades
Breakdown
| Activity | Description | Points |
|---|---|---|
| Participation - Live Sessions |
Students are expected to attend Live Sessions. We will discuss 10+ cases, and support progressing and perfecting the Case Study Report submittal (CLO B). |
150 |
| Weekly Quizzes |
Quizzes are based on readings, videos, and class discussions and contain essay and multiple-choice questions. Quizzes will be graded based on the Rubric (CLO B). |
150 |
| Peer Reviews (1 & 2) |
Students will fill out a peer review form for each presenting group. |
20 |
| Bias Analysis Essay | After doing the readings, students are asked to argue in an essay on how bias awareness benefits employers. | 30 |
| Project Plan & Timeline | The Project Plan and Timeline is a group assignment to allocate tasks and to plan the Case Study. | 30 |
| Project Plan Review |
The Project Plan Review is an adjustment of The Project Plan and Timeline to submit for the Final Paper. |
20 |
| Draft Report | The Draft Report is a milestone deliverable and will be submitted in the middle of the course. | 200 |
| Final Report | The Final Report is the final and most important deliverable and will be submitted in the end of the course. | 400 |
| Total | 1000 |
Scale
| Percentage | Letter Grade |
|---|---|
| 90–100% | A |
| 80–89% | B |
| 70–79% | C |
| 60–69% | D |
| Below 60% | F |
Course Components
Participation
Join Live Sessions in real time. The structure of the Live Session will cycle between a teacher-led discussion in the form of a lecture, teacher-led discussion of cases, or facilitating whole class discussions.
- Case study analysis requires whole class input. Students are expected to familiarize themselves with case studies before class.
- Students are expected to prepare at least one question each for a guest lecturer.
- Students can expect full points if they attend all classes and actively engage in discussions. Up to two previously informed absences will be excused with no deductions.
Weekly Quizzes
Students are asked to take quizzes every week. Each quiz will contain 7 items: 2 essay questions (worth 5 points) and 5 multiple choice questions (worth 2 points each). Each quiz will have a 15-minute time limit, and students will have only one attempt. Open book and open notes are allowed. Quizzes are normally due by midnight on the day of the Live Session.
Peer Reviews (1 & 2)
Before the final submittal, students have the opportunity to present their case study to peers and give and receive their feedback. Students will submit peer reviews for each presenting group to earn full points (CLO B).
Draft Report
Students will submit a Draft Report on Week 4 and receive detailed feedback for the submittal of the Final Report from the instructor (CLO B).
Bias Analysis Essay
The Bias Analysis Essay aims to create awareness of bias happening in the workplace. Through this analytical writing and following readings and class discussion, awareness will be explicitly expressed (CLO A).
Project Plan & Timeline
The CSDP course spans over 8 weeks. At the end of the 8 weeks, groups collaboratively submit their Case Study Report. To perform well, students are expected to collaborate in the planning and allocation of tasks and follow up within their group (CLO B).
Project Plan Review
Students will review the initial Project Plan and Timeline on Week 6 before the final sprint (CLO B).
Final Report
The Final Case Study Report demonstrates students' research skills and weighs 40% of the final grade. The Case Study Report will be submitted in the last week of the course (CLO B).
Course Policies
Communication
If you need to contact me, please e-mail me directly at marge.tooming-1@ou.edu. Canvas messaging is unreliable; please only use OU email for communication with me. I will do my best to respond within 24 hours (48 hours max). Please note that work-life balance is very important to me, and I make an effort to avoid checking e-mail on the weekends if at all possible.
My pronouns are she/her/hers. In terms of titles, Marge works just fine. If you go by a name other than the one listed in Canvas, please tell me how you prefer to be addressed. Additionally, if I mispronounce your name, do not hesitate to correct me. Respecting another's preferred pronouns, titles, and pronunciations is an easy way to show respect to your colleagues and is something I take very seriously.
Feedback
Assignments will be graded within one week of submission. If you would like a deeper dive into any feedback or grade you receive, I am happy to set up individual Zoom meetings to discuss further.
Late Policy
Late work will be accepted with a grade penalty as specified in the assignment rubrics. All assignments must be submitted by the due date. Extensions must be arranged prior to the deadline. Late submissions will incur a 10% grade reduction per day, and assignments submitted 3 or more days late will receive zero points. Any extensions of assignment due dates due to university-excused absences or for personal reasons (sickness, family emergency, etc.) must be arranged prior to the assigned due date.
Plagiarism
Plagiarism is the most common form of academic misconduct at OU. There is no college-level assignment that can be satisfactorily completed by copying. OU's basic assumption about writing is that all written assignments show the student's own understanding in the student's own words. That means all writing assignments, in class or out, are assumed to be composed entirely of words generated (not simply found) by the student, except where words written by someone else are specifically marked as such with proper citation. Including other people's words in your paper is helpful when you do it honestly and correctly. When you don't, it's plagiarism.
For more information about plagiarism, watch this video and then take this short course offered by University Libraries.
Errata and Changes
Errors and omissions to this syllabus or class presentations will be revised as observed and do not constitute incomplete or late work from students. Students are responsible for bringing the professor’s attention to any and all possible errata they encounter. The instructor reserves the right to make changes to the syllabus and content based on course pacing and current events that may be relevant to the material.
Additional Resources
If you need additional support or guidance in navigating Canvas, please visit the Sustainable Architecture Student Orientation Course for helpful tutorials, tips, and resources to enhance your experience with our learning management system.
University Academic Policies and Student Support
Access the University Academic Policies Document.
Course Summary:
| Date | Details | Due |
|---|---|---|