1. SCHOOL OF ARCHITECTURE, BUILDING AND DESIGN
Center for Architecture Studies in Southeast Asia (MASSA)
Foundation in Natural and Built Environment
CULTURE AND CIVILIZATION [FDES 0815]
Credit hours: 5
Prerequisite: None
Semester: September 2013
Lecturers: Normah Sulaiman, Delliya Mohd. Zain
______________________________________________________________________________________
Abstract
An introduction to the Western and Eastern culture and civilization from prehistoric to present through an
overview of archeological discoveries, ancient monuments, artworks, philosophy and achievement of great
leaders.
Teaching Objectives
1. To introduce the Western and Eastern culture and civilization through an overview of archeological
discoveries, ancient monuments, artworks, philosophy and achievement of great leaders from
prehistoric to present.
2. To examine the similarities and differences between Eastern and Western civilizations.
3. To show basic skills on enquiry, investigation, application and presentation of relevant information.
Learning Outcomes
1. Able to describe the historical development of human civilization.
2. Able to recall the development of Eastern and Western human civilizations in the past as well as
present.
3. Able to develop skills of data gathering.
4. Able to demonstrate good documentation and presentation skills.
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2. Module Learning Outcomes and Taylor’s Graduate Capabilities (TGC) acquired by students upon successful
completion of the module.
Module Learning
Outcomes
Upon successful
completion of the
module, students
will be able to:
1. Able to
describe the
historical
development of
human
civilization.
2. Able to recall
the
development of
Eastern and
Western
human
civilizations in
the past as well
as present
3. Able to develop
skills of data
gathering
4. Able to
demonstrate
good
documentation
and
presentation
skills.
Taylor's Graduate Capabilities (TGC)
Disciplinespecific
Knowledge
Cognitive Capabilities
1.0
1.1
1.2

2.0
1.3
2.1
2.2
3.0
2.3














3.1


Soft Skills
4.0
3.2
4.1





5.0
5.1

6.0
5.2

6.1

6.2

7.0
6.3

7.1

8.0
7.2





8.1









Taylor’s Graduate Capabilities
The teaching and learning approach at Taylor’s University is focused on developing the Taylor’s
Graduate Capabilities in its students; capabilities that encompass the knowledge, cognitive capabilities
and soft skills of our graduates.
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3. Discipline Specific Knowledge
1.0
1.1
1.2
1.3
TGC: Discipline Specific Knowledge
Able to put theories into practice.
Understand ethical issues in the context of the field of studies.
Understand professional practice within the field of studies.
Cognitive Capabilities
2.0
2.1
2.2
2.3
3.0
3.1
3.2
TGC: Lifelong Learning
Learn independently.
Locate, extract, synthesise and utilise information effectively.
Be intellectually engaged.
TGC: Thinking and Problem Solving Skills.
Think critically and creatively.
Define and analyse problems to arrive at effective solutions.
Soft Skills
4.0
4.1
TGC: Communication Skills
Communicate appropriately in various setting and modes.
5.0
5.1
5.2
6.0
6.1
6.2
6.3
7.0
7.1
7.2
8.0
8.1
TGC: Interpersonal Skills
Understand team dynamics and mobilise the power of teams.
Understand and assume leadership.
TGC: Intrapersonal Skills
Manage one self and be self-reliant.
Reflect on ones actions and learning.
Embody Taylor's core values.
TGC: Citizenship and Global Perspectives
Be aware and form opinions from diverse perspectives.
Understand the value of civic responsibility and community engagement.
TGC: Digital Literacy
Effective use of information and communication (ICT) and related technologies.
Modes of Delivery
This is a 5 credit hour module held over 18 weeks. Lectures, tutorials, on-line test and self-study.
Contact Hours
Lecture:
Tutorial:
Self-Study:
2 hours/week
2 hours/week
1 hours/week
Time & Venue : Lecture: Tuesday, 10.00am – 12.00am @ LT 14
: Tutorial: Wednesday, 8.00am – 10.00pm @ LT 8
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4. General Rules and Regulations
Late Submission Penalty
The School imposes a late submission penalty for work submitted late without a valid reason e.g. a medical
certificate. Any work submitted after the deadline (which may have been extended) shall have the percentage
grade assigned to the work on face value reduced by 10% for the first day and 5% for each subsequent day late.
A weekend counts as 1 day.
Individual members of staff shall be permitted to grant extensions for assessed work that they have set if they are
satisfied that a student has given good reasons.
Absenteeism at intermediate or final presentations will result in zero mark for that presentation.
Lecturers reserve the right to not accept any late submission after one (1) week.
The Board of Examiners may overrule any penalty imposed and allow the actual mark achieved to be used if the
late submission was for a good reason. However, the facilitator(s) reserves the right NOT to accept work
submitted more than one week late.
Attendance and Participation
Attendance is compulsory. Any student who arrives late after the first half-hour of class will be considered as
absent. A minimum of 80% attendance is required to pass the module and/or be eligible for the final examination.
You are expected to attend and participate actively in class. The lectures and tutorials will assist you in
expanding your ideas and your research progression.
Your work will be graded based on your performance throughout the semester. Your class participation is as
important as the end product.
It is compulsory for the student to attempt and submit all assessment components, including Portfolio and
Taylor’s Graduate Capabilities (TGC) Reflection Form. Failing to do so will result in failing the module
irrespective of the marks earned.
It is also compulsory for the student to attend the final examination. Being absent from the final exam will result in
failing the module even though the student has achieved more than 50% in the overall assessment.
Plagiarism (TU Student Handbook 2011)
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.
a. Published Materials
In general, whenever anything from someone else’s work is used, whether it is an idea, an opinion or the results
of a study or review, a standard system of referencing should be used. Examples of plagiarism may include a
sentence or two, or a table or a diagram from a book or an article used without acknowledgement.
Serious cases of plagiarism can be seen in cases where the entire paper presented by the student is copied from
another book, with an addition of only a sentence or two by the student. While the former can be treated as a
simple failure to cite references, the latter is likely to be viewed as cheating in an examination. Though most
assignments require the need for reference to other peoples’ works, in order to avoid plagiarism, students should
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5. keep a detailed record of the sources of ideas and findings and ensure that these sources are clearly quoted in
their assignment. Note that plagiarism refers to materials obtained from the Internet too.
b. Other Students’ Work
Circulating relevant articles and discussing ideas before writing an assignment is a common practice. However,
with the exception of group assignments, students should write their own papers. Plagiarising the work of other
students into assignments includes using identical or very similar sentences, paragraphs or sections. When two
students submit papers which are very similar in tone and content, both are likely to be penalized.
Student-centered Learning Approach
The module uses the Student-centered Learning (SCL) approach. Utilization of this method embodies most of
the principles known to improve learning and to encourage student’s participation. SCL requires students to be
active, RESPONSIBLE participants in their own learning and the teachers are to facilitate the students learning
process. Various teaching and learning strategies such as experiential learning, problem-based learning, site
visits, group discussions, presentations, working in group and etc. will be employed to facilitate the learning
process for the module.
In SCL students are to be:
 active in their own learning
 self-directed to be responsible to enhance their learning abilities
 able to cultivate skills that are useful in today’s workplace
 active knowledge seekers
 active players in a teamwork
Moodle
Moodle will be used as a communication tool and information portal for students to access module materials,
project briefs, assignments and announcements.
Contact
Normah Sulaiman
Delliya Mohd.Zain
normah.sulaiman@taylors.edu.my / normajean.mode@gmail.com
delliya.mohdzain@taylors.edu.my
Office Hours
Students are encouraged to visit the instructor/lecturer/tutor concerned for assistance during office hours. If the
office hours do not meet the student's schedule, it is suggested that the student notify the instructor, and set
appointment times as needed.
Types of Assessment and Feedback
Each student will be graded in the form of formative and summative assessments. Formative assessments will
provide information to guide the student in the design/research process. This form of assessment will be
conducted through Interim Critique/Review sessions. Summative assessment will inform the student about the
level of understanding and performance capabilities achieved at the end of each project with form of a final
examination.
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6. Assessment Type
Mode
Purpose
Stage
Project
Presentation
Require communication by
the student that
demonstrates conceptual
understanding
Formative
Project 1 & 2
Performance Task
Require student to create
take an action related to a
problem, issue, or
conceptual concept
Formative and
Summative
Project 2
Investigative
Require students to explore
a problem or concern stated
either by the teacher or the
students
Formative and
Summative
Project 1,2 &3
Communication by the
student that demonstrates
conceptual understanding
Summative
ALL
Projects
Tutorials
Assessment Plan
Assessments
Type
Marks
Presentation
Submission
Group & Individual
Learning
outcomes
1, 3
Project 1
20 %
N/A
√
Project 2
Group & Individual
2, 4
30%
√
√
Project 3
Individual
40%
N/A
Portfolio
Individual
1, 2, 4
All
10%
N/A
√
√
Total
100%
Coursework
This module will be graded in the form of coursework. It consists of 3 projects, a quiz and a portfolio.
Project 1: The Family Tree – (Group – 10% & Individual- 10%)
This project introduces students to the rise of human civilization through investigation by plotting major historical
events on a timeline.
Project 2: Messages from the Past; Play (Group- 20% & Individual – 15%)
The second project is a role play exercise in a group. Students are to understand and adapt the chosen
character in their own representation and create a model of the chosen timeline and character.
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7. Final Project: Postcard Series (Individual - 40%)
The final project requires student to create a series of postcard to showcase journey and pictures shot
by students from their visit of places in Malaysia / Kuala Lumpur based on certain concept and relating
to specific theme.
Portfolio – 10%
The portfolio is a compilation of all students’ projects with learning reflection of Taylors Graduate Capabilities.
Taylor’s Graduate Capabilities (TGC) Portfolio (P/F) and TGC Reflection Form
The portfolio is an edited document to include all the work produced in this module. Visual diary and process of
work (packaged) are to be included as part of the portfolio submission. The portfolio will be an e-portfolio.
Images, drawings, text and so on must be well edited, legible and composed. Text should be kept minimal. TGC
Reflection Form must be completed and submitted together with the Portfolio.
Student Input
Student participation is encouraged through various means. In this module, students have the opportunity to
participate in the following ways:





Students’ ideas and questions are welcomed, valued and encouraged.
Student input is sought to understand their perspectives, ideas and needs in planning module revision.
Students are offered opportunities to give feedback with the assurance that issues will be addressed in
response to that feedback.
Students reflect on their performance in personal portfolios.
Student evaluation allows their views and experiences about the sessions are actively sought and used as
an integral part of improvement in teaching and continuous improvement.
Marks and Grading Table (Revised as per 2012 programme guide)
Assessments and grades will be returned within 2 weeks of your submission. You will be given the grades and
necessary feedback for each submission. The grading system is shown below:
Grade
Grade
Marks
Definition
Description
Points
A
80 – 100
4.00
Excellent
Evidence of original thinking; demonstrated outstanding
capacity to analyze and synthesize; outstanding grasp of
module matter; evidence of extensive knowledge base
A-
75 – 79
3.67
Very Good
Evidence of good grasp of module matter; critical capacity
and analytical ability; understanding of relevant issues;
evidence of familiarity with the literature
B+
70 – 74
3.33
B
65 – 69
3.00
Good
Evidence of grasp of module matter; critical capacity and
analytical ability, reasonable understanding of relevant
issues; evidence of familiarity with the literature
B-
60 – 64
2.67
C+
55 – 59
2.33
Pass
C
50 – 54
2.00
Evidence of some understanding of the module matter;
ability to develop solutions to simple problems; benefitting
from his/her university experience
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8. D+
47 – 49
1.67
D
44 – 46
1.33
D-
40 – 43
1.00
F
0 – 39
0.00
Fail
Insufficient evidence of understanding of the module matter;
weakness in critical and analytical skills; limited or irrelevant
use of the literature
WD
-
-
Withdrawn
Withdrawn from a module before census date, typically midsemester
F(W)
0
0.00
Fail
IN
-
-
Incomplete
P
-
-
Pass
Given for satisfactory completion of practicum
AU
-
-
Audit
Given for a module where attendance is for information only
without earning academic credit
Marginal
Pass
Evidence of minimally acceptable familiarity with module
matter, critical and analytical skills
Withdrawn after census date, typically mid semester
An interim notation given for a module where a student has
not completed certain requirements with valid reason or it is
not possible to finalise the grade by the published deadline
Recommended Reading
Main
References :
Additional
References :
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
Kagan, N.,2006, National Geographic Concise History of the World: An Illustrated Time
Line, National Geographic
Janson, A., 2002 History of Art for Young People (6th Edition) Prentice Hall; 6 ed.
C, Arthur., 2011, ASIA : A concise History, Wiley & Sons
N, Fountain., 2003, WWII – The People’s Story, Reader’s Digest
Robinson, W., 1995, Instant Art History: From Cave Art to Pop Art, Ballantine Books; 1st
edition
Tilden, J. (Ed.), 1998, First Under Heaven: The Art of Asia (Fourth Hali Annual),Laurence
King
C.D, Neher., 2000, Southeast Asia: Crossroads of the World (NIU, No. 2)
R, Murphey., 2006, History of Asia, A (5th Edition), Pearson
Famous artists: Master index - wwar.com/artists
10. Robinson, W., 1995, Instant Art History: From Cave Art to Pop Art, Ballantine Books; 1st
edition
11. Tilden, J. (Ed.), 1998, First Under Heaven: The Art of Asia (Fourth Hali Annual),Laurence
King
12. C.D, Neher., 2000, Southeast Asia: Crossroads of the World (NIU, No. 2)
13. R, Murphey., 2006, History of Asia, A (5th Edition), Pearson
14. Famous artists: Master index - wwar.com/artists
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9. CULTURE & CIVILIZATION (FDES 0815) Module Schedule
WEEK
TOPIC / ACTIVITY
Week 1
24 September
Subject Introduction
Overview of Subject Outline
Introduction to Culture &Civilization
Lecture 1
South East Asia ; The Early Empires
Week 2
1 October
Week 3
8 October
TUTORIAL
Briefing: Project
Group & Timeline Allocation
Interactive Content/ Exercises
E-Submission (5%)
Week 4
15 October
Lecture 2
Malaysia; The rise of the pre-Islamic
kingdoms, ethnicity, identity and nationalism,
cultural mix.
Lecture 3
The Eastern Civilizations : China
Week 5
22 October
Lecture 4
India - early Indian civilization
Week 6
29 October
Lecture 5
The Japanese Civilization - Early history to
Feudal period and Modern civilization
Mid-Semester Break
4th – 10th November
Week 7
12 November
Week 8
19 November
SABD ACTIVITY WEEK
Video Presentation :
Roman Empire – The divergence of East
and West
Greece – Early History and the Eastward
Expansion
Lecture 7
The 19th century of British Colonization
Week 9
26November
Week 10
5 December
Week 11
12 December
Week 12
19 December
Week 13
4 January 2013
Week 14
9 January 2013
Week 15
16 January 2013
Data collections, sketches, diagrams
Draft of Timeline and Journal
(Progress 5%)
Submission of Project 1 : Timeline
Briefing of Project 2 : Messages
from the Past
Draft of Storyline and Settings
(Progress Tutorial)
Draft on costume, prop design and
backdrop setting.
(Progress Tutorial: 5%)
Final tutorial of Project 2 –
(80% Progress)
Project 2: Presentation & Submission
Lecture 8
The Early and High Renaissance :
Byzantium and Orthodox Europe
Lecture 9 : The European Middle Ages
Lecture 10 : The Age of Enlightenment –
Europe Renaissance
Lecture 11 : The Age of Discovery – The
Maritime Power and Western Imperialism
HOLIDAY
Lecture 12: The Industrial Revolution of
Europe
Lecture 13 : The Imperialism in Asia –
The arrivals of the Portuguese, the
Spaniards and The Dutch and the age of
discovery
Lecture 14: World War I & II - World in
Conflict, The Great Depression and the Cold
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Briefing Project 3 : Postcard Series
Draft of Concept and Objective
(Progress Tutorial)
Interactive Content/ Exercises
E-Submission (5%)
Progress tutorial : Pre-select photos
according to theme and journal
Finalize Artwork for Graphical Book :
Ready for Printing
Submission of Project 3 :
Graphical Book - 30%
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10. War
Week 16
30 January 2013
Submission of Culture & Civilization Portfolio : 10%
Note: This module outline is subject to change with short notice.
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