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Last Updated: 2026-06-03 00:14:35
Abstract
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,essays will be produced and published on the MAS online platform.
Objective
The objective is to offer a pedagogical framework within which students learn to discuss their urban and territorial design work in relation to the theoretical writings studied in the accompanying Urban Theory Sessions, as well as other courses, sessions and inputs in the MAS programe, and inspired by methods discussed in this seminar. 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 course output is a 3000-word essay of publication standard, within which their own original design and research hypothesis is embedded.
Content
Programme: 19.02 Introduction and analysis of inspiring texts 26.02 Zotero introduction- ETH Baubibliothek 5.03 Designing Critical Writing: practical tips, checklist, reference systems and publication opportunities 19.03 Exercise site-writing 26.03 Guest Input Dorothee Hahn: Who is your reader? 16.04 Tutorials Groups 1, 2 & 3 Project writing 23.04 Crafting critical writing: Session with invited writer and journalist 30.04 Group Tutorials Groups 4 & 5 Project writing 7.05 Peer reviewing of draft texts between groups 10.06 Workshop online publishing: Fine-tuning of texts ready for publication Students are expected to dedicate the intervening Thursday sessions to developing their own writing individually and in their design groups, in preparation for the scheduled sessions.
Resources
Literature
Additional literature to the MAS accompanying courses will be provided directly before the scheduled sessions.
Learning Materials (Links)
- Main link
- Information
General Information
- Language
- English
- Levels
- NDS
- Frequency
- Yearly recurring
Examination
- Type
- ungraded semester performance
Registration & Places
Course Components
| Type | Title | Time & Place | Hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| lecture with exercise |
Critical Writing
No course during seminar week [16.3.2026] and in the last two weeks of the semester.
|
|
30 h semesterly |
Offered In
-
MAS in Urban and Territorial Design (The MAS in Urban and Territorial Design requires one year of full-time postgraduate study for a 60 ECTS joint degree, the “MAS ETH EPF UTD”. It is taught in English and held at the two Swiss schools, EPFL (Autumn) and ETH Zurich (Spring).)