Elective course 2014/2015

REHABILITATION OF BUILT HERITAGE (ST-54)

Assignment for the final evaluation: argumentative essay
Write an argumentative essay to support your personal position for or against the position
expressed by the text below:
The wholesale demolition and redevelopment policies resulted in the replacement of
large numbers of basically sound buildings, often with buildings of much poorer quality,
particularly in the housing sector. The vast stock of old, redundant and obsolete
buildings is an important material ressource for providing, through their refurbishment
and re-use, high-quality modern spaces more quickly, and at a lower cost, than the
alternative of demolition and new construction. It makes sense to retain and refurbish
existing buildings in preference to demolishing and replacing them, especially
considering the current efforts to reduce the use of fossil fuel and carbon dioxide
emissions, as well as the concern to develop a more sustainable way of living.

Content and structure of the essay

Detailed indications and tips on how to make an argumentative essay can be found at:
https://owl.english.purdue.edu/owl/resource/685/05/
http://www.apsu.edu/sites/apsu.edu/files/academic-supportcenter/Argumentative_Persuasive_Essay--How_to_Write_0.pdf
http://web.calstatela.edu/faculty/cendy/writing_tips.pdf

For a successful oral presentation see also Supplementary indications on how to make an
effective PowerPoint Presentation at the end of this document.
For written essays, the text should have about 1000 words and should be written at 1.5 lines.
There are no limits for images.

Essay delivery & oral presentation

It is prefered (without being compulsory) that students orally defend their position, in front of
their colleagues, with the support of a PowerPoint presentation. The Erasmus students can
make their oral presentations in English.
Oral presentations will last 15-20 minutes and will be conducted at the scheduled exam in the
general evaluation period. For organisational reasons, those interested should express their
intention to make an oral presentation until 9 January 2014. Considering the limited time, only
25-30 oral presentations can be accepted.
The digital presentations should be delivered at the exam.
The written papers should be delivered in printed form, at the exam.

Evaluation criteria
The argumentative essay should demonstrate:
- personal knowledge (from the course and from personal documentation);
- advanced ways of thinking (such as applying general theory to particular cases, evaluating
concrete situations/issues; identifying, analysing and synthesising relevant information; logical
and convincing construction of an argumentation);
- personal values (standards and principles used to judge the worth of an idea and to
construct a personal position).
In particular, are assesment criteria the following:
-

The clear explanation of the subject matter in discussion and of the personal position
on it (thesis statement). The good knowledge ot the opposing points of view.

The developing of the argumentation, for defending the thesis statement and combat
opposing views; the use of rational arguments and evidences, well documented.

The selection of the documentary sources; the smooth integration of the source
materials in the text and the accurate indication of the sources.1

For referencing, the Chicago style (notes-bibliography) or the Harvard style (author-date) are

recommended see Suplementary information on the referencing system.

2

The clear structure of the essay which enhances and showcases the central guiding
idea. The logical and compelling progression of ideas.

The effective summarize of the main issues in conclusions, without repeating previous
sentences.

The clear and precise language, without ambiguities and digressions; a style
appropriate for an academic work.

A compelling oral presentation is an important asset within evaluation.

Suplementary informations

on the referencing system:
The Chicago Manual of Style
http://www.chicagomanualofstyle.org/tools_citationguide.html
Guide to the Harvard System of Referencing
http://libweb.anglia.ac.uk/referencing/harvard.htm

on how to make an effective PowerPoint Presentation:
http://www.slideshare.net/satyajeet_02/how-to-make-effective-presentation

22.11.2014
Prof. dr. arh. Rodica Crian