Course Syllabus, Spring 2006
Architectural Design and Drafting
Hudson High School, Hudson, Iowa
as revised March 15, 2006
Course Description
This is a one-semester introductory course in architectural drafting and design. Before entering this course, students should have satisfactorily completed a minimum of one semester of manual drafting. This course builds upon the knowledge and skills developed in earlier courses. In this course, students will learn basic architectural drawing knowledge, skills, and practices related to development of a set of residential plans. Students will also learn principles related to the design of a residence. Satisfactory completion of this course will enhance the student's ability to enter residential architecture and construction fields.
Course Objectives
Objectives for this course are based upon the Hudson Industrial Technology Guide as well as spectific Hudson objectives for architectural drafting. This course departs from older Hudson objectives in that it does not require a perspective drawing. In addition, a foundation plan will be required instead of a plumbing plan. The objectives of this course are that students will:
  1. Increase knowledge and understanding of basic drafting content as well as perfect basic drafting skills introduced in earlier courses;
  2. Properly care for drafting equipment, materials and drawings
  3. Keep notebooks and drawings organized and in good condition
  4. Demonstrate efficient techniques for layout and development of a drawing
  5. Identify and appropriately use architectural symbols used in a set of working drawings
  6. Identify the types of elevations and sections used in architectural drawings.
  7. Develop at least two elevations, a sectional view, and a detail.
  8. Use proper architectural dimensioning and labeling techniques
  9. Create a limited set of working drawings for a residential building
  10. Understand basic principles of foundation design
  11. Identify general roof types and characteristics
  12. Identify principal types of windows and doors used in buildings
  13. Understand the use of architectural schedules
  14. Build a scaled 3D model of their designed home.
Texts and Materials
  • Clois E. Kicklighter. Architecture: residential drawing and design. Goodheart-Willcox, 1999.
  • Alan Jefferis & David Madsen. Architectural Drafting and Design 4th ed. Thompson/Delmar Learning, 2004.
  • Student notetooks.
  • Supplementary learning materials provided by the teacher.
  • Tracing vellum and coordinate paper
  • Drafting pencils with 0.3 and 0.5mm lead in HB and 4H hardnesses.
  • Drafting boards and associated equipment.
Activities and Projects

Projects: The major project for this course is to develop a set of floor plans, elevations, foundation plans, electrical plans, window and door schedules, and sectional views for a small residence. If there is sufficient time, a scaled model will be built from the plans. Student plans will:

  • use appropriate manual drafting practices which meet manual drafting standards;
  • be accurately drawn to scale;
  • use appropriate architectural symbols;
  • be dimensioned using appropriate architectural practices;
  • meet cleanliness, neatness and organizational requirements.
Activities: Several problem activities will be undertaken to help students understand concepts necessary to develop their house plans. Examples include:
  • problems related to the use of the architectural scale;
  • sketching problems related to understanding how to develop architectural drawings;
  • mathematical problems related to translating measurements into appropriate scale sizes;
  • mathematical problems related to dimensioning drawings;
  • study guides aimed at helping students learn content related to the design of a residence and drafting practices.
  • construct a three-dimensional model from house plans.
Assessment
A variety of assessments will be used in this class. They include:
  • assessments of completion of problems and study guides;
  • scores on quizes and tests;
  • assessments of level of productivity in the development of drawings;
  • assessments of the quality of drawings and problems completed;
  • assessment of the three-dimensional model in terms of how it represents the referenced drawings;
  • assessments of the care, maintenance, organization and storage of drafting materials and equipment as well as instructional materials;
Grading Scale
Points from assessments will be weighted as follows:
  • problems and study guides -- 15% of overall grade
  • care of instructional materials, drafting tools and materials, and the drafting area -- 5%
  • quizes and tests -- 20% of overall grade
  • drawings -- 60% of overall grade
    • floor plans -- 35% of drawings score
    • floor plan dimensioning -- 15% or drawings score
    • window and door schedules -- 5% of drawings score
    • elevation plans and 3-D model-- 20% of drawings score
    • foundation plans -- 10% of drawings score
    • electrical plans -- 5% of drawings score
    • sectional views -- 10% of drawings score
Grades for the course will be based upon weighted point percentages as follows:
* * * B+ 87-89% C+ 77-79% D+ 67-69% *
* A 94-100% B 83-86% C 73-76% D 63-66% F below 60%
* A- 90-93% B- 80-82% C- 70-72% D- 60-62% *

Guidelines for Success
  1. Respect
  2. Learning
  3. Responsibility
  4. Attitude
  5. Honesty/Integrity
 Hudson Learning Performance Goals
  1. Knowledgeable Person
  2. Quality Producer
  3. Collaborative Worker
  4. Individual Problem Solver
  5. Critical Thinker
  6. Effective Communicator
  7. Contributing Citizen
  8. Internal Assets Builder
Class Rules
It is recognized that it is better to have few rules, but the performance of this class to date has necessitated that rules be designated in greater detail.
  1. Seating: All students are expected to be seated in their assigned seating locations at the beginning of each class period and at times that they do not have specific assignments in other areas of the laboratory. Chairs are not to be moved about the room. Students are not to leave the classroom area at any time prior to dismissal without notification and permission of the teacher.

  2. Class preparation: Students are expected to bring their notebook, writing materials, class handouts, and homework to class every day. Other materials are to be brought to class as designated by the teacher.

  3. Assignments/Due Dates: Assignments are due at time stated by the teacher when the assignment is made. Assignments which are not completed by the designated time will be made up after school on the day due. If a person is absent on a due date, the assignment is due at the beginning of the class period when the student returns to school unless specific arrangements are made with the teacher for an alternate time.

  4. Makeup: Students will have an agreed upon amount of time to complete assignments when they have missed more than one day of school as excused absences.

  5. Food and Drink: No drinks, candy, food or gum are to be brought into the laboratory. These items are not comptible with the careful handling and care of architectural drawings and computer equipment.

  6. Use of Computers: Computers are to be used only for course oriented activities. Students must have teacher permission to use the computers. At the end of the class session, all computers are to be turned off.

  7. Laboratory Maintenance: Each student is expected to keep her/his seating area cleaned and organized (desktop, cabinets or tables, floor area). All materials must be put away in designated places and in an organized manner at the end of each class period. Chairs should be organized at the end of each class period.

  8. Accidents or Illness: The teacher should be notified immediately about any accidents or illnesses. The teacher should also be notified immediately about any malfunctioning equipment or other problems in your seating or work area.

  9. Use of Equipment and Materials: Students are not to use any materials or equipment for which they have not received specific instruction and approval for use. They are expected to use equipment and materials in a manner consistent with instruction. Students are not to connect or disconnect any equipment without specific teacher permission and supervision. Materials are to be used in the most efficient way possible, avoiding as much waste as possible.
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January 4, 2006