The Architectural Review

Prepare yourself to read the assigned texts by familiarizing yourself with each author (who was this person? What is he/shefamous for?). Notice the date when each one of your texts was published (is the author likely to provide a “current” or an “old”take on the problem he/she discusses?), and reflect on this reading’s location within the course—(“why would we be asked to readthis text in the first week, or in the context of this week’s particular topic”? Is the instructor likely assigning the text as a provider of“background” information, or is there some crucial new idea, argument, or position that I need to be able to identify?) A suggestionhere—always check what the week’s topic is before you start reading, so you know what kind of ideas or arguments to look for inthe text.SECOND TRICK:Try to figure out if this text constitutes a primary source (a document that expresses the author’s impressions or perspectives on anissue, typically written during the historical moment that is being examined in class) or a secondary source (a work that analyzesthe information contained or the views expressed in primary sources and often situates them in their historical or intellectual context).By doing this, you’ll know whether you need to read the text as a historical document or as an interpretation provided by others at alater time. Also: notice the title of the article assigned, and examine the word choices that the author makes—do the titles hint atsome interesting argument that challenges or supports other texts we’ve read in class? Are there any terms that you might want tolook for and define as you read?