Part II. Overall statement of justification for revision
Explain, in detail, why the Department / School wants to make these changes. The explanation can include, among other things, changes in the department’s focus, changes in the field, changes in quality standards, changes in expectations regarding the qualifications of graduates, or weaknesses in the old program that the new program is designed to rectify. Some historical background and a comparative analysis with the programs of some universities will be most appropriate.
Department of Interior Architecture has started Undergraduate education in 1997-98 Academic Year, within the constitution of Faculty of Architecture. Throughout the progressing years, both the number of academic staff and the students has increased, and regarding the changing internal and external factors based on time, revision has been inevitable. Specially, in order to protect and increase the esteem and popularity within the competition arena, an overall change of Interior Architecture Program has been an obligation. For this purpose, in 2001-2002 Academic Year, research and commission studies have been in progress with the Architecture Education Program in the Faculty. Program revision studies were discussed at the Department Meetings as well. However, because of the changes in administrative staff in 2002-2003 Academic Year, an interruption occurred; yet all throughout last month, program revision studies were brought in the agenda of the Faculty again, and by getting the opinions of the academic staff, Faculty Administrative Commission decided on the last format of the proposed program as attached.
The main changes of the mentioned course program and the reasons behind them are as follows:
Decreasing the educational loads: In order to reach international standards, make the education atmosphere more enjoyable, create more time for individual research and social activities, the course loads, course hours, credits and the number of prerequisite courses of the students and academic staff are decreased.
Increasing the number of elective courses: In order to be in harmony with the General Education - SPIKE (Socio-cultural, Professional, Industrial Knowledge and Experience), that was become valid throughout the university context in this academic year, to realize the free information gain for the contribution of general education and culture, and in order to provide deeper information for different perspectives of design, the number of elective courses are increased and grouped under major titles.
Designing the first year common basic education program for the existing and new programs in the context of faculty: Carrying out the different department programs in common for the first year basic program will provide a gain in time and human resource, and strengthen the collaboration between the departments, and facilitate the possible student transfers.
