Research Methods for PhD-candidates

Research Methods for PhD-candidates
New from the academic year 2009/2010
Content
The course is offered to students that are in the initial stages of their Ph.D. The course will introduce the students to various types of research methods appropriate for architectural research, covering a wide range extending from established methods within social science and humanities as well as methods more specisfically oriented towards architectural design and practice. The main focus will be on qualitative methods but quantitative methods will also be introduced based on the kinds of research projects being dealt with in the class. The research methods being covered in the course represent different theories of science and therefore it is recommended that the students opting for this course also take an additional course in Theories of Science at the university in order to be able to make an informed choice of methods for their research. Successful completion of the course requires the students to write a detailed research proposal which may be based on their own research or a fictional subject of their choice. In addition, the students will also be graded on the basis of an oral exam. The course will be taught through lectures and seminars where there will be a strong emphasis on class participation and discussion. During the course of the semester the students will be asked to present the progress of their research proposals. Experienced researchers will be invited to share their experiences with different kinds of methods.
Learning outcome
The course is aimed at (1) familiarizing Ph.D. students with established forms of research methods for architectural research, the basic premises of various types of methods and their origins in differing philosophies of science and (2) to enable students to select methods appropriate for their own research and to help them structure and develop a well grounded proposal for the same
Learning methods and activities
Lectures,seminars and compusory assignments
Compulsory assignments
Recommended previous knowledge
Recommended that course AAR4853 Methodology or equivalent is passed
Required previous knowledge
Master degree in Architecture or equivalent
Course materials
Literature will be presented by course start