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Unit of study_

ARCH4009: Research Methods in Architecture

Semester 1, 2023 [Normal day] - Remote

In Research Methods, students advance their working knowledge of differing kinds of architectural research; from those aligned with the humanities, those allied to the sciences, and those of architectural design. Having become conversant with the contemporary concerns, conventions, methodologies and modes of expression of each mode of research, they hone in on the one that best aligns with their own emerging research interests. They learn how to conceive a topic and frame it appropriately as a coherent and defensible line of inquiry; collect evidence; navigate academic databases; prepare a literature review; develop an argument; and clearly express their findings in sound academic prose. Upon completion of the unit of study, students will have developed the broad intellectual framework for their Architecture Dissertation.

Unit details and rules

Unit code ARCH4009
Academic unit Architecture
Credit points 6
Prohibitions
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None
Prerequisites
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None
Corequisites
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None
Assumed knowledge
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None

Available to study abroad and exchange students

No

Teaching staff

Coordinator Matthew Mindrup, matthew.mindrup@sydney.edu.au
Type Description Weight Due Length
Assignment Dissertation Proposal
9-Part Dissertation Proposal
70% Formal exam period
Due date: 06 Jun 2023 at 23:59
13 Weeks
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5
Assignment Critical Responses
responses take the form of debate, quizzes and peer feedback
30% Week 11
Due date: 05 May 2023 at 23:59
11 weeks
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO2

Assessment summary

These are a combination online (quizes & reflections) and inclass contributions.

Assessment criteria

Result name Mark range Description

High Distinction

85 - 100 Work of outstanding quality, demonstrating mastery of the learning outcomes assessed. The work shows significant innovation, experimentation, critical analysis, synthesis, insight, creativity, and/or exceptional skill.

Distinction

75 - 84 Work of excellent quality, demonstrating a sound grasp of the learning outcomes assessed. The work shows innovation, experimentation, critical analysis, synthesis, insight, creativity, and/or superior skill.

Credit

65 - 74

Work of good quality, demonstrating more than satisfactory achievement of the learning outcomes assessed, or work of excellent quality for a majority of the learning outcomes assessed.

Pass

50 - 64 Work demonstrating satisfactory achievement of the learning outcomes assessed.

Fail

0 - 49 Work that does not demonstrate satisfactory achievement of one or more of the learning outcomes assessed.

 

For more information see guide to grades.

Late submission

In accordance with University policy, these penalties apply when written work is submitted after 11:59pm on the due date:

  • Deduction of 5% of the maximum mark for each calendar day after the due date.
  • After ten calendar days late, a mark of zero will be awarded.

This unit has an exception to the standard University policy or supplementary information has been provided by the unit coordinator. This information is displayed below:

Penalties for late submission of work and related policies are included in the Resolutions of the University of Sydney School of Architecture, Design and Planning, which are available at http://sydney.edu.au/handbooks/architecture/rules/faculty_resolutions.shtml. It is your responsibility to familiarise yourself with these policies. Applications for special consideration must be lodged online at http://sydney.edu.au/current_students/special_consideration/apply.shtml.

Academic integrity

The Current Student website  provides information on academic integrity and the resources available to all students. The University expects students and staff to act ethically and honestly and will treat all allegations of academic integrity breaches seriously.  

We use similarity detection software to detect potential instances of plagiarism or other forms of academic integrity breach. If such matches indicate evidence of plagiarism or other forms of academic integrity breaches, your teacher is required to report your work for further investigation.

You may only use artificial intelligence and writing assistance tools in assessment tasks if you are permitted to by your unit coordinator, and if you do use them, you must also acknowledge this in your work, either in a footnote or an acknowledgement section.

Studiosity is permitted for postgraduate units unless otherwise indicated by the unit coordinator. The use of this service must be acknowledged in your submission.

Simple extensions

If you encounter a problem submitting your work on time, you may be able to apply for an extension of five calendar days through a simple extension.  The application process will be different depending on the type of assessment and extensions cannot be granted for some assessment types like exams.

Special consideration

If exceptional circumstances mean you can’t complete an assessment, you need consideration for a longer period of time, or if you have essential commitments which impact your performance in an assessment, you may be eligible for special consideration or special arrangements.

Special consideration applications will not be affected by a simple extension application.

Using AI responsibly

Co-created with students, AI in Education includes lots of helpful examples of how students use generative AI tools to support their learning. It explains how generative AI works, the different tools available and how to use them responsibly and productively.

WK Topic Learning activity Learning outcomes
Week 01 Introduction to the Unit Lecture (2 hr) LO5
What is a dissertation research project? Tutorial (2 hr) LO5
Week 02 Historical Research Method Seminar (2 hr) LO3 LO5
Research Group Presentations; Topics and Questions Tutorial (2 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO5
Week 03 Qualitative Research Method Seminar (2 hr) LO3 LO5
Research Group Presentations; Research Panels Part 1 Tutorial (2 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO5
Week 04 Correlational Research Method Seminar (2 hr) LO3 LO5
Research Group Presentations; Research Panels Part 2 Tutorial (2 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO5
Week 05 Experimental Research Method Seminar (2 hr) LO3 LO5
Research Group Presentations; Research Panels Part 3 Tutorial (2 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO5
Week 06 Simulation Research Method Seminar (2 hr) LO3 LO5
Research Group Presentations; Research Panels Part 4 Tutorial (2 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO5
Week 07 Logical Argumentative Research Method Seminar (2 hr) LO3 LO5
Research Group Presentations; Research Panels Part 5 Tutorial (2 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO5
Week 08 Case Studies Research Method Seminar (2 hr) LO3 LO5
Research Group Presentations; Research Panels Part 6 Tutorial (2 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO5
Week 09 Guest Lecture (TBA) Lecture (2 hr) LO3 LO5
Research Group Presentations; Research Panels Part 7 Tutorial (2 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5
Week 10 Guest Lecture (TBA) Lecture (2 hr) LO3 LO5
Research Group Presentations; Research Panels Part 8 Tutorial (2 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5
Week 11 Guest Lecture (TBA) Lecture (2 hr) LO3 LO5
Research Group Presentations; Research Panels Part 9 Tutorial (2 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5
Week 12 Guest Lecture (TBA) Lecture (2 hr) LO3 LO5
General Research Panel Help Tutorial (2 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5

Attendance and class requirements

The School’s requirement of 90% attendance is waived. Participation in this unit is required via online components.

Study commitment

Typically, there is a minimum expectation of 1.5-2 hours of student effort per week per credit point for units of study offered over a full semester. For a 6 credit point unit, this equates to roughly 120-150 hours of student effort in total.

Required readings

Groat, Linda N., and David Wang. 2013. Architectural research methods.

Learning outcomes are what students know, understand and are able to do on completion of a unit of study. They are aligned with the University's graduate qualities and are assessed as part of the curriculum.

At the completion of this unit, you should be able to:

  • LO1. Exercise ethical judgement in research, based on a sound understanding of the scope and concerns of the discipline.
  • LO2. Demonstrate sound understanding of the key ideas, movements and protagonists in contemporary architectural discourse, and be able to critique them using advanced oral, written and graphic communication skills.
  • LO3. Navigate between the differing methodologies and conventions of various modes of architectural research and their theoretical underpinnings; from those that stem from the sciences, to those of the humanities, and those of architectural design.
  • LO4. Demonstrate advanced understanding of one mode of architectural research, and be able to prepare a carefully-conceived, appropriately framed, and clearly articulated research proposal.
  • LO5. Recognize the opportunities of new knowledge and practices in research, and how these can be harnessed to arrive at innovative solutions to problems in the discipline of architecture.

Graduate qualities

The graduate qualities are the qualities and skills that all University of Sydney graduates must demonstrate on successful completion of an award course. As a future Sydney graduate, the set of qualities have been designed to equip you for the contemporary world.

GQ1 Depth of disciplinary expertise

Deep disciplinary expertise is the ability to integrate and rigorously apply knowledge, understanding and skills of a recognised discipline defined by scholarly activity, as well as familiarity with evolving practice of the discipline.

GQ2 Critical thinking and problem solving

Critical thinking and problem solving are the questioning of ideas, evidence and assumptions in order to propose and evaluate hypotheses or alternative arguments before formulating a conclusion or a solution to an identified problem.

GQ3 Oral and written communication

Effective communication, in both oral and written form, is the clear exchange of meaning in a manner that is appropriate to audience and context.

GQ4 Information and digital literacy

Information and digital literacy is the ability to locate, interpret, evaluate, manage, adapt, integrate, create and convey information using appropriate resources, tools and strategies.

GQ5 Inventiveness

Generating novel ideas and solutions.

GQ6 Cultural competence

Cultural Competence is the ability to actively, ethically, respectfully, and successfully engage across and between cultures. In the Australian context, this includes and celebrates Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures, knowledge systems, and a mature understanding of contemporary issues.

GQ7 Interdisciplinary effectiveness

Interdisciplinary effectiveness is the integration and synthesis of multiple viewpoints and practices, working effectively across disciplinary boundaries.

GQ8 Integrated professional, ethical, and personal identity

An integrated professional, ethical and personal identity is understanding the interaction between one’s personal and professional selves in an ethical context.

GQ9 Influence

Engaging others in a process, idea or vision.

Outcome map

Learning outcomes Graduate qualities
GQ1 GQ2 GQ3 GQ4 GQ5 GQ6 GQ7 GQ8 GQ9

This section outlines changes made to this unit following staff and student reviews.

This is the first time the unit is being held

None

Additional costs

None

Site visit guidelines

N/A

Work, health and safety

None

Disclaimer

The University reserves the right to amend units of study or no longer offer certain units, including where there are low enrolment numbers.

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