Module Catalogue 2024/25

Pre Requisite Comment

None

Co Requisite Comment

None

Aims

The aims of this first part of students' dissertation studies are:

- to introduce students to a range of research methodologies, critical appraisal, research and study skills towards their dissertation or dissertation project (submitted at the end of ARC3060) through lectures

- to support the development of their individual area of interest, initial research and project planning through tutorials and seminars

- to support the development of skills in accessing library and other resources to support these emerging areas of specialization, as well as fluency with appropriate tools and conventions of academic research and writing

- to gauge the viability of their topic and research methods through a short fully referenced dissertation essay proposal submitted at the end of ARC2020 in Stage Two Semester Two, and establish which dissertation route is most appropriate for them:

EITHER
an 8,000 word dissertation
OR
a 5,200 word dissertation project report supported by project materials (for example; creative practice output, prototyping or documentation of experiments, fieldwork, data collection or analytical recordings).

Outline Of Syllabus

The dissertation spans: Stage 2: Semester 2, and Stage 3: Semester 1

The basis of the academic method is as follows:

Academically the dissertation or dissertation project will be an excellent piece of work if it is very well informed in its subject-area and draws valid and potentially original conclusions from the evidence presented and considered.

Architecturally the dissertation or dissertation project will be excellent if it addresses an issue of general concern within the architectural community.

Typically topics examine architectural theories and issues in practice, design approaches, design and construction techniques, aspects of architectural history, the historical development of buildings, ideas and movements in architecture, or research and applications in a specific context.

The structure of the syllabus allows students to develop research and technical skills, critical and evaluative abilities and a capacity for clear and succinct expression in writing, by:
(a) Introducing students to the nature of research and research methods in architecture.
(b) Equipping students with the ability to devise their own research strategies for their dissertation or dissertation project.
(c) Providing an overview for developing a research question for developing a research hypothesis, selecting appropriate research methods and preparing a dissertation research proposal.
(d) Giving an opportunity to present a major piece of work involving a range of professionally-orientated transferable skills.

Stage Two (ARC2020) and relationship to ARC2024 dissertation elective:
Students develop a basis for their area of interest and an understanding of appropriate methods, literature and output during initial dissertation elective seminars during the 6 week dissertation elective undertaken in Semester Two of Stage Two, which concludes with an ungraded, pass/fail presentation on a chosen seminar theme.

Following discussions with their dissertation tutor (normally the same person who tutored the elective), students submit a short, fully referenced dissertation proposal at the end of Semester Two, Stage Two, which outlines their individual research topic, intended research methods and outputs, and declares whether they will be taking the dissertation OR dissertation project route in ARC3060. The production of this proposal to a passing standard is a formal prerequisite for registration on ARC3060. It is a summative, ungraded, pass/fail assignment.

Topics:
Dissertation or dissertation project approaches, choice of topic,
research methods, forms of evidence, literature surveys, synopsis development, case studies, database searching, technical briefing, referencing, production and binding, assessment criteria.
Hand-in: Dissertation or dissertation project proposal after Easter Semester Two, Stage Two.

Stage Three (ARC 3060): Work mainly independently, but in association with a tutor/supervisor, to develop a draft into the completed dissertation or dissertation project.

Intended Knowledge Outcomes

The module provides opportunities for students to:
• identify or develop a research topic
• conduct a literature survey
• produce a structured study of a topic
• make use of appropriate research methods for their investigation
• identify a relevant mode of output for their investigation
• appreciate, evaluate, discuss and present significant material from disparate sources
• structure an argument to support a case
• use and acknowledge expert opinion
• draw conclusions and suggest future research paths
• present a document suitable for a specific domain readership.

Intended Skill Outcomes

The module provides opportunities for students to:
1.Learn to use academic technique and conventions appropriately and effectively.
2.Identify and develop a research topic for a dissertation or 'dissertation project’.
3.Identify appropriate research methods for the investigation
4.Propose a relevant mode of output for their investigation
5.Conduct a literature survey
6.Prepare a short dissertation OR dissertation project proposal

Teaching Rationale And Relationship

Students follow a themed elective seminar series chosen from a selection on offer, that supports their emerging research interests. These are research-led weekly seminars from APL staff from the range of disciplines in architecture, from humanities and social sciences to creative practice and technology.

Students are expected to augment this knowledge by reading and exploring other sources of information. In addition their research is supported by research skills lectures, workshops, seminar-based tutorials, and feedback session to develop their essays.

Assessment Rationale And Relationship

Formative assignment (ungraded, pass/fail): Recorded Presentation

This recorded presentation (which may include audio, moving image and/or stills images) facilitates a wide range of student experimentation, and creative modes of engaging with the subjects and objects of research.

Summative assignment (ungraded, pass/fail): Essay (1,500 word)

A short fully referenced dissertation essay proposal submitted at the end of ARC2020 in Stage Two Semester Two, declaring topic, research methodology and establish which dissertation route is most appropriate: dissertation or 'dissertation project.'

This proposal should:
Identify appropriate research methods for the investigation
Propose a relevant mode of output for their investigation
Present a literature survey

General Notes

N/A