Units

---

Sample subject outline - Semester 1 2013

Note: Subject outlines often change before the semester begins. Below is a sample outline.

Rationale

In this unit you will learn how to structure a rigorous research project; you will gain an understanding of the necessary preliminary operations to gather, organise and critically evaluate data from a variety of sources. Next semester, in DAN220, you will finalise your research project building on the knowledge you have acquired and the critical thinking you have developed in DAN110. DAN110/DAN220 are intended to prepare you for future professional responsibilities involving research; in this set of two units you will develop skills to investigate topics in the fields of architecture and built environment.

Aims

This unit aims to provide you an understanding of the methodological and scholarly procedures to conduct research appropriate to the context of architecture and design.

Objectives

On completion of this unit, you should be able to:
1. Present research findings in a range of outputs at an academic level.
2. Identify emerging questions in the field of design through a rigorous critical process.
3. Summarise different theories and ideas collecting information from a variety of sources
4. Demonstrate an understanding of research theories, methods and procedures.
5. Discuss theoretical positions through a rigorous research process.

Content

In this unit we explore theories and methods to conduct academic research. We will discuss the operations to be undertaken in designing a research project, such as preliminary collection of data, identification of emerging issues, development of a literature review, analysis of information to structure further investigations. You will be able to work on a selected topic in the wider field of the built environment in close collaboration with your supervisor.

Approaches to Teaching and Learning

Teaching Mode:
Hours per week: 3
Lecture 1
Tutorial/studio: 2
Your learning in this unit will be promoted through:

(a) A range of lectures illustrating real world research experiences. Academic and International experts will share with you their work and their approach to research.
(b) A series of workshops to discuss in details the preliminary phases you will have to undertake in designing your research project.
(c) A close collaboration with your supervisors through tutorials, seminars or interactive sessions.
(d) Self directed learning aimed to develop your independent critical thinking.
(e) A set of online resources to guide you in the development of your research plan.


Learning approaches will cover the following:

- Case studies
- Self-directed learning
- Reflective
- Presentation

Assessment

Overview of Assessment:
Assessment will be based on your ability to critically gather, analyse and summarise data. The assignments will help you in developing your understanding of research theories and methods, as well as their application.

LATE ASSIGNMENTS
An assignment submitted after the due date without an approved extension will not be marked. If you are unable to complete your assignment on time, you should submit on time whatever work you have done.

Faculty Assessment Information
To access the Creative Industries Faculty Assessment Information please refer to the Blackboard site for this unit.Formative feedback will be offered by supervisors during the semester at key times to assist you, Summative feedback will be provided on completion of assessment items.

Assessment name: Report
Description: In this task you will start elaborating the topic for your research. You should produce a 500 word document illustrating your research interest detailing theoretical references or referring to your experience in industry; you should outline your actual understanding of the topic in a critical way.
Relates to objectives: 1 & 2
Weight: 20%
Internal or external: Internal
Group or individual: Individual
Due date: Early semester

Assessment name: Portfolio
Description: In this task you will construct a portfolio to document your developing knowledge of your selected topic. You will be able to negotiate with your supervisor the items to include in your collection, but in any case you should produce a literature review to discuss the theoretical debate about your field of research. You should also critically evaluate the information gathered in order to identify possible direction for your investigation
Relates to objectives: 1-3
Weight: 50%
Internal or external: Internal
Group or individual: Individual
Due date: Late semester

Assessment name: Project (research)
Description: In the final task you have to elaborate a Research Proposal outlining the research plan to be undertaken during DAN220 'Architectural Theory and Research Two'. You should demonstrate your knowledge of the topic, your critical thinking and your strategy to achieve the aims of your research.
Relates to objectives: 1,4,&5
Weight: 30%
Internal or external: Internal
Group or individual: Individual
Due date: End of Semester

Academic Honesty

QUT is committed to maintaining high academic standards to protect the value of its qualifications. To assist you in assuring the academic integrity of your assessment you are encouraged to make use of the support materials and services available to help you consider and check your assessment items. Important information about the university's approach to academic integrity of assessment is on your unit Blackboard site.

A breach of academic integrity is regarded as Student Misconduct and can lead to the imposition of penalties.

Resource materials

Texts
There are no required core texts for this unit. A series of resources to guide you in the development of your projects will be made available on Blackboard.

Recommended Reading
You will discuss the more appropriate bibliography for your selected topic with your supervisor. You can refer to the following titles as support in planning your research activity:
Babbie, E. (1992). The practice of social research. 6th ed. Belmont, California: Wadsworth Publishing Company.
Blaikie, Norman. (2000). Research Questions and Objectives in Blaikie, Norman, Designing social research, Cambridge: Polity Press, pp.58-84.
Burns, R.B. (1995). Introduction to research methods. 2nd ed. Melbourne: Longman.
Creswell, J. (2009) Research design. Qualitative, Quantitative, and Mixed Methods approaches
Groat, L. & Wang, D. (2002). Architectural research methods. New York: John Wiley and Sons.
Mc Murray, Adela; Pace, R. Wayne and Scott, Don. (2004). Chapter 3 : The Research Journey
in Mc Murray, Adela; Pace, R. Wayne and Scott, Don, Research : a commonsense approach, Southbank, Victoria: Thomson Social Science Press, pp.40-6
Neuman, W.L. (1997). Social research methods. 3rd ed. Boston: Allyn and Bacon.
Silverman, D. (2000). Doing qualitative research: A practical handbook. London: Sage Publications.
Yin, R.K. (1994). Case study research: Design and Methods. 2nd ed. Applied Social Research Methods Series, vol. 5. London: Sage Publications.
Through DAN110 Blackboard portal you will be able to access a number of online resources and media to support your activity during the semester.

Additional Costs
None.

Risk assessment statement

There are no out-of-the ordinary risks associated with this unit with regard to its delivery on campus. Students are reminded of their obligation to make themselves aware of their responsibilities under the Workplace Health and Safety Act and the evacuation procedures operating in the buildings in which they attend classes or undertake associated study.

Disclaimer - Offer of some units is subject to viability, and information in these Unit Outlines is subject to change prior to commencement of semester.

Last modified: 05-Oct-2012