URBPLAN 757 : Research Project

Creative Arts and Industries

2020 Semester Two (1205) (30 POINTS)

Course Prescription

An in-depth, self-guided research investigation relevant to urban planning with an advanced examination and application of critical quantitative and/or qualitative research skills for urban planning.

Course Requirements

Prerequisite: URBPLAN 301-305, 310, 311

Semester Availability

Semester 2, 2020

Course Co-ordinator

Dr Kai Gu
k.gu@auckland.ac.nz

Capabilities Developed in this Course

Capability 1: Disciplinary Knowledge and Practice
Capability 2: Critical Thinking
Capability 3: Solution Seeking
Capability 4: Communication and Engagement
Capability 5: Independence and Integrity
Capability 6: Social and Environmental Responsibilities

Learning Outcomes

By the end of this course, students will be able to:
  1. Produce a coherent and doable research proposal substantiated by a preliminary literature review (Capability 1.1 and 1.2)
  2. Conduct the research investigation (Capability 2.1, 2.2 and 2.3)
  3. Report on the research aims, methodology and findings (Capability 3.1 and 3.3)
  4. Demonstrate a sound level of understanding of a topic (Capability 4.2, 5.1 and 6.1)

Assessments

Assessment Type Percentage Classification
Research project 100% Individual Coursework
Assessment Type Learning Outcome Addressed
1 2 3 4
Research project
The length of a research project should be no more than 10,000 words, exclusive of bibliographies and appendices. The work should be regarded as an exercise in conciseness. Every word should count. The text should be supported with appropriate figures, tables and illustrations. Photocopies of extracts of relevant material are permitted as long as this adds to the study. These should not be included in the word count. 

Pass Requirements

Where a student has been unable to attend to their studies for a period of time in the semester they may apply for an Extension of Time. Late submissions will be considered on medical and special grounds when supported by a health or other professional, and when the application is made according to the procedure below. Coursework not received by the due date, and for which no extension of time has been approved, will receive the grade ‘DNC’ (Did Not Complete).
Requests for extensions of time must be submitted and approved before the due date unless there are exceptional circumstances. Students applying for an extension of time must obtain an Extension of Time Form for Coursework Submission from the School of Architecture and Planning Office (6th Floor of the Architecture Building, Building 421, 26 Symonds Street) and complete the required details. Late submission forms must be accompanied with the appropriate sign by faculty staff.

Teaching & Learning Methods

The aims of this course are to develop a student’s ability to design and undertake self-directed research, with supervision, and to report on the findings in an appropriate form. The task improves analytical and communication skills so students can produce the type of independent research expected of them in the workplace or at higher academic levels.  
The topic, and the manner in which it is covered, must be clearly related to planning. The research project allows the student to explore areas or problems in detail, and develop and use thinking and analytical skills.
The work must be the work of the candidate solely. The work shall acknowledge the existing literature by reference to for example: relevant academic publications, professional reports and, where appropriate, significant New Zealand law.

Learning Resources

Books useful for students conducting research in planning
Andranovich, G.D., & Riposa, G. (1993). Doing Urban Research. Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage.
 Blaxter, L. et al (2006) How to research, Milton Keynes: Open University. Note Ch. 2 Getting Started.
Cook, T.D., & Campbell, D.T. (1979). Quasi-Experimentation: Design and Analysis Issues for Field Settings. Boston: Houghton-Mifflin.
 Creswell, J.W. (2002). Research Design: Qualitative, Quantitative, and Mixed Methods Approaches (2nd ed). Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage.
Denscombe, M. (2007) Research Guide for small-scale research projects third edition. Open University
http://books.google.com/books?hl=en&lr=&id=I6rRC0oyotkC&oi=fnd&pg=PP8&dq=Denscombe,+M.+(2007)+Research+Guide+for+small-scale+research+projects+third+edition.+Open+University&ots=0AolFrGBY8&sig=weF-Sg0sDgRW_a15X4cL7eXTEfA
De Vaus, D.A. (2001). Research Design in Social Research. Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage.
* Farthing, S. (2016) Research Design in Urban Planning: a student’s guide. UK: Sage. Expected to be On Desk in Architecture Library in Semester 2.
Groat, L., & Wang, D. (2002). Architectural Research Methods. New York: Wiley
Judd, C., Smith, E., & Kidder, L.H. (2002). Research Methods in Social Relations (7th ed.). New York: Holt, Rinehart and Winston.
Leedy, P.D., & Ormrod, J.E. (2010). Practical Research: Planning and Design (9th International ed.). Upper Saddle River, NJ: Pearson Prentice Hall.
Lincoln, Y.S., & Guba, E.G. (1985). Naturalistic Inquiry. Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage.
Smith, Linda Tuhiwai (1999) "Decolonizing Methodologies: Research and Indigenous Peoples" Available: http://books.google.com/books?id=Nad7afStdr8C&dq=Smith+L.+Tuhiwai+%22Decolonizing+Methodologies:+Research+and+Indigenous+Peoples%22&printsec=frontcover&source=bn&hl=en&ei=_7ulSde0DYyVngfj45CWBQ&sa=X&oi=book_result&resnum=4&ct=result#PPA2,M1
Yin, R.K. (2003). Case Study Research: Design and Methods (3rd ed). Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage.
Yin, R. K. (2009). Case study research: Design and methods (Vol. 5). Sage
Zeisel, J. (2006). Inquiry by Design: Environment/Behavior/Neuroscience in Architecture, Interiors, Landscape, and Planning (rev ed). New York: Norton

Workload Expectations

Following University workload guidelines, a standard 30 point course represents approximately 300 hours of study.

For this course, you can expect 5 hours of lectures. Approximately 11 hours consultation time with your supervisor is allocated. 

Digital Resources

Course materials are made available in a learning and collaboration tool called Canvas which also includes reading lists and lecture recordings (where available).

Please remember that the recording of any class on a personal device requires the permission of the instructor.

Academic Integrity

The University of Auckland will not tolerate cheating, or assisting others to cheat, and views cheating in coursework as a serious academic offence. The work that a student submits for grading must be the student's own work, reflecting their learning. Where work from other sources is used, it must be properly acknowledged and referenced. This requirement also applies to sources on the internet. A student's assessed work may be reviewed against online source material using computerised detection mechanisms.

Inclusive Learning

All students are asked to discuss any impairment related requirements privately, face to face and/or in written form with the course coordinator, lecturer or tutor.

Student Disability Services also provides support for students with a wide range of impairments, both visible and invisible, to succeed and excel at the University. For more information and contact details, please visit the Student Disability Services’ website at http://disability.auckland.ac.nz

Special Circumstances

If your ability to complete assessed coursework is affected by illness or other personal circumstances outside of your control, contact a member of teaching staff as soon as possible before the assessment is due.

If your personal circumstances significantly affect your performance, or preparation, for an exam or eligible written test, refer to the University’s aegrotat or compassionate consideration page: https://www.auckland.ac.nz/en/students/academic-information/exams-and-final-results/during-exams/aegrotat-and-compassionate-consideration.html.

This should be done as soon as possible and no later than seven days after the affected test or exam date.

Student Feedback

At the end of every semester students will be invited to give feedback on the course and teaching through a tool called SET or Qualtrics. The lecturers and course co-ordinators will consider all feedback and respond with summaries and actions.

Your feedback helps teachers to improve the course and its delivery for future students.

Class Representatives in each class can take feedback to the department and faculty staff-student consultative committees.

Student Charter and Responsibilities

The Student Charter assumes and acknowledges that students are active participants in the learning process and that they have responsibilities to the institution and the international community of scholars. The University expects that students will act at all times in a way that demonstrates respect for the rights of other students and staff so that the learning environment is both safe and productive. For further information visit Student Charter (https://www.auckland.ac.nz/en/students/forms-policies-and-guidelines/student-policies-and-guidelines/student-charter.html).

In the event of unexpected disruption

We undertake to maintain the continuity and standard of teaching and learning in all your courses throughout the year. If there are unexpected disruptions, the University has contingency plans to ensure that access to your course continues and your assessment is fair, and not compromised. Some adjustments may need to be made in emergencies. In the event of a disruption, the University and your course coordinators will make every effort to provide you with up to date information via Canvas and the University website.

Copyright Warning Notice

This material is protected by copyright and has been copied by and solely for the educational purposes of the University under license. You may not sell, alter or further reproduce or distribute any part of this course pack/material to any other person. Where provided to you in electronic format, you may only print from it for your own private study and research. Failure to comply with the terms of this warning may expose you to legal action for copyright infringement and/or disciplinary action by the University.

Disclaimer

Elements of this outline may be subject to change. The latest information about the course will be available for enrolled students in Canvas.

In this course you may be asked to submit your coursework assessments digitally. The University reserves the right to conduct scheduled tests and examinations for this course online or through the use of computers or other electronic devices. Where tests or examinations are conducted online remote invigilation arrangements may be used. The final decision on the completion mode for a test or examination, and remote invigilation arrangements where applicable, will be advised to students at least 10 days prior to the scheduled date of the assessment, or in the case of an examination when the examination timetable is published.

Published on 30/06/2020 08:54 a.m.