The course is focused on critical analysis, investigation and production of scientific texts. It introduces current research methodologies, their relevance and applicability in urban planning and design studies. The course is linked up with the courses Urban Theory and Concepts and Tools in Urban Design Analysis and creates an opportunity to reflect upon the exercises in the course Applied Analysis in Urban Planning and Design. Different types of writing will be practiced, such as scholarly texts, critical writings and the texts addressing general public. The course will be carried out in a mixed form of lectures, excursions, workshops and seminars.
Designing a research project, applying an appropriate research method and demonstrating reasonable and convincing results belong to the designerly way of thinking. The course is aimed to situate urban planning and design research within a larger intellectual framework through grasping the indissoluble connection between the development process of ideas and artefacts. The course will therefore be commenced with a review on the development of design methodology as the point of departure.
The course will help students to anticipate, identify, and resolve the challenges involved in designing and conducting research projects. Students who take this course will learn the principles to carry on minor research projects by gaining greater skills both in the formulation of coherently structured arguments as well as the use of basic procedure of scientific writings. These goals will be achieved by introducing students to various sources of information and to acquaint them with different methodological instruments for identifying underlying research motivations and assumptions. The course will support students to design and produce their own scholarly texts, to think independently and conduct research more critically and systematically. The course is aimed to prepare students for future PhD studies.