Academic Skills - Einzelansicht

This class introduces students to the world of urban studies, scientific research and practice. It provides an overview of the interdisciplinary field of urban studies and current debates. The module aims to equip students with a set of academic skills that enables them to gain a structured a sound understanding of the practices of social research. This encompasses carrying out a literature review, developing a research interest, formulating research questions and knowledge about how to design a research project, including relevant methods for data collection.

At the beginning we will deal with the process of production of scientific knowledge as such considering basic ‘rules’ of scientific work. As learning by doing is usually a successful way which makes us experiencing the specific demands of a research process you will work in the course in small teams defining and planning your own research project. Starting the practical work we will first deal with different sources of information, how to decode and evaluate them as wells as how to quote and organize them properly in scientific working and writing. Now having an idea how and where to gather information you will define your own research question and develop a research concept step by step going from a proper wording of the research question to the selection of fitting research methods, time planning and documentation.

Participation: Readings, active participation, development and presentation of own research interest

Assignment: first-step research proposal: write a 2 page (Arial 11, line spacing 1) research proposal introducing your research interest, situating it in the relevant literature and developing a suitable research question, via Moodle.

Participation + presentations in class: 40%

Assignment first-step research proposal:  60%

Master Integrated Development and Design