ARCT08063 2022 Research and Engagement III: Dissertation 1

General Details

Full Title

Research and Engagement III: Dissertation 1

Transcript Title

Research + Engagement: Dissert

Code

ARCT08063

Attendance

80 %

Subject Area

ARCT - Architecture

Department

YADA - Yeats Academy Art Dsgn & Arch

Level

08 - Level 8

Credit

05 - 05 Credits

Duration

Semester

Fee

€

Start Term

2022 - Full Academic Year 2022-23

End Term

9999 - The End of Time

Author(s)

Bernadette Donohoe, Deirdre Greaney, Cliona Brady, Mary Byrne

Programme Membership

SG_VARCH_H08 202200 Bachelor of Architecture (Honours)

Description

This module enables students to prepare a written dissertation through the selection of a topic that connects to place, existing buildings, interior and environment. The student will develop their capacity to produce writing of a high academic standard that adheres to the conventions of academic writing and research methods. Also, the student will consolidate their communication and organisational skills as well as develop a systematic approach to gathering and analysing data.

The module aims to:

Investigate the significance of contemporary architectural theory to architectural practice through key examples.
Enable students to understand their own design ideas in the context of issues from contemporary theory and practice.
Develop research skills and encourage self-led research into contemporary architectural practice and theory.
Develop the ability to develop and compile an academic dissertation.

Learning Outcomes

On completion of this module the learner will/should be able to;

Communicate and research to a high standard, demonstrating the conventions of academic writing and research methods

Review current literature in chosen topic area in order to construct a relevant research question showing an awareness of current architectural discourse.

Demonstrate an ability to collect and synthesise data.

Analyse case studies of architectural research, and related research questions and processes.

Demonstrate an ability to construct interdisciplinary inquiry in relation to place, existing buildings, interior and environment.

Teaching and Learning Strategies

Research and Engagement: Dissertation is taught using a combination of lectures, presentations, set tasks, theoretical discussion and practical based tutorials. Both individual and group work modes are utilised throughout.

Module Assessment Strategies

Visual and oral presentation in Weeks 6-8 (mid-semester).

Written and illustrated dissertation of 6,000 words in Week 16 (end of semester).

Repeat Assessments

Repeat assessment will be dependent on failed components. This will be confirmed at formal exam boards.

Indicative Syllabus

Research in architecture will be discussed in weeks 1 - 4 of the module. Students will explore theoretical and practical research methods and analyse case studies in architectural research.

Each student will select a topic of interest to them within the realm of architecture and which relates to one or more of the BArch philosophical four key themes, Interpretation of Place, Regionally Transformative Architecture, Architectural Regeneration of Built Heritage and Human Experience and Perception of Space.
Types of architectural research
Selecting dissertation subject
Defining research question
Research methods
Cross-disciplinary research
Building the literature review
Conducting case studies
Conducting interviews and recordings
Academic writing: structure and communication
Referencing and plagiarism
Editing text and associated images
Working with a supervisor
Disseminating results - Written, oral and graphic presentation

Coursework & Assessment Breakdown

Coursework & Continuous Assessment

100 %

Coursework Assessment

	Title	Type	Form	Percent	Week	Learning Outcomes Assessed
1	Visual and Oral Presentation	Coursework Assessment	Assessment	30 %	Week 6	3,4
2	Dissertation: Essay (6,000 words)	Coursework Assessment	Assessment	70 %	End of Semester	1,2,3,4,5

Full Time Mode Workload

Type	Location	Description	Hours	Frequency	Avg Workload
Lecture	Flat Classroom	Lecture	1	Weekly	1.00
Tutorial	Flat Classroom	Individual Dissertation tutorial: 0.5 hour per student	0.5	Weekly	0.50

Total Full Time Average Weekly Learner Contact Time 1.50 Hours

Required & Recommended Book List

Required Reading
2007 The Dissertation: An Architecture Student's Handbook Architectural Press

Required Reading
2013 Architectural Research Methods Wiley & Sons

Required Reading
2014 Urban Literacy: Reading and Writing Architecture Nai010

Required Reading
2012 Writing About Architecture: Mastering The Language of Buildings and Cities Princeton Architectural Press

Module Resources

Non ISBN Literary Resources

see module handbook