GY452      Half Unit
Urban Research Methods

This information is for the 2020/21 session.

Teacher responsible

Prof Hyun Shin S601F

Additional teacher(s): Professor Gareth Jones; Prof Neil Lee; Dr Romola Sanyal; Dr Deen Sharp; Dr Austin Zeiderman; Dr Jessie Speer

Availability

This course is compulsory on the MSc in Urban Policy (LSE and Sciences Po) and MSc in Urbanisation and Development. This course is not available as an outside option.

This course is available on the MSc in Urban Policy (LSE and Sciences Po) for those students who choose the MSc in Urbanisation and Development track for their Year 2 studies.

Course content


The course aims to introduce students to the key methods that are frequently mobilised to carry out research on urbanising societies around the world. Additionally, the course is to help students think more systematically about methodological considerations in order to execute a successful dissertation research. Below is an indicative list of themes that are normally covered in the course:

  • Designing an urban research project and ethics
  • Comparative (case) studies
  • Visual methods
  • Working with archives
  • Interviews and focus groups
  • Conducting ethnography
  • Quantitative data and questionnaires
  • Analysis and write-up

Teaching

In the Department of Geography and Environment, teaching will be delivered through a combination of classes/seminars, pre-recorded lectures, live online lectures, in-person lectures and other supplementary interactive live activities.

 

This course is delivered through a combination of seminars and lectures across Lent Term.

 

This course includes a reading week in Week 6 of Lent Term. 

Formative coursework

Students will be expected to produce 1 essay in the LT.

Indicative reading

Flyvbjerg, B. (2001) Making social science matter: Why social inquiry fails and how it can succeed again. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press

Hay, I. (ed.) (2010) Qualitative Research Methods in Human Geography. 3rd edition. Oxford: Oxford University Press

Heimer, M. and Thogersen, S. (eds.) (2006) Doing fieldwork in China. Copenhagen: NIAS Press

Hennink, M. et al (2011) Qualitative Research Methods. London; Thousand Oaks, CA: SAGE

Sayer, A. (1992) Method in social science: A realist approach. London: Routledge

Ward, K. (ed.) (2012) Researching the city: a guide for students. London: Sage

Assessment

Essay (70%, 2500 words) and research proposal (30%) in the ST.

Student performance results

(2016/17 - 2018/19 combined)

Classification % of students
Distinction 41.9
Merit 43.5
Pass 12.9
Fail 1.6

Important information in response to COVID-19

Please note that during 2020/21 academic year some variation to teaching and learning activities may be required to respond to changes in public health advice and/or to account for the situation of students in attendance on campus and those studying online during the early part of the academic year. For assessment, this may involve changes to mode of delivery and/or the format or weighting of assessments. Changes will only be made if required and students will be notified about any changes to teaching or assessment plans at the earliest opportunity.

Key facts

Department: Geography & Environment

Total students 2019/20: 27

Average class size 2019/20: 14

Controlled access 2019/20: Yes

Value: Half Unit

Guidelines for interpreting course guide information

Personal development skills

  • Leadership
  • Self-management
  • Team working
  • Problem solving
  • Application of information skills
  • Communication