GY452 Half Unit
Urban Research Methods
This information is for the 2021/22 session.
Teacher responsible
Prof Hyun Shin S601F
Additional teacher(s): Professor Gareth Jones; Professor Claire Mercer; Professor Andrés Rodríguez-Pose; Dr Romola Sanyal; Dr Deen Sharp; ; 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.
Course selection videos
Some departments have produced short videos to introduce their courses. Please refer to the course selection videos index page for further information.
Student performance results
(2017/18 - 2019/20 combined)
| Classification | % of students |
|---|---|
| Distinction | 46.3 |
| Merit | 35.8 |
| Pass | 16.4 |
| Fail | 1.5 |
Important information in response to COVID-19
Please note that during 2021/22 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 differing needs of students in attendance on campus and those who might be studying online. For example, this may involve changes to the mode of teaching 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 2020/21: 19
Average class size 2020/21: 19
Controlled access 2020/21: Yes
Value: Half Unit
Personal development skills
- Leadership
- Self-management
- Team working
- Problem solving
- Application of information skills
- Communication
