Please note! Course description is confirmed for two academic years, which means that in general, e.g. Learning outcomes, assessment methods and key content stays unchanged. However, via course syllabus, it is possible to specify or change the course execution in each realization of the course, such as how the contact sessions are organized, assessment methods weighted or materials used.
LEARNING OUTCOMES
The thesis preparation seminar provides a setting for research that involves analysis, interpretation and critical thinking. The objective is to help students situate, define, and refine the parameters of a thesis project to be executed in a subsequent semester.
Credits: 5
Schedule: 11.09.2020 - 11.12.2020
Teacher in charge (valid 01.08.2020-31.07.2022): Hossam Hewidy, Tommy Lindgren, Tommy Lindgren
Teacher in charge (applies in this implementation): Hossam Hewidy, Tommy Lindgren, Tommy Lindgren
Contact information for the course (valid 14.08.2020-21.12.2112):
Tommy Lindgren and Hossam Hewidy
Tommy Lindgren
Lecturer / Urban Design
tommy.lindgren@aalto.fi
Hossam Hewidy
Lecturer / Urban and Regional Planning
hossam.hewidy@aalto.fi
CEFR level (applies in this implementation):
Language of instruction and studies (valid 01.08.2020-31.07.2022):
Teaching language: English
Languages of study attainment: English
CONTENT, ASSESSMENT AND WORKLOAD
Content
Valid 01.08.2020-31.07.2022:
The majority of work is to be conducted independently, assisted by weekly classes that include lectures, student presentation/class discussion of assigned readings and individual tutorials. Lectures will address the key components of the Thesis:
Thesis proposal, Thesis research, Project plan
During the sessions discussions are held in groups, divided according to Thesis topic descriptions (design/research/etc.) - the groups will be at the core of the course, giving the students a forum where to sound out their ideas and learn from each other (sources, approaches, references, problem solving,...) - the teachers will act as facilitators of the discussion, dividing discussion time evenly, and if needed, guiding the discussion towards the main goals of each days discussion topic.
Assessment Methods and Criteria
Applies in this implementation:
Evaluation for the course is pass/fail.
The final portfolio to be
produced on the course is the outcome that is evaluated and the
evaluation is based on how the different parts of the portfolio fulfill
their descriptions (each part is its own 'assignment').
Workload
Valid 01.08.2020-31.07.2022:
Participating in seminar (lectures) 36h (36+36)
Preparing written reports and plans (5500 words, approx. 10 pages) 54h
Applies in this implementation:
Lecture participation and discussion = 55h
Reading = 25h
Writing total = 44h
124h / 27,5h/credits = 4,5 credits ~ 5credits
DETAILS
Study Material
Valid 01.08.2020-31.07.2022:
Material provided in the lectures and literature:
Booth et al.: The Craft of Research, 2nd ed., the University of Chicago Press 1995
Flick: An Introduction to Qualitative Research, 4th ed., SAGE 2009
Gerber and Kurath: Handbook of Methods for Architecture and Urban Design, Triest Verlag, 2018
Groat and Wang: Architectural research Methods, John Wiley & Sons 2012
Till, Jeremy: Architectural Research: Three Myths and One Model, 2008
- Teacher: Hewidy Hossam
- Teacher: Lindgren Tommy