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

At the end of the course, students should be able to:

  • recognize important streams of design and media research.
  • carry out and document a literature review.
  • plan a smaller research project under supervision.
  • prepare their thesis plan.

Credits: 4 - 5

Schedule: 04.09.2023 - 04.12.2023

Teacher in charge (valid for whole curriculum period):

Teacher in charge (applies in this implementation): Namkyu Chun

Contact information for the course (applies in this implementation):

CEFR level (valid for whole curriculum period):

Language of instruction and studies (applies in this implementation):

Teaching language: English. Languages of study attainment: English

CONTENT, ASSESSMENT AND WORKLOAD

Content
  • valid for whole curriculum period:

    The course prepares students for their BA thesis by introducing them to important streams of design and media research as well as the practices and process required for preparing a literature review and research plan for their thesis. 

    The course is organized around a series of lectures, workshops and take-home assignments through which students articulate the research interests for their thesis and situate it in relation to existing research in the area. 

Assessment Methods and Criteria
  • valid for whole curriculum period:

    The final grade for the course is based the quality of the literature review and thesis plan that is developed throughout the course as well as assignments supporting their realisation.

    Students must attend and display active participation in at least 80% of the contact sessions for the course. Participation in the introduction lecture, mid and final presentation is mandatory.

Workload
  • valid for whole curriculum period:

    For 4 credits, the total workload for the course amounts to 108 hours (I ECTS credits = 27 hours).

    • Contact teaching 38 hours
    • Mid and final presentations 8 hours
    • Individual and group work 50 hours
    • Personal reflection 11 hours
    • Giving course feedback 1 hour

    For 5 credits, the total workload for the course amounts to 135 hours (1 ECTS credits = 27 hours)

    • Contact teaching 38 hours
    • Mid and final presentations 8 hours
    • Individual and group work 74 hours
    • Personal reflection 14 hours
    • Giving course feedback 1 hour

     

DETAILS

Substitutes for Courses
Prerequisites

FURTHER INFORMATION

Further Information
  • valid for whole curriculum period:

    Students admitted to the English-medium BA in Design in 2019 need to complete the course for 5 credits in fulfilling their major curriculum. 

    Students admitted to the English-medium BA in Design in 2020 and 2021 need to complete the course for at least 4 credits in fulfilling their major curriculum.

    Students admitted to the English-medium BA in Design in 2022 need to complete the course for 5 credits in fulfilling their major curriculum. 

    The responsible teachers should be notified about which options a student wishes to pursue in tandem with registrating for the course. 

    Teaching Language : English

    Teaching Period : 2022-2023 Autumn I - II
    2023-2024 Autumn I - II

    Enrollment :

    Only open for major students in English-medium BA programme in Design. 

    The course has 26 study places. 

    A minimum of 10 students are required for running the course. 

    Registration for Courses: Sisu. Priority order to courses is according to the order of priority decided by the Academic committee for School of Arts, Design and Architecture: https://www.aalto.fi/en/services/registering-to-courses-and-the-order-of-priority-at-aalto-arts