15302 Major Project: Methods
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Credit points: 6 cp
Subject level:
Postgraduate
Result type: Grade and marksRequisite(s): 24 credit points of completed study in spk(s): C01000-C07999 OR 24 credit points of completed study in spk(s): C11% OR 24 credit points of completed study in spk(s): C12% OR 24 credit points of completed study in spk(s): C42%
Description
This subject, together with 15904 Major Project: Analysis and Outcomes, develops core skills that give students the ability to successfully complete rigorous and original planning problem-solving exercises. In this subject, the students produce a literature review of their chosen planning problem and determine the research design and methodological approach. The second part of the major project is completed in 15904 Major Project: Analysis and Outcomes.
The literature review identifies contemporary analyses relating to the planning problem, and places the planning problem into the context of wider planning issues. The literature review also critiques contemporary planning practice relating to the problem, and develops the student's ability to constructively reflect on the validity of current planning methods.
Students develop an understanding of relevant research approaches and analytical techniques used in problem-solving. The subject is undertaken primarily via self-direction, but students are carefully guided by their supervisor and meet on a regular basis for tutorials.
Subject learning objectives (SLOs)
On successful completion of this subject, students should be able to:
| 1. | Develop effective communication strategies |
|---|---|
| 2. | Articulate a planning problem of current significance |
| 3. | Develop a deeper understanding of a current urban problem |
| 4. | Design a research strategy |
Course intended learning outcomes (CILOs)
This subject also contributes to the following Course Intended Learning Outcomes:
- Communicate with people with a wide variety of cultural, social, economic, and political perspectives using verbal, written, and visual media (C.2)
- Investigate strategically the future of cities and regions and identify the drivers of change (P.1)
- Evaluate a complex problem and frame a research question to address the problem (R.1)
- Design and conduct a research project to identify and evaluate alternative strategies to resolve a complex problem (R.2)
Teaching and learning strategies
The subject involves preparation of a literature review on a planning topic selected by students in consultation with staff. It also involves the development of the chosen methodological approach. Major Project: Methods will contain introductory individual sessions on ways of researching and writing a major research project, particularly a literature review, and on the selection of an appropriate research topic. The project topic must be on a current planning problem or issue that can be analysed and responded to. Students will need to engage with formal policy tools which impact upon their chosen planning problem.
This subject has one three-hour workshop in which student presentations and project preparation issues are discussed. Students will be prompted to provide constructive feedback to their peers regarding their research topic and its development. This stands as a formative feedback opportunity.
These will be complemented by independent student reading and research, and by regular (approximately fortnightly) progress meetings/tutorials with supervisors. Continuous feedback is provided individually in these one-on-one sessions with the supervisor; the students need to take note of the feedback to act upon it.
Content (topics)
The subject content will be arranged in consultation with the subject coordinator. Each application of study should be required to outline the core learning objectives of the project, the topics and themes to be studied, provide a timetable for the semester’s work and the types of assessment suitable for the projects.
Some of the possible topics from which to choose (non restrictive) are listed below:
- Transport - transit oriented development, pricing, environmental impacts, infrastructure planning and policies, public and private transport usage, impacts of new transport infrastructure on urban form etc.
- Urban design - urban analysis, design qualities and place making; open space design
- Community development and participation - consultation in planning process, developing community indicators
- Housing - affordability, house prices and infrastructure, social housing issues, housing policies, mixed use development
- Heritage Planning
- Urban planning policy analysis
- Urban Structure - morphologies, green infrastructure planning, public open space planning,
- Local food system, food security and sustainability - community gardens, green roofs, home gardens, planning policies for local food, food urbanism
- Sustainable design, planning and urban performance - density patterns, mixed uses, sustainable communities, eco-city developments and framework, sustainability indicators, assessment and rating tools
- Social sustainability
- Sustainable/Eco tourism
Assessment
Assessment task 1: Draft Report Submission
| Intent: | The students have to develop a report, in which they demonstrate their understanding of the chosen research problem through a planning statement, a thorough literature review and a detailed methodological approach. | ||||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Objective(s): | This task addresses the following subject learning objectives: 1, 2, 3 and 4 This task also addresses the following course intended learning outcomes that are linked with a code to indicate one of the five CAPRI graduate attribute categories (e.g. C.1, A.3, P.4, etc.): C.2, P.1, R.1 and R.2 | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Type: | Report | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Groupwork: | Individual | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Weight: | 65% | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Length: | Draft 6000 words report Penalties will be applied in reports with more than 10% over the word limit. | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Criteria linkages: |
SLOs: subject learning objectives CILOs: course intended learning outcomes |
Assessment task 2: Final Report Submission
| Intent: | Based on the feedback received from assignment 1, students need to address the issues and improvements posed. | ||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Objective(s): | This task addresses the following subject learning objectives: 1 and 3 This task also addresses the following course intended learning outcomes that are linked with a code to indicate one of the five CAPRI graduate attribute categories (e.g. C.1, A.3, P.4, etc.): C.2 and R.1 | ||||||||||||
| Type: | Report | ||||||||||||
| Groupwork: | Individual | ||||||||||||
| Weight: | 35% | ||||||||||||
| Length: | Final 6000 words report Penalties will be applied in reports with more than 10% over the word limit. | ||||||||||||
| Criteria linkages: |
SLOs: subject learning objectives CILOs: course intended learning outcomes |
Minimum requirements
Students must obtain a total mark of 50% or more to pass the subject.
Required texts
No required texts; students read on chosen topic
Other resources
Natalie Macris. 2003. Planning in Plain English: writing tips for urban and environmental planners. Planners Press: Chicago, IL
David Adams. 2001. Writing better reports: a handbook for civil and environmental engineers. Michigan State University. Available at https://www.rcelconnect.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/9ReportsHandbook.pdf
Zina O’Leary. 2004. The essential guide to doing research. London, Thousand Oaks: Sage