Spring 2018 - URB 670 G100
Urban Research Methods (4)
Class Number: 9125
Delivery Method: In Person
Overview
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Course Times + Location:
Jan 3 – Apr 10, 2018: Wed, 5:30–9:20 p.m.
Vancouver
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Instructor:
Peter Hall
pvhall@sfu.ca
1 778 782-6691
Office Hours: Wednesdays 3:00-5:00pm, or by appointment.
Description
CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:
Offers a tip-to-all approach to researching urban public policy problems, from imagining projects, to gathering interpreting data and presenting findings to the public. The emphasis of this program is for students to be able to understand the work of others and design their own studies. In addition to this, students are trained in how to apply descriptive statistics such as means, measures of spread and cross-tabulation. Students wishing to deepen their quantitative skills, such as multivariate, qualitative or spatial analysis, will be encouraged to take advanced programs offered in affiliated departments.
COURSE DETAILS:
Class meets Wednesdays, 5:30-9:20pm from January 3rd to April 4th, inclusive. There will be no class meeting on February 14th (Reading Week). Class meetings will combine laboratory work and lecture / seminar styles.
The objectives of this course are: to develop an understanding of urban research design, explore the relationship between urban policy debates and research design and methods, introduce a range of urban research methods, and provide hands-on experience with a range of research tools and techniques.
The course is structured in three parts: Part 1 introduces research methods and develops a critical appreciation of the different ways of understanding urban conditions and processes. Part 2 exposes a range of social research methods, tools, and techniques, as applied in the field of urban studies. These range from quantitative to qualitative methods, and include exposure to analytical software. This section will be evaluated through four exercises. Part 3 considers research in the real world, including topics such as evaluation research and mixed methods approaches. You will also submit your final research paper during this section of the course.
This is a graduate level course which means that you are responsible for your own learning, as well as contributing to a positive learning environment for the whole class. I expect you to read all set materials, attend class meetings and participate in class workshops and discussions. I also expect you to present work that is clearly written, well organized and readable. Standard policies on submission, plagiarism, and student and instructor conduct apply.
Grading
- Urban Research Autobiography 10%
- Urban Indicators Exercise 15%
- Micro-data Analysis Exercise 15%
- Urban Survey Exercise 15%
- Urban Observation Exercise 15%
- Final Paper 20%
- Participation 10%
Materials
REQUIRED READING:
Readings will be available on reserve in the Belzberg Library. We will draw extensively from 2 books on sale in the bookstore:
- Babbie, E and Benaquisto, L. 2002 / 2009 / 2014 / 2017. Fundamentals of Social Research (1st / 2nd / 3rd / 4th Canadian Editions). Scarborough: Thomson/Nelson.
- Flowerdew, R and Martin, D. (eds). 2005. Methods in Human Geography (2nd Edition). New York: Prentice Hall.
Graduate Studies Notes:
Important dates and deadlines for graduate students are found here: http://www.sfu.ca/dean-gradstudies/current/important_dates/guidelines.html. The deadline to drop a course with a 100% refund is the end of week 2. The deadline to drop with no notation on your transcript is the end of week 3.
Registrar Notes:
SFU’s Academic Integrity web site http://students.sfu.ca/academicintegrity.html is filled with information on what is meant by academic dishonesty, where you can find resources to help with your studies and the consequences of cheating. Check out the site for more information and videos that help explain the issues in plain English.
Each student is responsible for his or her conduct as it affects the University community. Academic dishonesty, in whatever form, is ultimately destructive of the values of the University. Furthermore, it is unfair and discouraging to the majority of students who pursue their studies honestly. Scholarly integrity is required of all members of the University. http://www.sfu.ca/policies/gazette/student/s10-01.html
ACADEMIC INTEGRITY: YOUR WORK, YOUR SUCCESS