Analytic Methods: Qualitative

This module reviews the epistemologies of urban knowledge. How do planners and designers know what they know? We will discuss methods of field research in urban planning and social science: how urbanists explore and investigate urban life, the quality of planning processes and the built environment. How do we gather evidence through original research and design practical research initiatives to answer our questions? This module introduces students to selected qualitative methods for thinking about urban planning research. Students learn about and practice field research techniques, including interview, observation, surveys, and case study. The module also discusses the fundamentals of research ethics.

Course Assignments: Satisfactory completion of the course includes structured assignments to apply and test learning of the research techniques discussed in class and in course readings. Three short homework assignments will be assigned prior to break-out sessions and discussed in small groups. There will be a final class exercise discussed in class in April.