ARCH615 ARCHITECTURAL RESEARCH, METHODS AND ETHICS

Course Code:1200615
METU Credit (Theoretical-Laboratory hours/week):6 (6.00 - 0.00)
ECTS Credit:14.0
Department:Architecture
Language of Instruction:English
Level of Study:Graduate
Course Coordinator:Prof.Dr. ZEYNEP MENNAN
Offered Semester:Fall Semesters.

Course Objectives

The course aims to provide students with

-    knowledge, understanding and skills related to research on built environment with emphasis on ethical, epistemological, methodological issues involved in research design and practice

-    an ability to identify, analyze and evaluate the state-of-the-art research in their specific area of study


Course Content

Interrogation of the nature of design research and examination of various epistemological positions and related theoretical/philosophical perspectives and methodologies used in design research; relative approaches of social and natural sciences towards the question of knowledge acquisiton/legitimation and the scientific method; shift from objectivist/empiricist philosophies of science towards constructivist, interpretivist models of knowledge construction; current research directions.


Course Learning Outcomes

By the end of the course, the student will be able to demonstrate

  • an understanding of the nature of architectural research
  • an understanding of research paradigms in natural sciences, social sciences and humanities
  • an understanding of advanced study and research methods in architecture
  • an enhanced ability to analyze and evaluate critically current advanced research and scholarship in architecture
  • an understanding of the frontiers of their specialized field of study or research
  • an enhanced ability to use resources for literature searching
  • an enhanced ability to communicate about their specialized area of research in written, oral and graphic forms

Program Outcomes Matrix

Level of Contribution
#Program Outcomes0123
1To be able to integrate the knowledge and understanding gained in the undergraduate program of architecture in a way to include developments in the fields of design, theory and criticism, urban and landscape research, digital design, and sustainability in architecture, and to acquire and comprehend advanced knowledge.
2To know the relations of social, cultural, political, economic, technological, artistic and philosophical theories, discourses, methods and tools with the discipline of architecture.
3To know the theoretical frameworks and research methods that provide the necessary basis for research in the field of architecture, and to internalize research ethics.
4To be able to construct and conduct research processes using research methods in the field of architecture and evaluate the results.
5To be able to access knowledge from different fields and to use it with an analytical, critical, innovative and creative approach in the context of architectural research.
6To have independent learning and scientific research skills.
7To be able to convey knowledge and research results in a consistent and comprehensible manner with oral, written and visual expression.
8To have the ability to research and practice in interdisciplinary and multidisciplinary environments.
9To be able to apply the knowledge, understanding, problematic definition and solution development skills gained about architecture in different professional and academic contexts.
10To be able to develop a critical approach based on knowledge and competence.
11To be able to manage complex and unpredictable situations related to the field of expertise with the awareness of social, environmental and ethical responsibilities and to develop new strategic approaches.
12To be able to conduct independent scientific research in the field of expertise and to be aware of the importance of lifelong learning.

0: No Contribution 1: Little Contribution 2: Partial Contribution 3: Full Contribution