Methods and methodologies in urban studies: how to make them work?

Target group/Course level

The course is specifically targeted to the students of REMS, offering a theoretical approach to urban studies. Students of the Department of Social Policy also have the chance to attend the course. Erasmus students and students from other departments are also welcome.

Objectives

This lecture course in English introduces contemporary urban issues and research paying special attention to the methods used in urban studies.

Content

Lectures

• 3.11. Timo Kopomaa: User study: everyday life in the mobile phone society
• 5.11. Timo Kopomaa: Essay approach for future study: “cosyfication” and the urban way of life
• 10.11. Hille Koskela: Surveillance: evading definition
• 17.11. Timo Kopomaa: Total description: crisis prepared city
• 19.11.Timo Kopomaa: Interviewing the authorities: NIMBY-movements in cities
• 24.11. Giacomo Botta: Cultural and literary analyses: how to use novels to understand cities
• 26.11. Timo Kopomaa: Analysing visual data: construction sites and other urban places and spaces
• 1.12. Jussi Kulonpalo: Case study approach
• 8.12. Antero Tammisto: Urban archaeology: Pompeii, the mother of all urban studies?
• 10.12. Annika Teppo: Possibilities and challenges of urban ethnography
• 15.12. (extra/presentation/exam?)

Completion

Lecture diaries and final paper/ exam. 6 credits.

Deadlines:

• 17.12.2009 DL for the lecture/learning diaries (10-20 pp)
• 12.1.2010 DL for the research plan/ pilot study (4-10 pp.)

Grading

The assessment will be based on lecture diaries and a final paper: a research plan or an urban (pilot) study, 5-10 pp.:

A research plan: 1. Introduction 2. Research question 3. Hypotheses 4. Material 5. Resources A pilot study: 1. Research question 2. Data 3. Analysis 4. Conclusions

Or a final exam (qualitative methods in urban studies).