2016/17 Taught Postgraduate Module Catalogue

GEOG5050M Action Research in Urban Contexts

15 creditsClass Size: 30

Module manager: Dr Stuart Hodkinson
Email: s.n.hodkinson@leeds.ac.uk

Taught: Semester 1 (Sep to Jan) View Timetable

Year running 2016/17

Module replaces

GEOG5310M Researching for Social Change

This module is approved as an Elective

Module summary

This module provides students with a grounding in the principles, methods and strategies available for undertaking action research projects in urban contexts. At the conceptual level, the syllabus includes debating the role of intellectuals, universities and research methodologies in reproducing and challenging hegemonic discourses and power relations in urban contexts. It also explores the ideas and meanings of scholar activism, participatory methods, action research and reflexive praxis, and interrogates ethical issues of researcher positionality, privilege and power along the way. These more theoretical aspects are combined with a practical training programme designed to prepare students for planning and undertaking action research in urban contexts, from problem identification, to engagement, to design. This will include a variety of advanced knowledges and skills for action research, including: critical urban evaluation; a guide to urban governance, policy frameworks and data sources; using statutory information rights such as Freedom of Information; public interest litigation; researching companies and public bodies; core participatory techniques such as participatory appraisal, mapping and group surveying; and critical discourse analysis. There are two assessments: a 2500 word essay designed to critically engage with conceptual themes; and a group research project that will put into practice many of the skills taught in the module.

Objectives

The overall aim of this module is to provide students with a grounding in the principles, methods and strategies available for undertaking action research projects in urban contexts. Specific objectives include:

1) To provide a critical and questioning approach to the role of intellectuals, universities and research methodologies in reproducing and challenging hegemonic discourses and power relations in urban contexts;
2) To explore the methodologically diverse field of action research, the key theories, practices and debates informing this field and the underlying epistemological assumptions of different approaches;
3) To train students in how to plan and undertake action research in urban contexts, from problem identification, to engagement, to design;
4) To provide students with a range of advanced research tools, participatory techniques, inter-personal skills and self-reflexive praxis;
5) To develop students' awareness of the different ways in which research can be communicated to empower different audiences.

Learning outcomes
On completion of this module students should have acquired:

1. a critical understanding of knowledge production and power in urban contexts;
2. an awareness of the methodologically diverse field of action research
3. familiarity with the core concepts of 'scholar activism', 'participatory action research', 'militant research', 'reflexive praxis', and 'positionality'.
4. a basic knowledge of urban research settings and data sources
5. the ability to undertake critical urban evaluation
6. specific practical skills needed for planning and undertaking action research in urban contexts such as such as participatory appraisal, mapping and group surveying;
7. advanced skills in using statutory information rights such as Freedom of Information
8. experience and skills in engaging in collaborative research projects in groups

Skills outcomes
Knowledge and Understanding:
Ability to differentiate between different conceptual and methodological approaches to action research
Ability to undertake critical urban evaluation

Cognitive skills
Abstraction and synthesis of information from a variety of sources
Assessment and critical evaluation of the merits of contrasting theories, explanations, policies
Critical analysis and interpretation of data and text
Developing reasoned arguments

Practical/professional skills
Plan, design, execute and report geographical research
Collect, interpret and synthesise different types of geographical data
Recognise the ethical issues involved in geographical debates and enquiries
Professional dialogue and correspondence skills
Use statutory information rights in research design
Participatory research techniques

Key skills
Learn in familiar and unfamiliar situations
Communicate effectively (in writing, verbally and through graphical presentations)
Use information technology effectively (including use of word processing programmes; Internet and e-mail)
Work as part of a team and to recognise and respect the viewpoints of others
Manage time and organise work effectively
Networking, collaborating, action research

Syllabus

This is a Semester 1 module with teaching taking place between Weeks 1 to 11. Topics and sessions include:

-Introduction to urban action research
-Scholar activism
-Workshops on key skills and techniques for urban-based research
-Critical urban evaluation
-Using statutory information rights to public and private data
-Public interest litigation
-Participatory Action Research: repertoires and critique
-Militant Research: repertoires and critique
-Critical Discourse and Policy Analysis

In week 13, students must submit a 2500 word essay and a 1500 word equivalent contribution to a group project research report they undertake during the module.

Teaching methods

Delivery type	Number	Length hours	Student hours
Lecture	1	2.00	2.00
Practical	2	3.00	6.00
Seminar	9	2.00	18.00
Private study hours			124.00
Total Contact hours			26.00
Total hours (100hr per 10 credits)			150.00

Private study

Private study and independent learning will include:

Reading to support learning in individual seminars
Reading directly related to the essay
Wider reading around the module themes
Group project research and meetings
Writing of essay and group project report

Opportunities for Formative Feedback

Student progress is monitored via the student-led seminars and the module convenor reviewing draft essay plans and the group project research plan.

Methods of assessment

Coursework

Assessment type	Notes	% of formal assessment
Essay	2500 word essay based on set questions	60.00
Group Project	1500 word equivalent contribution to group research report	40.00
Total percentage (Assessment Coursework)		100.00

Normally resits will be assessed by the same methodology as the first attempt, unless otherwise stated

Reading list

The reading list is available from the Library website

Last updated: 04/12/2015

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