2022-2023 / ARCH0562-1

Research methodology in architecture

Duration

40h Th

Number of credits

 Master in architecture (120 ECTS)5 crédits  

Lecturer

Stéphane Dawans, Baptiste Drugmand, Axel Fisher, Justine Gloesener, Marc Goossens, Amélie Halbach, Mathilde Junger, Loris Moray, Julie Neuwels, Philippe Sosnowska, Sophie Trachte

Coordinator

Philippe Sosnowska

Language(s) of instruction

French language

Organisation and examination

Teaching in the first semester, review in January

Schedule

Schedule online

Units courses prerequisite and corequisite

Prerequisite or corequisite units are presented within each program

Learning unit contents

This course aims to reinforce your knowledge in the field of scientific research, an essential activity of the university institution and is naturally articulated around the four axes supported by the Faculty of Architecture. Scientific research is based on the development of a critical, objective, rational and rigorous mind. Within the framework of this course, our approach is to introduce you to the process of research in architecture and to train you in scientific writing.

The course is thus an introduction to the "State of Progress" course (master, Q2) and prepares you for the elaboration of the end-of-study work (TFE or TFE project), one of the culminating exercises of your academic career.

Depending on the scientific field chosen, the learning process will aim at acquiring and mastering various complementary skills necessary for scientific research:

  • The identification and understanding of scientific productions as well as their specificities and structures;
  • The understanding of the different methodological perspectives presented in class, their specificities, contributions and limits in relation to a research question;
  • The realization of a documentary research taking into account the appreciation of the scientific value of the sources and their relevance with regard to a given research question;
  • The realization of a state of the art;
  • The ability to identify a research topic, to develop a problematic and a research question and finally, to discuss the possible methodological perspectives to be implemented for the realization of this work;
    The respect of the conventions of scientific referencing which goes hand in hand with the elaboration of bibliographies.
The courses will be given in the form of a thematic "seminar", by groups of students around teachers. This division into groups will allow students to approach the practice of research and the implementation of writing exercises in a privileged, percussive and targeted manner. In addition to these seminars, plenary sessions will punctuate this teaching.





 


 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Learning outcomes of the learning unit

A the end to this course, you should be able to:

  • Identify and understand the main specificities of the different types of research (basic, project, applied, historical, action, etc.);
  • Identify and understand the main specificities of the different research approaches (inductive, deductive, etc.) and the different categories of research in architecture;
  • Understand the different methodological perspectives presented in class during the thematic sessions;
  • Identify and understand the organization of the different parts of a scientific production (article, book, TFE...) namely: the research question, the state of the art, the methodological principles, the paradigms used and the main results;
  • Appreciate the scientific value of documentary sources and scientific research methodologies;
  • Master the referencing system and the codes for the elaboration of a bibliography;
  • Pursue a documentary research.
  • Write a scientific note equivalent to a state of the art or a state of the question.
You will also reinforce your ability to synthesize your thoughts in a written statement that is well argued, structured, clear, precise and concise. This essential quality in the scientific approach can also be used in your daily work as an architect.

 

 

 

Prerequisite knowledge and skills

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Planned learning activities and teaching methods

  • Seven 4-hour face-to-face class sessions combining - depending on the session - lectures and practical exercises;
  • Three free class sessions allowing you to work in groups on the different exercises and on the final work;
  • Interaction during the course (wooclap, etc.);
  • Readings and comprehension of texts in preparation for certain sessions, in a reverse classroom logic;
  • If necessary, assignments and tests are to be submitted online on eCampus according to the terms and deadlines indicated by the teachers.

Mode of delivery (face to face, distance learning, hybrid learning)

Face-to-face course


Additional information:

Exclusively face-to-face course , except if the health situation no longer allows it. A hybrid or distance learning course will then be organized.

Works and tests completed during or following certain sessions, according to the methods and deadlines indicated by the teachers

 

Recommended or required readings

  • Presentation slides, readings and various sources are provided for each on eCampus.
  • Texts to be read or lectures to be listened to in preparation for certain sessions are provided one week in advance. They are available online on eCampus.
  • A bibliography adapted to the content of the course is provided in the session.
 

Exam(s) in session

Any session

- In-person

written exam


Additional information:

The evaluation of your skills in this course will be done through several works submitted during the four-month period, but also and mainly through the writing of a scientific notice which will be written in group. It will be the result of this first phase of learning scientific writing. It will be submitted during the January session. It should be noted that in the event of a second session, this note will become individual. The grades of the intermediate works will be integrated during this make-up test. Finally, all the evaluation criteria for each exercise will be sent to you when you submit your work in the seminar and on eCampus. TThe evaluation will be done by the teachers in charge of the course. They will be supported by the assistants if necessary. It should be noted that the final grade will be the sum of the points obtained for the paper (75%), for the intermediate exercices (15%) and for the active participation in the seminar (10%).

 

 

Work placement(s)

Organizational remarks

In order to simplify and optimize our exchanges, all communications related to this course will be made during the different sessions. The main and most important information (calendar, instructions, etc.) will also be posted on the eCampus platform. The eCampus platform will also host course materials, teaching resources and document repositories. Depending on the teacher, you may be asked to submit a paper version of your work.

In order to best organize your group work, you are advised to choose your teammates according to your respective architecture workshops: three students with the same architecture workshop will have an easier time finding time to exchange between sessions. Moreover, if ERASMUS students are present, we ask you to integrate them in your groups so that they can have a real support in the organization of the course and referent students in the Faculty.



The general topic of the methodology course will be revealed during the first session. Let us specify again that the research themes selected this year are:

  • Modernity and Development;
  • Architectural history, history of construction and heritage;
  • Sociotechnical ;
  • Construction Technology - Sustainable Renovation - Design ;
  • Territory.


 

 

 

 

 

 

Contacts

stephane.dawans@uliege.be

axel.fischer@uliege.be

m.goossens@uliege.be

julie.neuwels@uliege.be

philippe.sosonowska@uliege.be (coordinateur)

sophie.trachte@uliege.be

 

Association of one or more MOOCs

There is no MOOC associated with this course.


Additional information:

 

 

 

 

Items online

eCampus
online course platform