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LARC40600

Academic Year 2023/2024

Landscape Research 3 (LARC40600)

Subject:
Landscape Architecture
College:
Engineering & Architecture
School:
Architecture, Plan & Env Pol
Level:
4 (Masters)
Credits:
10
Module Coordinator:
Dr Miriam Fitzpatrick
Trimester:
Autumn
Mode of Delivery:
On Campus
Internship Module:
No
How will I be graded?
Letter grades

Curricular information is subject to change.

This module will support students' preparation for their Capstone design thesis and is focused on developing and demonstrating research skills. It will support student(s) to develop academic rigour in reviewing relevant literature and policies and methods for site analysis. It is designed as a series of clear steps to support skiils in presenting research findings and identifying design opportunities. The module has a parallel focus on completing site analysis including mapping techniques and conclusions with specifics for a site for a design thesis in the following trimester.

About this Module

Learning Outcomes:

Upon completion of the module students should demonstrate:

Understanding: Select a topic of inquiry in consultation with relevant members of academic staff and establish individual academic research skills, develop and demonstrate critical thinking skills as instruments for appraisal and innovation in the culture of landscape architecture.

Analysis: Demonstrate engagement with research methods in the analysis of a site, and engagement with research methods and theory as they relate to landscape architecture.

Academic Writing/Research skills: Demonstrate ability to research and critically review the appropriate literature, interpret findings against what is already known in the field of study, and the skills of communication and documentation research to generate and conclude a research quest.

Presentation: Communicate effectively to academic conventions using info-graphics/ visual diagrams in a final well-referenced and illustrated essay.

Indicative Module Content:

This module is to develop and articulate a research question and is a support to developing a position or a thesis in the following semester. The module will include a literature review, fieldwork, analysis of current policy, and site analysis.


Target is 8,000 word count illustrated essay fully structured and references with a reduction in work count offset by use of other media. Alternative forms of assessment to be agreed with the Module Coordinator. Soft binding only.

Student Effort Hours:
Student Effort Type Hours
Tutorial

10

Specified Learning Activities

105

Autonomous Student Learning

105

Total

220


Approaches to Teaching and Learning:
Modes of teaching will include fieldwork, problem-based learning, active/task-based learning, seminars, inquiry-based learning, peer and group work, case-based or precedent study, reflective writing, and student presentations. Representation skills are emphasised in drawing, 3d models, collage, and digital techniques. Students will work to present their research and graphical analysis and concepts for an end-of-year exhibition. (Sometimes the output is a collated group document).

Indicative content/assessment strategy (including alternative assessment options) are based on a cascade of assessments. These allow feedback on parts ahead of the final assessment

* These assignments will include second readers as per article 4.16 of the 2019/20 UCD Academic Standards Likewise feedback on submission to follow UCD guidance.

Requirements, Exclusions and Recommendations

Not applicable to this module.


Module Requisites and Incompatibles
Not applicable to this module.
 

Assessment Strategy
Description Timing Open Book Exam Component Scale Must Pass Component % of Final Grade In Module Component Repeat Offered
Continuous Assessment: Step 1. Research Proposal including the rationale for proposed methods/precedent studies and a draft research question (details to be discussed in class) Week 3 n/a Graded No
10
No
Continuous Assessment: Step 2. A review of the literature and relevant public policy specific to the research quest in order to identify a gap in current thinking/design approach and preferred research method(s). Week 8 n/a Graded No
20
No
Continuous Assessment: Step 3. Evidence of fieldwork and site analysis (further details on method and findings to be discussed in class). Week 11 n/a Graded No
30
Yes
Continuous Assessment: Final submission plus reflection (to build on previous Continual Assessments) End of Year Transition n/a Graded Yes
40
Yes

Carry forward of passed components
No
 

Resit In Terminal Exam
Summer No
Please see Student Jargon Buster for more information about remediation types and timing. 

Feedback Strategy/Strategies

• Feedback individually to students, on an activity or draft prior to summative assessment
• Self-assessment activities

How will my Feedback be Delivered?

This research module will be supported by tutorials and feedback.