(Urban Data & Methods 2) 02.522 Interpreting Urban Trends

This course is Part 2 of the Urban Data & Methods module. The course seeks to develop students’ hands-on experience in developing a research proposal to study an urban issue or phenomenon. This involves conducting literature review, applying theories, designing data collection and analysis methods, and integrating into a mix-methods research proposal. Using urban inequity as a focal point, the course introduces and contextualises how different methodologies – quantitative, qualitative and mixed methods – can be used to analyse urban inequities within and across cities. It develops understanding and skill in the collection, analysis and interpretation of information relevant to inequity and how it affects urban societies from different points of view such as transportation and housing. Students will also learn how to address research ethics requirements.

By the completion of this course students will be able to:
• Understand key methods for analysing quantitative and qualitative data in urban development
• Develop a research question on urban inequity that is well informed by the literature review
• Propose data collection and analysis methods relevant to answer the research question
• Synthesis the above into a research proposal

Pre-requisite
02.521 Urban Data and Methods: Analyzing Urban Trends

Instructor: Dr Xin Yang, Dr Qian Huang & Dr Thijs Willems
Time: Thursday (10am-1pm)
Venue: Think Tank 11-12 (1.503)

Week 1: Introduction to Urban Inequities
Week 2: Measuring Quality of Life: Theories and Quantitative Methods
Week 3: Transportation Equity: Theories and Quantitative Methods (Part 1)
Week 4: Transportation Equity: Theories and Quantitative Methods (Part 2)
Week 5: Housing Equity: Theories and Quantitative Methods (Part 1)
Week 6: Housing Equity: Theories and Quantitative Methods (Part 2)
Week 7: Recess week
Week 8 – 10: Urban Inequities and Qualitative Methods
Week 11: Introduction to Mixed Methods Research
Week 12: Doing Truthful and Quality Urban Research
Week 13: Presentation of Research Proposal