UTSOA

The purpose of this course is to prepare advanced students for the Master Design Study, MS Thesis, or PhD Dissertation proposal. The seminar begins with the assumption that design can be research and that research is designed. Although most students are very able to imagine compelling questions for design and research, many find it difficult to refine the question to manageable scope, identify the variables at play, create a research program, order the precedent study or data collection process, and interpret the sometimes odd data found. Seminar participants will assist each other to critically evaluate research options. There will be weekly reading and writing assignments and each student will present a progress report of their evolving research project twice during the term-the first time as a speculation, the second time in the polished format required by the GSC of your discipline. Students from any discipline are welcome.