MH4311 Dissertation Syllabus:
MH4311 Dissertation Syllabus – Anna University PG Syllabus Regulation 2021
OBJECTIVES:
To give exposure to the various specialised domains within the discipline of architecture.
To inculcate the spirit of research in architecture by providing opportunities to read on various issues.
To enable training in collecting, interpreting and concluding with respect to an area of study.
To give skill in technical writing.
To enable preparation for Thesis.
CONTENT
Dissertation offers an opportunity to look at the research component in architecture in a chosen area of specialisation such as history, theory, design, energy, sustainability, technology, social aspects, digital architecture, urban design, etc.,. The research can be predominantly text based or empirical study or a combination of both. The topic will have to be approved at the start of the semester.
The dissertation process would consist of choosing of an area of interest/challenge, writing out initial thoughts on it, clarifying intents, identifying methodologies to achieve the intents, exploring ways of knowing (reading, first hand studies, experimentation, documentation, measured drawing, interviews, simulation, etc.,), structuring the information, analysing and interpreting it, and finally coming to wellargued conclusions. The progress of work will be reviewed periodically throughout the semester.
The Dissertation will be independently complete in itself. It could also be a Thesis preparation course and gives the student scope for independent study and opportunity to explore specific area of interest which will form the basis of his/ her design thesis project in the next semester.
TOTAL: 60 PERIODS
COURSE OUTCOMES
CO1 Ability to carry out independent research
CO2 Ability to study, analyse and conclude on an area of interest
CO3 Depth of knowledge in a particular area that would give a base to start the Thesis project
REFERENCES:
1. Iain Borden and Kaaterina Ruedi; The Dissertation: An Architecture Student’s Handbook; Architectural Press; 2005.
2. John W Creswell; Research design: Qualitative, Quantitative and Mixed Methods Approaches;
3. Linda Grant and David Wang, Architectural Research Methods, John Wiley Sons 2001.
4. Ranjith Kumar; Research Methodology- A step by step guide for beginners; Sage Publications; 2005.
5. Wayne C Booth; Joseph M Williams; Gregory G. Colomb; The Craft of Research, 2nd Edition; Chicago guides to writing, editing and publishing.
6. Richard Coyne, ‘Interpretation in Architecture: Design as Way of Thinking’, Routledge, 2005.
7. Stephen Bailey, ‘Academic Writing: A Handbook for International Students’, Routledge, 2011.
8. Adam Sharr, ‘Reading Architecture and Culture’, Routledge,2012.
9. Vian Ahmed, Alex Opoku, Zeeshan Aziz, ‘Research Methodology in the Built Environment’, Routledge, 2016.