After successful completion of the course, students are able to interpret empirical data (texts, images related to architecture), develop a scientific question and work on it within the framework of a written paper. Students are introduced in the sociological craft (learn to write observation protocols, conduct interviews etc.), acquire scientific writing skills and develop critical-reflexive thinking.

Within the framework of this seminar, a small empirical project with an architectural reference will be carried out. This can involve practices (of furnishing, housing search or image production), the 'life' of objects (their physical and semantic transformation), constellations of actors (architects, users, property developers, etc.), processes of production, consumption or advertising (of furniture, apartments or prefabricated houses) etc..  Homepages and advertising materials are often used as data material. However, data is also produced by the students themselves (in the form of interviews, observation notes and images). The focus is always on the joint interpretation of the data collected. The topics dealt with vary from semester to semester.

This semester ...

 Qualitative methods of social research; field research (observation, questioning), image analysis, discourse analysis, action research

Submission of a seminar paper