Course detail

Methodological Workshop in the Field of Urban Studies

FA-MWU-ZEAcad. year: 2025/2026

This course provides an introduction to the methodologies used in designing, implementing, and evaluating urban policies. It covers a range of techniques and tools used by urban policy researchers, planners, and practitioners to develop evidence-based policy recommendations. The course also introduces students to ethical considerations and challenges associated with conducting research in urban contexts.

Course Objectives:

  • Understand the concept and importance of evidence-based urban policy making.
  • Develop the skills necessary to conduct research in urban contexts.
  • Gain knowledge of various quantitative and qualitative research methods for urban policy research.
  • Learn how to evaluate urban policies using different methodologies.
  • Analyze the ethical considerations and challenges of urban policy research.

Language of instruction

English

Number of ECTS credits

Mode of study

Not applicable.

Guarantor

Dr. Dawid Krysiński

Department

University of Wroclaw ()

Aims

  • The student has an in-depth knowledge on the institutional foundations of the formation of a structural social order in urban areas.
  • The student has knowledge of the types of social ties that create social order at the local level and about the processes that shape formal and informal ties. The student has extensive knowledge of the different types of ties in the collectives and social institutions that make urban policy.
  • The student understands the concept and importance of evidence-based urban policy making.
  • The student possesses skills necessary to conduct research in urban contexts.
  • The student has knowledge of various quantitative and qualitative research methods for urban policy research.
  • The student is aware of the ethical considerations and challenges of urban policy research.
  • The student learns how to evaluate urban policies using different research methodologies.
  • The student has the skills needed to make independent recommendations for actions in the field of application of empirical study on the various dimensions of urban praxis  (i.e., administration, economy, media, information management and team management).
  • The student can prepare an oral presentation presenting the results of his theoretical deliberations and empirical research using a multimedia presentation. The student can efficiently combine the collected data with theoretical shots (using the sociological language) that can be useful in interpreting  the research material, and with other data provided by institutions and research centers. The student can navigate interdisciplinary fields and use the correct (interdisciplinary) language.

Rules for evaluation and completion of the course

  • Individual semester paper (50%, at the end of the course)
  • Individual oral presentation (25%, right after the presentation)
  • Class participation (25%, at the end of the course)

Study aids

Not applicable.

Prerequisites and corequisites

Not applicable.

Basic literature

Andersen I.E., Jaeger B. (2001). Scenario workshops and urban planning in Denmark. (EN)
Beall, J., Fox S. (2009). Cities and development. Routledge. (EN)
Chambers R. (2004). Participatory Workshops. Earthscan. (EN)
Kitchin, R., & Tate, N. J. (Eds.). (2013). Conducting research in human geography: theory, methodology and practice. Routledge. (EN)
Saria J. (2016), Development of a Participatory Design Workshop Concept for Solving Urban Challenges. (EN)

Recommended reading

Not applicable.

Classification of course in study plans

  • Programme NE_INUS Master's 2 year of study, winter semester, compulsory

Type of course unit

 

Exercise

30 hod., compulsory

Teacher / Lecturer

Dr. Dawid Krysiński

Syllabus

  1. Introduction to Urban Policy Research:
    • Definition of urban policy
    • Importance of evidence-based policy making
    • Urban policy research ethics and challenges
  2. Quantitative Research Methods for Urban Policy
    • Overview of quantitative research methods
    • Sampling techniques
    • Surveys and data collection methods
    • Data analysis techniques
  3. Qualitative Research Methods for Urban Policy
    • Overview of qualitative research methods
    • Interviewing techniques
    • Focus group discussions
    • Case study analysis
  4. Policy Evaluation Methods for Urban Policy
    • Overview of policy evaluation methods
    • Experimental and quasi-experimental designs
    • Cost-benefit analysis
    • Social network analysis
  5. Spatial Analysis for Urban Policy
    • Introduction to GIS
    • Spatial data collection and analysis techniques
    • Spatial regression analysis
    • Spatial visualization
  6. Ethical Considerations and Challenges in Urban Policy Research
    • Overview of ethical considerations in urban policy research
    • Issues related to privacy and confidentiality
    • Challenges associated with research in urban contexts
    • Strategies for addressing ethical challenges in urban policy research