GGRD08: Fall 2022
Research Outline Assignment
Due: Sunday, October 16 by 11:59 am on Quercus
3-4 pages, double-spaced with references
15% of total grade
The focus of the major research project in this course is the use of Photovoice methodology in the interpretation of socio-environmental/socio-ecological processes in the Highland Creek valley (valley and river spaces). Through the use of Photovoice, you will be producing a series of photographs of significant visual markers in the Highland Creek valley, that you will then present to and discuss with the class on our workshop dates in November. For this research outline assignment, you are to create a proposal for your Photovoice research. This will entail preliminary research based on the following directives and questions in your research outline. You are expected to write a 2-3 page outline/proposal that addresses these directives and questions. I will provide feedback on your outline before you proceed further in your research.
• Research on the Highland Creek valley – what policy documents and other information exist and what background information can you find to better contextualize the history and geography of the valley? Identify and discuss these in your outline with references to information. Provide background information about the Highland Creek valley. Start with this research first so it will help you to generate some research questions.
• Identify 1-2 research questions that you will use to focus and generate your photographs and clearly define this research questions in your outline (some examples of research questions are: how does signage reflect the regulation of space in the valley?; how are social activities enacted in the valley?; what environmental problems exist in the valley? how are they being solved?; what social-environmental tensions exist?; how do humans and wildlife co-exist in the valley?)
• Identify and discuss how you are going to answer your research question(s) through Photovoice. Integrate references to visual methodology and Photovoice methodology literature from the course syllabus and other library sources to demonstrate your understanding of this methodology. Try to be as detailed as possible, and use our field trip to Highland Creek valley on October 6th to provide some description.
• Identify a short timeline for taking and selecting 20 key photographs by November 17th that connect with and help you to answer your research question. This might involve spending a few hours in addition to our field trip in the Highland Creek valley, perhaps in a different park location such as Colonel Danforth Park or at the mouth of Highland Creek on the Waterfront Trail (search on map for location and entrance). Please do not do this photography work alone and always bring a companion with you (classmate, friend, or family member).
• Briefly summarize the ‘hunches’ that you have about the photograph research – ie. what do you expect to see in the Valley? What are some expectations that you have about space? Environmental problems? Social uses?
• Propose a working title for your research and identify this at the start of your outline.
The Workshop and Research Report assignments (assignment expectations) will be posted during Reading Week and will guide your outline assignment and your broader research work once your research outline has been approved.
Please use APA citation style in your outline. Citation guide is posted in the Modules section.
Last Completed Projects
| topic title | academic level | Writer | delivered |
|---|