Introduction & objectives of the course This course provides both conceptual and hands-on methodological engagement with transformative, participatory and action research approaches that use creative and arts-based research methods and techniques to foster the inclusion and engagement of diverse (often marginalised) perspectives and to bring into focus, examine and transform narratives, representations and practices. It gives students the opportunity to practice using these methods with individuals and groups, as well as to examine and assess these methods relative to ethics of/in action-oriented engagement and the opportunities and challenges they pose for data analysis and (re)presentation.

Learning outcomes

After successful completion participants are expected to be able to:

• Understand both the political implications and the analytical strengths/weaknesses of transformative, participatory and action research approaches
• Design an ethically and analytically sound methodological strategy informed by the above-mentioned approaches
• Develop creative and arts-based research methods and techniques suited to the student’s specific research context and aligned with his/her own study needs
• Reflect on their role and implications of being a researcher in a transformative, participatory and action research setting