Course description:
The aim of this transdisciplinary course was to introduce students to participatory research approaches where coproduction and exchange of knowledge with stakeholders are essential. Aim was to increase the collaborative and social skills as well as capability to interact over disciplinary and epistemological borders. It was also learnt, based on empirical examples, how to apply participatory methodology in practice. This course focused on natural resource management and land use in the North, and research topics around these were presented in lectures and discussed in workshops. For example, land use conflicts, research ethics and interplay between people and the environment were of high relevance in the course programme.
Expected learning outcomes:
Upon successfully completing this course, students is able to:
1) demonstrate theoretical knowledge and understanding of key concepts such as co-production, participatory research and transdisciplinary research;
2) employ and make informed choices between different transdisciplinary perspectives, theories and methods when analysing challenges in relation to natural resource-based livelihoods and research design choices; and
3) discuss challenges and opportunities in dealing with stakeholder groups, ethical requirements and ways of knowing. Students will also gain practical experience of and enhance their skills in; engaging with, listening to and understanding stakeholder perspectives; and communicating their research to different audiences.