934317 Participatory methods in development research and practice

Type
Seminar
Semester hours
2
Lecturer (assistant)
Hauser, Michael
Organisation
Development Research
Offered in
Sommersemester 2025
Languages of instruction
Englisch
Content

People are at the heart of any change process. This course enables participants to gain hands-on experience with a wide range of participatory methods -- ranging from verbal, visual, experiential to digital approaches -- designed to engage people in shaping change that matter to them. These methods are applied in diverse areas where co-design, transdisciplinary research and collective action is in the forefront, including agriculture, watershed rehabilitation, building disaster resilience, and analysing food environments in informal urban settlements. Besides training practical skills, the course provides participants with a toolbox to guide individuals, groups and communities through the design of change and innovation processes. It also fosters critical reflection on the power dynamics, challenges, and ways to foster inclusive engagement at scale.
Previous knowledge expected

Participants should have an interest in working with people. They are expected to actively engage in discussions, group work, and online check-ins, as well as critically analyse readings, videos, and other resources. Additionally, they should be committed to field work.
Objective (expected results of study and acquired competences)

1. Describe key participatory approaches, their evolution, and their relevance in different contexts.
2. Evaluate the strengths, limitations, and consequences of different participatory methods in research and collaborative decision-making, using case studies.
3. Analyze and navigate different stakeholder perspectives, epistemologies, and power dynamics in participatory processes.
4. Apply participatory methods in a self-reflective, ethical and inclusive manner to support community-driven innovation.
5. Design and implement participatory strategies tailored to different professional roles and field applications.
You can find more details like the schedule or information about exams on the course-page in BOKUonline.