Community-Based Participatory Research: Theory and Methods

This course provides an overview of history, theory, and methods for working in partnership with communities to conduct research for action. Through a combination of lectures, discussion, and case-studies, we will explore the history of research as a tool of colonialism and exploitation; the role of particular communities in revolutionizing research funding and infrastructure for the benefit of and in service to communities; theoretical and methodological considerations for research partnerships among professionally trained and academic researchers and non-academic/non-professional researchers; and specific examples from local research initiatives. The course trains students in the skills to form research questions, and to identify appropriate methods and procedures in response to such questions (e.g., photovoice, participatory mapping, and power sharing). The class is highly participatory and requires student discussion. This course may be of interest to MPH students in the EH&J or CAPDIE certificates and SPH PhD students. It may also interest students at Wheelock, the School of Theology, and the School of Social Work.