Participatory Design & Action Research

3 Credits

An introduction to participatory design, participatory action research, and asset-based approaches as variations on an iterative cycle of research, action, and reflection that involves researchers and participants working together, as partners, to understand potentially problematic workplace, neighborhood, or learning situations and change these contexts and issues for the better. Students will explore implementation issues such as community development, collaboration, and relationship building. The course will focus especially on the capacity of PD, PAR, and asset-based approaches to create social change that promote democracy and challenge inequities.