Class Descriptions

Participatory Research & Evaluation

SW755

Credits:	1
Prerequisites:	None

Pathway Associations

Community Change	Elective (Host)
Global
Interpersonal Practice
Mgmt & Leadership
Policy & Political
Program Evaluation	Elective
Older Adults
Children & Families

Course Description

This course will describe the values/ethics, processes, outcomes and dissemination strategies used in participatory research (i.e. community-based participatory research, Photovoice, digital storytelling, participatory action research, participatory evaluation). Students will learn how to develop research steering committees (or other guiding and decision-making bodies made up of stakeholders), engage partners in assessing community strengths, priorities and issues, and use research and evaluation as a tool for action. The course will include how to work with interested community partners to develop key research questions to solve (or better understand) prioritized problems. It will also explore different participatory approaches to engage community in each step of the research and evaluation process.

Objectives

Students these will:
1. Develop an understanding of participatory research and evaluation as a form of community practice
2. Explore various approaches to use participatory research and evaluation with different communities
3. Develop knowledge about core principles and practices for ethical and authentic participatory research and evaluation
4. Gain skills in developing and implementing participatory research and evaluation in practice
5. Apply critical thinking in using concepts and skills within a community context/community example
6. Develop knowledge about the ethics and tensions that emerge in participatory research work

Intensive Focus on Privilege, Oppression, Diversity and Social Justice (PODS)

This course integrates PODS content and skills with a special emphasis on the identification of theories, practice and/or policies that promote social justice, illuminate injustices and are consistent with scientific and professional knowledge. Through the use of a variety of instructional methods, this course will support students developing a vision of social justice, learn to recognize and reduce mechanisms that support oppression and injustice, work toward social justice processes, apply intersectionality and intercultural frameworks and strengthen critical consciousness, self-knowledge and self-awareness to facilitate PODS learning.