There is a growing call from students and researchers to include more ways of showcasing research and to use a diversity of approaches in social sciences. But what enables and constrains researchers to engage in emancipatory and critical research? Through this 3 ECT course offered in Period 5 and 6, we will investigate how alternative and critical methods can support more engaged research and education practices. From this starting point, we will examine how researchers contribute to shaping cultures of critique.

In this course, co-organised by OtherWise and the Knowledge, Technologies and Innovation Chair Group, students will learn to understand the theoretical and ethical underpinning of Alternative and Critical methods. They will explore how to plan, design, practice, conduct, and reflect on alternative and critical methods, situate current debates about critical and alternative research methods and understand how the choice of methods has implications for their overall research.