Course content

The course is an introductory course targeting PhD candidates in design. The course gives a broad introduction to different theory of science approaches, research traditions, theories and methods relevant to design research, to research ethics perspectives and issues, academic publication and relations between design research and design for sustainability and sustainability transitions. The course will enable the candidates to integrate these into their own PhD research.

The course will contribute to:

a) understanding of theories of science in design, and which design theories and methods are appropriate for the candidates’ own work and why,

b) choice of theoretical perspectives and research methods suitable for the PhD project, and,

c) understanding of and reflection on ethical perspectives, principles and issues related to design research and the PhD project.

The course gives a brief and basic introduction to the above-mentioned topics, and candidates are recommended to combine the course with more specialised courses in theories of science, theories and methods relevant to their own research topics and

Learning outcome

Knowledge:

The candidate

• has knowledge about theories of science, theories and methods relevant to design research and how these can be connected to their own research project
• has knowledge about ethical perspectives, principles and issues in design research and their relevance for their own PhD project and research methods

Skills:

The candidate

• can assess and discuss different theory of science approaches, theories, methods and ethical perspectives and issues in design research, and, their relevance to their own research
• can write an academic text

General competence:

The candidate

• has knowledge about theories of science, theories, methods, and about ethical perspectives and issues in design research
• can critically evaluate these and their relevance to their own PhD research
• is familiar with the conditions and requirements for writing an academic article and with relevant publication channels in design research

Learning methods and activities

The course consists of seminars and discussions, self-study of relevant literature, oral presentations and writing of an academic text. The organisation of the course depends on the number of students enrolled and may be discussed and adapted at the beginning of the semester.

This course is, among others ,offered to international ph.d. students. Language of instruction is English

Required previous knowledge

Admission to PHDESIG or expected admission to this PhD programme within three months after the beginning of the semester. PhD candidates from other programmes can apply for admission before the beginning of the semester. Admission then depends on available capacity and thematic relevance.

Course materials

Announced at course start.