Contextual
Modern knowledge is entrenched in universalism and as academic world is getting more globalised, location-specific knowledge is deemed limited and less worthy. This however makes knowledge a tool for colonisation, as many territories and cultures as swept over with universalising knowledge and methods. To combat these hegemonic forces, and enable subaltern perspectives, methods labelled with this keyword cherish location-based, in situ processes and knowledge. They stimulate and support learners to understand the context of their own existence and background of information and knowledge they possess.
Methodologies
Collective research exercise
“Research and observation working groups” consists of group work around a general topic proposed by a mentor in relation with contemporary topics, and with the mentor’s academic knowledge and/or knowledge of the field. After having sought and read relevant bibliography, collected relevant empirical material (through meetings, in-place observation, discourse analysis and/or other methods), and chosen a more focused question, the group produces a written synthesis of the research and then presents it to the whole class for it to be discussed. Outcomes are: production of knowledge and horizontal sharing about a contemporary topic in relation with the master’s program; familiarisation with scientific inquiry through the practice, depending on the encountered needs; team building, self-confidence in one’s own skills, and awareness of the specifics of working together for intellectual purposes.
Cuerpo-territorio
Cuerpo-territorio is a participative knowledge sharing method rooted in South American practices, as well as indigenous, decolonial and feminist ontologies which understand knowledge, bodies and territories as united and interconnected. The methods use hands-on, visual ways to co-produce knowledge among participants. Namely, participants draw the territory on their bodies, in ways that take into account both their knowledge of the territory and their experiences of living in it. It can be used as a method to reflect on experiences among participants, share them and advocate for changes, but it can also be used as a participative research method. It is specifically well suited when dealing with sensitive political topics, with experiences of trauma, as well as with those in which participants should connect their bodies and feelings to wider surroundings and territory.
