Module Catalogue 2026/27

Pre Requisite Comment

N/A

Co Requisite Comment

N/A

Aims

The module aims to actively engage students in the process of making and unmaking knowledge in the social sciences, arts and humanities.

Students will be introduced to an understanding of knowledge as culturally, historically and methodologically conditioned.

The module introduces the basic principles of epistemology and ontology, showing how specific ways of seeing or 'framing' and 'knowing' directly influence the type of knowledge and data that emerges. Knowledge creation is presented as an agile, dynamic process, not a static tradition of inquiry.

Outline Of Syllabus

The syllabus comprises one introductory and framing session in which students will be introduced to the dynamics that underpin the making of knowledge as an epistemological, ontological and methodological research tool and as a social construct. This will be followed by eight lectures and seminars that focus on key epistemological, ontological and methodological approaches. The final two sessions will offer time to consolidate knowledge and focus on assignment preperation. These will allow for dialogue and reflection on the key themes and topics of the module.

Sessions will cover:

• Overview, introduction and linkage to making and unmaking knowledge;
• Noticing, observing and paying attention to knowledge as an epistemological, ontological and methodological construct;
• The relationship between theory and methods;
• The researcher as an instrument of enquiry.

Optional topics will vary, but include fields such as critical theory, feminism, poststructuralism, anti-colonialism, postmodernism and queer theory and method;

Intended Knowledge Outcomes

An increased understanding of:
• the principles of epistemology, ontology, methodology and knowledge construction;
• a selection of key epistemological, ontological and methodological approaches;
• the link between epistemology, ontology and aspects of theory, method and analysis as research practice;
• knowledge as context dependent;
• patterns in knowledge construction.

Intended Skill Outcomes

• To be able to identify different epistemological, ontological and methodological approaches in the arts, humanities and social sciences;
• To be able to situate a theory, argument, or piece of research within an epistemological, ontological and methodological context;
• To be able to demonstrate awareness of research subjectivity within a specific epistemological, ontological and methodological context;
• To demonstrate the ability to critically evaluate the underpinning ideas & approaches used in one’s own discipline and/ or research project.

Teaching Rationale And Relationship

The module is delivered through a mixture of online and present-in person 2 hour weekly lecture sessions, and a 1 hour seminar and self-study. All relevant sessions are recorded and made available on Canvas allowing each student to design an approach that better suits their needs and commitments.

During peer-led small group work, students undertake further discussion and tasks to clarify and/ or develop their knowledge, and ability to apply module content to their research contexts.

The reading and activities will provide opportunities for students to become familiar with the subject matter and to identify issues/ prepare responses for later discussion. Making a variety of content accessible online for students ahead of webinars is important, given the diversity of the student body in terms of disciplinary background and familiarity with terms & concepts. Using this delivery mode, with selected content to appeal to those both new to or familiar with topics, provides students with a personalised learning experience to suit their needs and interests.

At appropriate points in the module students will engage in moderated online discussion based on their responses to the online reading and activities. Students are also provided with further reading suggestions to support their own independent study and assignment preparation.

Assessment Rationale And Relationship

The essay enables students to demonstrate their knowledge of the taught content and ability to apply it to their own research interests and projects.

Seminars are alinged to formative assessment pre to allow for continuous, one-to-one guidance that provides feedback in advance of the final assessment

General Notes

N/A