I. Why the need for this course?

This programme is a unique collaborative initiative of PRIA Continuing Education (PCE) in India and Continuing Studies, University of Victoria located in British Columbia, Canada. The programme aims at sharing insights developed from both the development sector world and the academic world. Practitioners from both India and Canada have designed this programme.

This programme is an introduction to the practice and theory of community-based participatory research from the global perspective. The emphasis is on participatory research , community action and community transformation. Examples are drawn from international case studies. Issues of partnership, degrees of participation, and guidelines for practice are featured along with innovative ways of creating and representing knowledge in a community-based context. Completion of this programme will enable learners to design and conduct participatory research projects in their own communities.

II. Who can join?

It is designed for those already working in the profession including development professionals/NGO staff responsible for research, and faculty from universities/colleges teaching participatory research. University students /researchers are also encouraged to apply. Candidates for the course will be selected on the basis of applications.

III. Special features

•  This programme is a unique collaborative initiative of PRIA Continuing Education in India and Adult and Continuing Education Programme of Continuing Studies, University of Victoria located in British Columbia, Canada.

•  The course shares insights developed from both the development sector and the academia. Practitioners and academicians from India and Canada have designed this programme.

•  This programme introduces the practice and theory of community-based participatory research from the global perspective. The emphasis is on participatory research , community action and community transformation. Issues of partnership, degrees of participation, and guidelines for practice are featured along with innovative ways of creating and representing knowledge in a community-based context.

•  To encourage maximum interaction between the instructor and the learners, a PRIA web board has been developed wherein the students can post their queries, comments, suggestions, and experiences and participate in the online but asynchronous discussions. The students can also access the tutor through emails and phone.

IV Course structure

Course goal

This course aims to stimulate students' interest in participatory research and to provide them with the basic background information and tools to build on their knowledge

To meet the above goal, the course content is divided into six Modules:

Unit 1 : Introduction and history of participatory research

•  Dominant social science research: Characteristics and critiques

•  Participatory research

•  Contributions of feminist and anti-racist researchers

•  Participation in development programmes

Unit 2 : Conceptual understanding of participatory research

•  Knowledge as power

•  Participatory research as an educational process

•  Characteristics of participatory research

•  Outcomes of participatory research

Unit 3 : Participatory methodology

•  What is methodology?

•  Difference between social research and participatory research

•  Ethical dimensions of research partnerships

•  Purpose of participatory methods

Unit 4 : Participatory methods

•  What are participatory methods?

•  Streams of participatory methods: An overview

• The underlying principles

• Diverse participatory methods

• Advantages and challenges

Unit 5 : Contemporary applications

•  Creative approaches to Partcipatory research

Unit 6 : Challenges and conclusions

•  Limitations of participatory research

•  Challenges and opportunities for development partnerships

•  Challenges and opportunities for environmental social justice

V. Learning objectives

On completion of the course the learners would:

•  Demonstrate an understanding of the purpose of participatory research , and provide examples of its use around the world

•  Develop a plan to conduct a participatory research project in their communities

VI. Team involved in course development and delivery

Course Authors (University of Victoria)

•  Clover, Darlene E., (Dr.), Faculty of Education, University of Victoria, Canada.

•  Etmanski, Catherine, M.A., Faculty of Education, University of Victoria, Canada.

Course Authors (PRIA)

•  Dass, Purvi, M.Sc., PRIA, New Delhi.

•  Farrell, Martha, M.A., PRIA, New Delhi.

•  Jaitli, Namrata , M.A., PRIA, New Delhi.

•  Pant, Mandakini, (Dr.), PRIA, New Delhi.

Course instructor

•  Pant, Mandakini, (Dr.), PRIA, New Delhi.

VII. Admission procedure

Eligibility: The certificate programme invites applications from the region of South Asia. The minimum required qualification is Bachelor's degree in any subject.

Mode of delivery: The course is offered in a distance mode, making learning accessible through part time study, outside working hours. Distance delivery includes print materials, audio-visual CDs, guest faculty and immediate and engaged communication through web board.

Duration: The course is of 4 months duration .

Medium of instruction: The course will be delivered in English.

Credits and evaluation: It is an 8 - credit course and involves 240 study - hours. Evaluation will be based on written assignments in the form of reflection papers, case study analysis and project work.

Course fee: The course fee is Rs.5000/- or 250 US$ for applicants outside India payable in one installment.

Payment of fee: The fee is to be paid in Demand Draft drawn in favour of "Society for Participatory Research in Asia", payable at New Delhi. The fee can also be paid through Bank Transfer.

Registration Deadline: The last date for receiving filled in application form is 1st of September, 2008

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