This course will introduce students to foundational traditions and practices related to ways of knowing, both practical and theoretical. It is intended to provide both breadth and depth to students’ understandings of definitions of knowledge, criteria for evaluating knowledge claims, and the potentials and limitations to each epistemology. We will try out both practical versions of knowing and analyze different theories of knowing: assignments will ask you to try out different ways of practicing knowing through art, knowing through doing, different ways of observing (including in settings other than those you might usually work or do research), dialogic formats, etc., and to think about different ways of reporting observations, too. By more fully understanding how epistemologies have been thought about, practiced, and transformed, students will be able to situate their own commitments to knowing and researching while understanding other strategies as well.

Course Learning Objectives Learn foundational epistemological frameworks that have defined knowledge and knowledge claims in education Learn different ways to approach practical forms of knowing, including observation in the broadest sense, dialogic, artistic, and other ways knowledge is created and assessed. Analyze, critique, and articulate forms of epistemology and conceptual frameworks that will enhance your practices of knowing and knowing with others in relationship to research, and understanding the potentials and limitations to each approach we will examine/enact.

Assignments will engage in critical analysis of various ways of knowing.