Circulating Knowledge, 7.5 credits

Entry requirements

The course is open to doctoral students nationally, with priority given to candidates from Linköping University.

Learning outcomes

1. discussion: training in analytically expressing the dynamics between the forms and norms of knowledge, with special emphasis on the ability to put these in historical and critical perspectives.
   
2. compilation: training in seeing, articulating, and combining similarities and differences between different forms of knowledge and understanding their relationship to the surrounding society, problematising the dynamics between the norms and forms that surround, control, and regulate knowledge.
   
3. evaluation: training in expressing the importance of different forms of knowledge and their mutual relationship to each other and in a constructive and innovative way to question and challenge established notions of different knowledge processes.
   
4. storytelling and stylistics: training in the ability to structure and arrange one's own analysis in as productive, pedagogical, and exciting way as possible.
   
5. repackaging: training in rewriting research material so that the relationship between one’s sources and their significance in relation to the course theme is problematised. This also includes re-framing one’s research in the shape of a knowledge circulation project proposal.

Contents

That knowledge circulates, or rather is supposed to circulate, seems obvious. But packaged in what forms, and under what conditions and norms? A researcher in the humanities and social sciences might instinctively think about text. Writing and publishing remains the most common way to communicate our findings. But research, science and knowledge are also mediated through other channels and in other materialities than text, moving in bodies and through various performative practices. Different formats also engender different mechanisms that seek to regulate these movement(s) of knowledge: from publishing contracts to secrecy. 

Circulating Knowledge is designed around two basic principles: knowledge circulates through different forms and materialities, and knowledge is set in motion (or prevented from being set in motion) through different norms and regulations, informal as well as formal.

Educational methods

The course consists of a total five thematic lecture workshops, three framing seminars, and a workshop with LiU’s Grants Office. Focussing on diverse research areas, all seminars have in common that they simultaneously address the theme of knowledge circulation and the dynamics between the forms and norms of knowledge.

All lectures and seminars take place at Linköping University Campus Norrköping, Tema Culture and Society. Online participation is possible in exceptional circumstances and upon request. Maximum number of participants: 10.

Examination

The course expects all participants to be active and participate in discussions throughout the course, but examination consists of one written assignment, which we will discuss in detail at throughout the framing seminars: A mock research proposal for the grant scheme of your choice framing your research as a project on knowledge circulation.

Grading

Course literature

The course literature consists of scientific articles.

General information

The course addresses graduate students working on any related topic with interest in knowledge circulation. Participants that want to learn new research methodologies and techniques of working with the primary sources of diverse nature. Students who want to develop techniques of working with ‘unconventional’ or ‘niche’ sources. Participants motivated to gain ‘hands-on’ academic experience across developing competitive research proposals.

The course is conducted in English.