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College of Design - PhD in Design Program

DDN 702 Research Paradigms in Design
Instructor: Perver K. Baran, PhD
   
   

Course Description

This course is intended to provide a conceptual foundation to the conduct of inquiry in the field of design and to demonstrate linkages between theoretical perspectives, research and practice/application. The course is structured to address and examine the following:

  • Epistemological, ontological, and other paradigmatic assumptions that underpin inquiry and knowledge bases.
  • Various typologies of paradigms, or meta-theoretical positions.
  • Various theoretical positions used within the emerging field of design research. examining paradigmatic assumptions as well as research studies that exemplify each particular position.
  • Linkages between theory and methods, and between theory and practice/application..
   
   

Course Structure

The content of the course is presented through a series of readings, presentations, and class discussions. Each year, we invite three to four prominent scholars in the fields of design and related disciplines to take part in this course. An effort has been made so that the background and the expertise of the visiting faculty reflect the interdisciplinary nature of the Ph.D. in Design program. See the list of past visitors

   

   

RapoportAhrentzenSandersSeamon
   
   

Reading Material

Readings for this course come from various sources. Most required readings are available from e-reserve. Readings that will not be available from e-reserve have been set up with print reserve at Harrye B. Lyons Design Library.
   
   

Course Requirements

There are three requirements for this course: (1) class preparation and participation; (2) short essays; and (3) analytical essay.

1. Class Preparation and Participation. Students are expected to have read all of the assigned reading material prior to each class session and to attend and participate actively in all class sessions.  Students are expected to come to all class sessions ready for meaningful participation and offer constructive questions, comments and reactions to the readings in class.

2. Short Essays. For each class module organized by a visiting faculty, students will write a short “think piece” (approximately 4-5 pages each) that critically reviews the readings, presentations, and discussions. This “piece” should not be a summary of the readings. Students should refer to other sources that may not have been discussed in class, as they deem appropriate.

3. Analytic essay. As a final paper, each student develops an analytic essay that entails a comparative analysis of two or three research paradigms or theoretical perspectives. The paper should includes the following sections: (1) critically review assumptions that underlie each theoretical perspective, (2) discuss commonalties and/or differences in the theories and research paradigms, and (3) critically review the potential of employing these within student's area of interest. The details of the analytic essay are explained in a separate handout.
   
   

Course Schedule and Topics

Week 1: Introduction to the Class
Week 2: Theory in Design Research
Week 3: Paradigmatic Frameworks for Design Research
Week 4-5: Seminars with Visiting Faculty
Week 6: Scientific Method/Approach      
Week 7 & 8: Seminars with Visiting Faculty
Week 9: Interpretivist Approaches
Week 10: Fall Break
Week 11: Critical Theory
Week 12: Discussion Session
Week 13 & 14: Seminars with Visiting Faculty
Week 15: Student Presentations
Week 16: Student Presentations