Learning Creation

Aim

The course aims at discussion, reflection and insights on both scientific, practical and artistic areas of knowledge. The focus is on "knowledge production", i.e. methods for developing and communicating "new knowledge". Knowledge production in this course means both research and other ways of creating knowledge. There are different types of knowledge. In scientific work, objectivity is sought, while in creative activities it is often expected to generate subjective values. Research is characterized by the fact that it is a collective activity where every effort is a contribution in an unfinished chain of knowledge-building. Knowledge production can be based on research efforts, but the concept also includes other ways to develop new knowledge. Keywords in this context are "quiet knowledge", "intuition" or "action-based knowledge". Here it is suggested that valuable knowledge already exists in practice - without being articulated.

After completing the course, the student should be able to:

Knowledge and understanding

• Identify and describe central issues that concern knowledge production such as: What is research and development work in fields such as art, design, craft, technology and science? What is silent knowledge?
• Identify how historical cultural norms have influenced the development of crafts and design, and how future needs lay the foundation for further development in design and craftsmanship

Skills and abilities

• Apply different methods to create knowledge and use these to explain, discuss and reflect on their own work

Evaluation ability and approach

• Discuss, describe and argue for qualitative characteristics of, and benefit from, one’s own work in relation to different stakeholders such as an intended client, the profession, the individual, society, business and education

Content

History of technology and furniture, motivations of past and present, challenges of the future. Different methods for creating knowledge. Product experiences, descriptions and values. Science theory, hypothesis testing, experiments and explanations. Artistic research and development work. Creativity. Gender issues and sustainability aspects. Video and text production.