Click here to download: EncouragingIndependantResearchthroughExaminingContentiousIssues.pdfEncouraging independant research through examining contentious issues, Sarah McDonnell and Colin Wilson
Sarah McDonnell and Colin Wilson, Northumbria University, UK, describe the module and brief they have developed in Encouraging Independent Research through Examining Contentious Issues. The brief invites students to identify a contentious issue and conduct independent research. Through a series of set tasks, students produce a fully referenced and educated argument, giving a holistic view of the issue through a visual presentation, supported by a written document that highlights their assigned role/character's opinion on the subject. Students are encouraged to develop their understanding of professional practice in the design industries, within the context of social, cultural, political, economic and technological change. Contentious issues that students have addressed have been wide-ranging, including current political issues impacting on society, and different design disciplines including fast fashion, size 0, politics of fake, ethics of labour, trade tariffs, authenticity of brand, reporting and news, sustainable fashion and ecology of fashion textiles.
This teaching activity has been taken from Parker, L. and Dickson, M.A. (2009) Sustainable Fashion: A Handbook for Educators, Bristol: Labour Behind the Label. Download the whole publication here.
| 1. Level | UG |
| 2. Pre-requisite knowledge required by educators | A. No background knowledge required |
| 3. Pre-requisite knowledge required by students | A. No background knowledge required |
| 4. Number of students | 15 to 40 |
| 5. Length of time required | 6 to 12 weeks |
| 6. Type of activity | Group work, Student presentations, Course outlines and learning goals, Discussion and debate, Research related |
| 7. Discipline | Cross-curricular, Design |
| 8. Topics covered | Student / educator defined |
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