PhD course: Critical and reflexive methodological practices in interdisciplinary research [Tema T]

[Jelmer Brüggemann]

Dear all,

 

We would hereby like to announce a new PhD methods course at Tema T (Technology and Social Change) at Linköping University: “Critical and reflexive methodological practices in interdisciplinary research” (7.5 credits). The course is led by Kristina Trygg and involves several Tema T scholars. The course takes place early autumn 2026.

 

The course offers an introduction to critical and reflexive methodological practices in interdisciplinary humanities and social sciences research. It provides opportunities to reflect on aspects such as the intertwinement of method and theory, research ethics, positionality and emotions, and credibility. Particular attention is given to how these issues are relevant before, during, and after being in “the field”, highlighting the importance of critical and reflexive methodological practices at all stages of the research process. It does so by working with examples from a range of different empirical fields and methodological approaches. The course also explores how critical and reflexive methodological practices are relevant to the participants’ own research.

 

The course is part of the mandatory courses for PhD students at Tema T, but also welcomes a limited number of other PhD students. If you are interested in enrolling, please e-mail Kristina Trygg (kristin...@liu.se) by June 15th. In this e-mail, please shortly describe your PhD project and why you would like to join the course. Enrolment will be confirmed by June 22nd.

 

The course will take place on Campus Valla, Linköping University, Sweden (without an option for digital participation). Participants are expected to attend all sessions. The course is free of charge, but participants need to cover their own travel expenses.

 

The course consists of an introductory session, four thematic blocks, and a concluding session. Each block combines practical perspectives from senior scholars with seminars about mandatory readings, as well as relevant readings identified by the participants themselves.

 

INTRODUCTION: Critical and reflexive practices. Monday 21^st of September, 10-15

BLOCK 1: Method and theory, theory and method. Monday 28^th of September, 10-15                            

BLOCK 2: Research ethics and ethics in practice. Monday 5^th of October, 10-17

BLOCK 3: Positionality and emotions. Monday 12^th of October, 10-17

BLOCK 4: Credibility practices. Monday 19^th of October, 10-17

CONCLUSION: Reflection and panel discussion. Friday 23^rd of October, 10-14

 

 

 

	____________ Jelmer Brüggemann, docent Associate professor
	Department of Thematic Studies – Technology and social change s-581 83 Linköping Visiting address: Campus Valla, T-building Please visit us at liu.se Latest publications: Brüggemann, J., L. Guntram and A.-C. Nedlund (2026). ‘Sweating blood’: Patients’ dirty work in informal complaint biographies. Sociology of Health & Illness, 48(3):e70167. https://doi.org/10.1111/1467-9566.70167
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