The Community Creation of
Knowledge Project (CCKP)
There is a
format that standard research utilizes. Whether it is within the natural or
social sciences, from sociology or anthropology, the ultimate goal is to test
hypotheses and to build upon the findings of others.
The structure
of the research process reflects the profound relationship between theory and
fact. Facts do not speak for themselves. As Marvin Harris observed, "facts are
always unreliable without theories that guide their collection and that
distinguish between superficial and significant appearances" (Harris 1979:7). On
the other hand, theories without facts are meaningless. The premise of science
(and what distinguishes it from dogma and armchair philosophizing) is the
authority of verification over ideology and intuition.
But whose
theories are they? And whose authority do these theories legitimize? Who is
benefiting from the knowledge and authority of these theories?
In this course
we will be examining and exploring a new way of “seeing” and establishing
theories. We will take an approach that will empower us to undertake research,
which uses methods that are culturally sensitive and appropriate. We will then
begin a process of creating a new way of “seeing.” This process will be made up
of 8 steps. Each step will have member tasks, team tasks, and community tasks.
In order for this process to work everyone must play an active, timely role in
each step of the process. The outcome of this process will be determined by the
participation of the class as a whole. Each member’s way of seeing is necessary
for 20/20 vision in our community.
