Policy Press

Collaborative Research in Theory and Practice

The Poetics of Letting Go

By Kate Pahl, Richard Steadman-Jones and Lalitha Vasudevan

Published

Jun 13, 2023

Page count

190 pages

ISBN

978-1529215106

Dimensions

234 x 156 mm

Imprint

Bristol University Press

Published

Aug 18, 2022

Page count

190 pages

ISBN

978-1529215090

Dimensions

234 x 156 mm

Imprint

Bristol University Press

Published

Aug 18, 2022

Page count

190 pages

ISBN

978-1529215113

Dimensions

Imprint

Bristol University Press

Published

Aug 18, 2022

Page count

190 pages

ISBN

978-1529215113

Dimensions

Imprint

Bristol University Press
Collaborative Research in Theory and Practice

This book invites the reader to think about collaborative research differently. Using the concepts of ‘letting go’ (the recognition that research is always in a state of becoming) and 'poetics’ (using an approach that might interrupt and remake the conventions of research), it envisions collaborative research as a space where relationships are forged with the use of arts-based and multimodal ways of seeing, inquiring and representing ideas.

The book's chapters are interwoven with ‘Interludes’ which provide alternative forms to think with and another vantage point from which to regard phenomena, pose a question and seek insights or openings for further inquiry, rather than answers. Altogether, the book celebrates collaboration in complex, exploratory, literary and artistic ways within university and community research.

"Opening scholars to new and inspiring ways to write academically, this book takes seriously the art of listening in research sites and poetics' role in lifting out people, places and moments encountered." Jennifer Rowsell, University of Bristol

"This smart, beautiful, magical and fierce work lures research out of the academy and into the wild world. It is truly a must-read." Elizabeth Campbell, Appalachian State University

"This important book promotes a long-overdue shift in knowledge production by moving away from the authoritarian research models of Western academia to acknowledge the multiple voices and diverging viewpoints of non-academic communities (and rehabilitate them as equally valuable meaning-makers)." Christina Horvath, University of Bath

Kate Pahl is Professor of Arts and Literacy at Manchester Metropolitan University.

Richard Steadman-Jones is a Senior University Teacher in the School of English at the University of Sheffield.

Lalitha Vasudevan is Professor of Technology and Education and Vice Dean for Digital Innovation at Teachers College, Columbia University.

Prologue

1. Introduction

Interlude 1: Collaborative Questioning

2. Poetics

Interlude 2: Postcards

3. Worldizing

Interlude 3: Letting Go

4. Worthiness

Interlude 4: Two

5. Enchantment

Interlude 5: Demons

6. Embodiment

Interlude 6: 'Most People Don’t Believe Me'

7. Hypertext

Interlude 7: Failing

8. Unplanning

Interlude 8: Notes on the Work