Introduction to Phenomenology of Practice: Research and Writing

A twelve-week guided introduction to phenomenological inquiry

Phenomenology invites us to return to the world of lived experience, to the ordinary moments, encounters, and situations through which life becomes meaningful. But how do we learn to attend to experience in this way? How do we begin to ask phenomenological questions, recognize meanings that might otherwise escape our notice, and give expression to them through writing?

This course offers an introduction to phenomenology of practice through philosophical readings, concrete examples, reflective exercises, and the gradual development of participants' own phenomenological writing. It is an opportunity to explore not only what phenomenology is, but what it means to do phenomenology.

Who Is This Course For?

This course is intended for graduate students, researchers, educators, and practitioners who are curious about phenomenology as a way of exploring lived experience.

Some participants may be considering phenomenology for their own research, while others may wish to deepen their understanding of phenomenological thinking and writing. No previous formal study of phenomenology is required, only a willingness to read thoughtfully, question familiar assumptions, and engage in reflective writing.

The Learning Experience

Learning phenomenology involves more than becoming familiar with philosophical ideas and methodological concepts. It requires cultivating a particular attentiveness to lived experience, learning to question what we ordinarily take for granted, and discovering how writing itself can become a way of inquiry.

Throughout the course, participants will encounter selected philosophical readings, examples of phenomenological research and writing, and invitations to explore moments from their own lived experience. Short writing exercises encourage participants to move between concrete descriptions, reflection, and the search for meaning.

Course Structure and Participation

The course unfolds over twelve weeks through a combination of independent study, guided activities, and four live online gatherings. Participants work through readings, examples, and reflective writing exercises at their own pace within the course schedule, with opportunities to share questions and explore emerging understandings together.

The emphasis is on sustained engagement rather than conventional assessment. There are no letter grades or numerical marks. Toward the end of the course, participants are invited to submit an exploratory piece of phenomenological writing that reflects their developing attentiveness to lived experience. There is no prescribed length or expectation of a finished research paper.

Each participant receives individualized formative feedback, including suggestions for continuing their inquiry. A Phenomenology of Practice Project (PoPP) Certificate of Completion recognizes sustained participation and engagement with the course, rather than mastery of a particular method.

What We Will Explore

Phenomenology of practice is learned through a continuing movement between philosophical ideas, lived experience, reflection, and writing. Throughout the course, we will return to five interconnected areas of inquiry.

This is an independent PoPP course. It does not carry university credit or professional accreditation. Participants who fulfil the course requirements receive a PoPP Certificate of Completion

Read the Course Terms of Enrolment and Participation

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