COURSE DESCRIPTION
“Conflict Transformation” is an advanced university course that goes beyond traditional conflict resolution methods to explore innovative and sustainable approaches to addressing conflicts at various levels. This course equips students with the knowledge and skills needed to understand the complexities of conflicts, analyze their root causes, and facilitate constructive change processes. Students will examine the principles of conflict transformation and apply them to real-world conflict scenarios, fostering a deeper understanding of how to promote peace and reconciliation.
COURSE OBJECTIVES | LEARNING OUTCOMES
- Understanding Conflict Dynamics:
- Explore the nature and typology of conflicts, including interpersonal, communal, and international conflicts.
- Analyze the underlying causes, drivers, and dynamics that sustain conflicts over time.
- Principles of Conflict Transformation:
- Examine the principles and key concepts of conflict transformation, emphasizing the shift from adversarial approaches to collaborative and inclusive methods.
- Study the role of empathy, dialogue, and reconciliation in transforming conflicts.
- Conflict Analysis and Assessment:
- Develop skills in conflict analysis and assessment, including identifying stakeholders, power dynamics, and structural inequalities.
- Learn how to use conflict mapping and assessment tools to diagnose and understand complex conflict situations.
- Transformative Approaches:
- Explore various strategies and techniques for transforming conflicts, such as dialogue facilitation, peacebuilding initiatives, and conflict-sensitive development.
- Investigate the role of nonviolent communication and mediation in promoting constructive change.
- Case Studies in Conflict Transformation:
- Analyze real-world case studies of successful conflict transformation processes from different regions and contexts.
- Identify common challenges and best practices in conflict transformation.
- Conflict Transformation Skills:
- Develop practical skills for facilitating dialogue and negotiations in conflict situations.
- Enhance communication, active listening, and conflict resolution skills.
- Building Sustainable Peace:
- Examine the concept of sustainable peace and the importance of addressing the root causes of conflicts.
- Explore the role of civil society, international organizations, and local actors in peacebuilding efforts.
- Ethics and Values in Conflict Transformation:
- Discuss the ethical considerations and values that guide conflict transformation practitioners.
- Reflect on the responsibilities and dilemmas faced by individuals engaged in peace and conflict work.
Learning Outcomes:
By the end of this course, students will be able to:
- Demonstrate a deep understanding of the principles and concepts of conflict transformation.
- Conduct comprehensive conflict analyses and assessments, identifying root causes and stakeholders.
- Apply transformative approaches to real-world conflict scenarios, fostering positive change and reconciliation.
- Facilitate dialogue and negotiations effectively, promoting constructive communication and conflict resolution.
- Evaluate the ethical dimensions of conflict transformation and apply ethical principles to practice.
- Critically analyze and reflect on the successes, challenges, and limitations of conflict transformation processes.
- Contribute to the promotion of sustainable peace and conflict resolution in diverse contexts and settings.
“Conflict Transformation” empowers students to become skilled and ethical practitioners in the field of conflict resolution and peacebuilding. By combining theoretical knowledge with practical skills, this course prepares students to engage constructively with conflicts and contribute to positive transformations, ultimately fostering peace and reconciliation in their communities and the broader world.
COURSE CMS SPECIFICS
- Credit value: 3-6 (US standard) | 6-12 (ECTS standard)
- Indicative duration (full-time): 4-10 weeks
- Indicative duration (part-time): 5-12 week
- Certificate: Yes
COURSE METHODOLOGY
This course is based on standard EUCLID methodology. Students may refer to the following resources:
- Academic Guidelines (HQ version)
- Academic Guidelines (most recent version, even if unofficial)
- Student Orientation Guidelines (most recent version, even if unofficial)
- Zotero instructions for EUCLID students
- Grammarly instructions for EUCLID students
REQUIRED TEXTS AND MATERIAL
Course material is provided in the form of embedded videos, audio MP3s, and/or downloadable PDFs.
COURSE INSTRUCTOR | ASSOCIATED FACULTY
Please contact the International Faculty Coordinator to confirm the current course/faculty/student assignment.
COURSE SYLLABUS | ACCESS TO 7 PERIODS
