Print Syllabus

Syllabus

MX0148 Conflict, democracy and facilitation, 15.0 Credits

Konflikt, demokrati och processledning

Subjects

Environmental Science

Education cycle

Master’s level

Advanced study in the main field

A1N

Grading scale

Language

English

Prior knowledge

Knowledge equivalent to English 6 from upper secondary school. Knowledge equivalent to 180 credits and specialized studies comprising 90 credits within one of the following subjects/disciplinary domains: natural sciences, technology, social sciences or humanities.

Objectives

he aim of this course is to develop understanding on the role of democracy and facilitation in the design and facilitation of constructive group process and dialogue in order to manage conflicts and tensions within and between groups and organizations. The course addresses both the potential as well as limits of collaborative approaches to dealing with conflicts, and discusses the role of conflict in social change.

After completion of the course the student will be able to:

• Discuss theories about the social process and causes of conflict and factors affecting the constructivity and destructivity in conflict processes, social relations and interaction between individuals, groups and organizations
• Discuss theories about democracy, collaborative planning and power, and describe how they relate to theories about conflict, conflict management and facilitation
• Suggest conflict management and facilitation strategies to intervene in a conflict situation
• Reflect on his/her own role in social processes and in the conflict dynamics

Content

Subject-related content

The pedagogical idea of this course is based in experiential learning. In the beginning of the course, theories about the social process of conflict and factors affecting efficiency, knowledge use, constructivity and destructivity in group processes, and interaction between individuals, groups and organizations are presented. Methods for conflict management and project coordination are presented.

In the second part of the course students carry out a project in groups. The aim of the project is twofold: 1) To investigate a natural resource management situation and the potential social conflicts with help of different methods 2) To observe and reflect about the social processes and the management procedure within the own project group and between the own group and other social systems, such as other student groups, teachers and the actors participating in the investigation. The project work result in a content report describing the investigated situation, and in a process report describing working procedure and social processes. In the individual exam students are applying formal theories when analyzing case studies, methods and own experience.

Teaching formats

To further student learning and promote discussion, a variety of methods are used:
Lectures, literature studies, written assignments, project work, workshops, seminars, proficiency training, presentations.

The course focuses on the following generic competencies:
Critical thinking, problem solving, oral communication, written communication, teamwork, ability to work autonomously, plan and manage time.

The following components are mandatory:
See course schedule.

Collaboration with the surrounding community takes place through:
Project work; guest lectures.

Grading form

The grade requirements within the course grading system are set out in specific criteria. These criteria must be available by the course start at the latest.

Formats and requirements for examination

• Passed written or oral exam(s)
• Active participation in mandatory activities
• Active participation in project work
• Passed written and oral presentation of project work

For further information, please refer to the course schedule.

• If a student has failed an examination, the examiner has the right to issue supplementary assignments. This applies if it is possible and there are grounds to do so.

• The examiner can provide an adapted assessment to students entitled to study support for students with disabilities following a decision by the university. Examiners may also issue an adapted examination or provide an alternative way for the students to take the exam.

• If this syllabus is withdrawn, SLU may introduce transitional provisions for examining students admitted based on this syllabus and who have not yet passed the course.

• For the assessment of an independent project (degree project), the examiner may also allow a student to add supplemental information after the deadline for submission. Read more in the Education Planning and Administration Handbook.

Other information

• The right to participate in teaching and/or supervision only applies for the course instance the student was admitted to and registered on.

• If there are special reasons, students are entitled to participate in components with compulsory attendance when the course is given again. Read more in the Education Planning and Administration Handbook.

Responsible department

Department of Urban and Rural Development