Print Syllabus

Syllabus

MX0174 Conflict, dialogue and facilitation, 15.0 Credits

Konflikt, dialog och processledning

Subjects

Environmental Science

Education cycle

Master’s level

Advanced study in the main field

Second cycle, has only first-cycle course/s as entry requirements
Master’s level (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

The course enables students to develop understanding of environmental and sustainability-related conflicts and how collaborative approaches, with an emphasis on dialogue and facilitation, can be used to manage them. Grounded in experiential learning and structured around a group project, the course places particular emphasis on: analysing differences and tensions among actors involved in environmental and sustainability conflicts; learning to design collaborative, multi-stakeholder process that use facilitated dialogue to help shift conflict dynamics from destructive to constructive ones; and reflecting on personal experiences with conflict, dialogue and facilitation.

After completion of the course, students will be able to:

• describe different theoretical perspectives for understanding conflicts, including social dynamics affecting constructivity and destructivity in conflict;
• describe collaborative approaches to conflict management, with a focus on facilitation and dialogue, and discuss their potential and limitations;
• apply theoretical perspectives on conflict in the analysis of environmental and sustainability related conflicts;
• apply theoretical perspectives and collaborative approaches in the design of conflict management processes, with a focus on multi-stakeholder collaboration, dialogue and facilitation;
• reflect on experiences with conflict, dialogue and facilitation.

Content

Subject-related content

Grounded in experiential learning and structured around a group project, this course combines theoretical and practice-oriented lectures, mandatory interactive workshops and literature studies to develop deep understanding of environmental and sustainability-related conflicts, as well as collaborative approaches to addressing them. Different theoretical perspectives are used for understanding different dimensions of conflicts and the dynamics affecting the constructivity and destructivity of conflicts, with particular emphasis on communication, social interactions and group dynamics. Different collaborative approaches to conflict management centred on dialogue and facilitation are also presented, including their potential and limitations. These theoretical perspectives and approaches are discussed in relation to societal divisions and tensions (e.g. polarization, power imbalances and lack of trust).

Students apply the learned theoretical perspectives and approaches in a group project. Working in interdisciplinary teams, students investigate a real-world environmental or sustainability-related conflict and design a conflict management process grounded on collaboration, dialogue and facilitation. In line with the course´s emphasis on experiential learning, students are also expected to apply perspectives and approaches from the course to their own group work. This gives students the opportunity to practice dialogue and facilitation when jointly coordinating tasks and making decisions about their project work and addressing potential conflicts. It also allows them to experience the benefits and challenges of collaborating in interdisciplinary groups.

The outcome of the project work is a theoretically informed and practice-oriented conflict management plan, including an assessment of the studied conflict and recommendations on how to address it through collaboration and facilitated dialogue. Students are also expected to critically reflect on experiences from the course regarding conflict, dialogue and facilitation.

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, and presentations.

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

The following components are mandatory: interactive workshops.

Collaboration with the surrounding community takes place through project work and 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

Successful completion of the course requires:

• 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