MX0174, Conflict, dialogue and facilitation, 15.0 Hp
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Syllabus

Finalized by: PN-O, 2025-12-12
Valid from : Spring semester 2027 (2027-01-18)

Level

Second cycle (A1N)

Main field of study

Environmental Science

Grading Scale

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.

Course language

English

Entry Requirements

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.

Examination Formats and Requirements for Passing the Course

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.

Responsible Department/Equivalent

Department of Urban and Rural Development

Supplementary information

Included in program

• Rural Development and Natural Resource Management - Master's Programme
• EnvEuro - European Master in Environmental Science
• Environmental Communication and Management - Master's Programme
• Agriculture Programme - Rural Development

The Course Replaces

MX0113, MX0117, MX0135, MX0148