Non-credit rated

It is agreed that emergencies, rehabilitation and peacebuilding programmes need to be embedded in local cultures. Cultural attributes such as gender, identity or decision-making process and local structures are influenced directly by conflict. Their relevance and modifications need to be mainstreamed in culture-sensitive programming. Culture sensitivity requires knowledge, skills and competences as well as an attitude towards others. Those issues are even more crucial when working in turbulent and violent environments. Is violence creating a new culture, modifying perceptions, values, and attitudes? How should we take into account those changes in our programmes?   

This module explores core issues related to culture, communication, trust building and culture sensitivity when working in turbulent and violent environments. Understanding local culture but also local ways and knowledge to respond to conflicts is essential in project management.

The course runs from April to July each year. It is developed over 8 weeks for non-credit and 11 weeks for those taking the course for credits. This includes 2 reading weeks, 6 interactive weeks and for those taking the course for credits 3 weeks for finalising assessments.  Most of the course is asynchronous except for a one hour per week webinar.  It is designed to be accessible for learners working full time

Course Description

Course Content

The course has 6 key sessions:

●        Understanding cultural dimensions of humanitarian and peacebuilding actions and conflict

●        Understanding contexts of intervention

●        Culture of conflict/Culture of peace and their impacts in humanitarianism:

●        Building trust and communicating with all stakeholders

●        Building on local knowledge and local humanitarian responses

●        Culture-sensitive programming in conflict