This module aims to equip learners with a sound understanding of the complexity of
conflicts. Stress is put particularly on the understanding of violence, its different forms and
impacts on programmes. It also seeks to explore coping strategies and adaptations of local
populations and responses of the international community.
This module aims also at providing learners with analytical tools to comprehend better the
contexts of conflict and to make adequate assessments of the challenges faced by
practitioners. Based on different paradigms of humanitarianism, conflict-sensitive
approaches such as ‘do no harm’ or ‘better programming initiatives’ are explored to ensure
that programming does not fuel conflicts and when possible, enhances conflict
transformation. It aims therefore at analysing critically the links between humanitarian action
and peacebuilding initiatives.
The course runs from January to April 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:

●        Introduction to humanitarian action in conflict

●        Understanding violence and conflict:

●        Impacts and responses of affected populations:

●        Conflict sensitive approaches to humanitarian action:

●        Conflict analysis and conflict mapping:

●        Linking conflict sensitive programming and conflict transformation