F1IS 5310 - Peace Mediation and Conflict Resolution

In times of renewed international tensions and global crises, International Peace Mediation, more than ever, plays a major role in the mitigation and resolution of violent political conflicts. A historically prestigious and respected practice, led by head of states, senior diplomats or the Vatican, contemporary mediation has now become both a public and a private activity and a well-established professional sector. NGOs, International Organizations, Nobel Prize winners, individual experts, academics, or religious movements regularly intervene as third parties in long, complex and multiparty peace processes. From prevention to conflict management and post-conflict stabilization, mediation has been increasingly mobilized and mediators have become a key instrument in contemporary conflict mitigation strategies. In a time of heightened global crises and challenges (climate change, cyber threats), peace mediation is more than ever a key alternative strategy for conflict mitigation. This course we will cover a variety of mediation initiatives and techniques, learning from mediator’s experiences and learned lessons in many geographical areas.

Learning Outcomes

• Master the theory and practice of peace mediation through readings and case-study analysis.
• Become familiar with the role and contribution of mediators.
• Become familiar with the management of an entire mediation process through in-class simulations.
• Identify and discuss dynamics and challenges of contemporary peace processes.
• Become familiar with professional mediation networks.

Professional Skills

• Understanding and practicing negotiation, mediation, and conflict resolution techniques.
• Understanding of the contemporary dynamics of conflicts and conflict mitigation.
• Use team work to facilitate a conflict situation in a multicultural setting.
• Develop oral communication and critical thinking

None.

Feedback will be shared through regular comments on individual and group assignments. Students will also submit online feedback forms which will be used to regularly exchange on simulations, required readings and debates conducted throughout the course. Each session will provide a dedicated time for informal exchanges.

• Mediation Simulations (Group assignment): Two simulations will be organized in class, one during the second session and one by the end if the seminar. Students will be asked to fill-out an individual feedback form: 20% of the final grade, 14 hours a semester.
• Read & Discuss (individual assignment): students will read, and comment texts previously distributed to the class. Each week, students will be asked to formulate short comments and questions on a dedicated online form: 15% of the final grade, 12 hours a semester.
• The Mediators: roles and techniques (group assignment): students will select an international mediation occurrence, identify the mediator(s) involved and present its/their techniques and role(s): 35% of the final grade, 24 hours a semester.
• Book Review or Podcast project: In accordance with the teacher, each student should select a book or journal article and write a review to be submitted on the online drive. Alternatively, students could also choose to create a short video or audio interview with a mediator: 30% of the final grade, 24 hours a semester.

• In Class Presence: 2 hours a week / 24 hours a semester
• Online learning activities: 2 hours a week / 24 hours a semester
• Reading and Preparation for Class: 2 hours a week / 24 hours a semester
• Research and Preparation for Group Work: 2 hours a week / 24 hours a semester
• Research and Writing for Individual Assessments: 3 hours a week / 36 hours a semester
• Other: Individual preparation of meetings with Mediators: 4 hours a semester
• Other: Group work for Mediation simulations: 14 hours a semester