This course introduces students to the praxis (theory-informed practice) community engagement and confict management in participatory and multi-stakeholder change processes. The concept of ‘community engagement’ has different meanings in different fields of study and professional practice. The course takes the perspective of ‘complexity’ in social and environmental development that transformation processes related to livelihoods, networks, environment and social change are complex, and thus it is challenging to model and intervene. Taking this viewpoint, students will be introduced to knowledge, skills and methodologies for facilitating engagement and transformative changes in communities that they would serve.

The first section of the course will introduce concepts and theories of community engagement and participatory development. The second section will address methodologies, skills and techniques related to conflict management, such as, leadership, intercultural competencies, inquiry, advocacy, dialogues, listening and feedback, team roles and management, negotiation, creative problem-solving etc . The third section of the course will offer opportunities to employ techniques and practice skills in a given context of facilitating the interactive processes.
Overall, the course aims at developing student’s competencies and skills of exploring and analyzing various topics related to the limits and possibilities of engaging communities, managing conflicts and facilitating change from the perspective of their professional domains (e.g. agriculture, environment, health and education) and as a leader.