Humanitarian communication : Addressing key challenges

About this course: Learn how to address the main challenges of communication in humanitarian settings and how to implement a communication plan in the midst of humanitarian action.

Created by:  University of Geneva

• Taught by:  Prof. Doris Schopper, Director of CERAH, joint Centre of the University of Geneva and the Graduate Institute of Geneva

  Faculty of Medicine

• Taught by:  Dr. Valérie Gorin, CERAH lecturer

  Centre for Education and Research in Humanitarian Action

• Taught by:  Jean-Marc Biquet, Course coordinator and lecturer at CERAH

  Centre for Education and Research in Humanitarian Action

• Taught by:  Claire Barthélémy, Course coordinator and lecturer at CERAH

  Centre for Education and Research in Humanitarian Action

• Taught by:  Claire Doole, Invited lecturer

  Centre for Education and Research in Humanitarian Action

• Taught by:  Claire Bellmann, Professional Trainer, Coach and Facilitator

  Centre for Education and Research in Humanitarian Action

Level Intermediate Language English How To Pass Pass all graded assignments to complete the course. User Ratings 4.6 stars Average User Rating 4.6See what learners said Coursework

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University of Geneva Founded in 1559, the University of Geneva (UNIGE) is one of Europe's leading universities. Devoted to research, education and dialogue, the UNIGE shares the international calling of its host city, Geneva, a centre of international and multicultural activities with a venerable cosmopolitan tradition.

Syllabus


WEEK 1


Week 1
Dear students, Welcome to this course on communication in humanitarian settings. During this week, we will cover the main concepts and definitions essential to understand the specific framework of communication in humanitarian settings.


11 videos, 3 readings expand

1. Video: Welcome
2. Video: Structure of the MOOC
3. Discussion Prompt: General Discussion
4. Video: Week 1 introduction
5. Video: The communication process
6. Video: Communication concept definitions
7. Video: Communication means evolution
8. Reading: Additional material
9. Discussion Prompt: Consequences of communication evolution
10. Video: Humanitarian action definition
11. Video: Humanitarian principles
12. Reading: Additional material
13. Video: Specificities of humanitarian communication - Part 1
14. Video: Specificities of humanitarian communication - Part 2
15. Reading: Additional material
16. Video: Week 1 wrap up

Graded: Quiz- Week 1

WEEK 2


Week 2
During this week, we will explore the different types of communication and communication structures that one could encounter in humanitarian context in order to better reach target audiences when communicating.


12 videos, 3 readings expand

1. Video: Week 2 - Introduction
2. Video: Introduction to module 1
3. Video: Understanding the different types of communication - Part 1
4. Video: Understanding the different types of communication - Part 2
5. Video: Understanding the different communication structures - Part 1
6. Video: Understanding the different communication structures - Part 2
7. Reading: Additional material
8. Video: Introduction to module 2
9. Video: Stakeholders analysis
10. Reading: Additional material
11. Video: Who is in charge of communicating
12. Discussion Prompt: Scenarios - Discussion
13. Video: Introduction to module 3
14. Video: Understanding miscommunication
15. Reading: Communication breakdown scenarios
16. Discussion Prompt: Scenarios - Discussion
17. Video: Week 2 - Wrap up

Graded: Quiz - Week 2

WEEK 3


Week 3
This week is dedicated to the main challenges of communication in humanitarian settings and the way to address them. During the course we will also explore key behavioural postures to be more effective when communicating.


12 videos, 4 readings expand

1. Video: Week 3 - Introduction
2. Video: Introduction to Module 1
3. Video: Ethical challenges - Part 1
4. Video: Ethical challenges - Part 2
5. Discussion Prompt: Ethical challenges
6. Reading: Deepen your knowledge on ethical challenges
7. Video: Preventive/crisis communication challenges
8. Reading: Deepen your understanding of relationships
9. Video: Public communication in humanitarian settings: main challenges - Part 1
10. Video: Public communication in humanitarian settings: main challenges - Part 2
11. Reading: Deepen your understanding of public communication
12. Video: Introduction to Module 2
13. Video: The importance of listening - Part 1
14. Video: The importance of listening - Part 2
15. Video: The importance of body language
16. Reading: Additional material
17. Video: Week 3 - Wrap up

Graded: Quiz - Week 3

WEEK 4


Week 4
This week is dedicated to the understanding of the communication project cycle and the way to implement the first steps of the communication project cycle.


3 videos, 3 readings expand

1. Video: Week 4 - Introduction
2. Video: The communication project cycle
3. Reading: Additional material
4. Video: Case study 1
5. Reading: Case study
6. Discussion Prompt: What do you think about the proposed answers?
7. Reading: Additional material

WEEK 5


Week 5
During this week we will explore how to design a communication plan in the midst of humanitarian action.


2 videos, 1 reading expand

1. Video: Week 5 - Introduction
2. Video: MOOC Conclusion
3. Reading: Additional material

Graded: Ebola Case Study