When Disaster Meets Conflict from Coursera

What's inside

Syllabus

Disasters, conflict and aid

In this first week, you will learn more about the research that this MOOC was based on, and about the researchers that conducted it. You will learn what the current state of our understanding is when it regards the interconnections between disaster, conflict and aid, and get to know a useful analytical tool that can help you navigate in this complex terrain.

Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) in high-conflict scenarios

The goal of this week is to make you familiar with High-conflict scenarios (HIC). You’ll learn to understand the common characteristics of disaster in a HIC-setting, and develop a sense of common problems and lessons for disaster response and disaster risk reduction. To start off with, in the first lesson we’ll introduce a case study of a high-conflict scenario where disaster strikes: South Sudan.

DRR in Low-conflict scenarios

Welcome to Week 3. The goal of this week is to make you familiar with Low-intensity conflict scenarios, or LIC for short. You’ll learn to understand the common characteristics of disaster in a LIC-setting, and develop a sense of common problems and challenges for disaster response and disaster risk reduction. This week we’ll provide you with examples from several LIC settings, such as Myanmar, Pakistan, Ethiopia and Zimbabwe.

Disaster Response in Post-conflict scenarios

Welcome to week 4. The goal of this week is to make you familiar with Post-conflict scenarios, or PC. You’ll learn to understand the common characteristics of disaster in a LIC-setting, and develop a sense of common problems and lessons for disaster response and disaster risk reduction. To start off with, in the first lesson we’ll introduce a case study of a post-conflict scenario where disaster strikes: SIERRA LEONE.

Hard decision-making & ethical dilemmas

Week 5 of this MOOC is more practical. Here, we ask you as participant to reflect on several examples of realistic, common dilemmas that you may encounter in the field - or perhaps you have already have had similar experiences. The main aim of this exercise is to train you to become sensitive the possible consequences of future decisions. Moreover, you will learn how to balance and reflect upon the pros and cons of each decision. By practicing with hard decisions in operations, it also becomes more clear how principles and accountability standards can help you to do no harm, and hopefully, some good. At the end of this Module, you should feel better informed and prepared when encountering future ethical dilemmas in the field.

Conflict-sensitive policy

The goal of this week is to help you practice with developing and reflecting on conflict-sensitive disaster response programs. The past weeks, you have learned how complex it can be to off disaster response in a conflict setting. However good our intentions may be; we always run the risk of stirring conflict, worsening it – or even starting it. Therefore, this week, we’ll be sharing with you five tools that can help you become more conflict-sensitive in the way you work and think. We won’t focus on conflict risk reduction or peace building, but more on conflict sensitivity and ‘do no harm’ in emergency settings. We’ll also implement some of the knowledge through a realistic assignment.

Good to know

Know what's good

, what to watch for

, and possible dealbreakers

Explores how to answer tough ethical questions related to refugee aid

Teaches how to create accountability standards

Examines five tools for promoting conflict sensitivity

Develops understanding of disaster response in low conflict settings

Taught by Dorothea Hilhorst and Roanne van Voorst, disaster management experts

Provides a realistic assignment to reinforce learning

Reviews summary

Well received disaster relief course

Learners say that this well received course is an excellent and informative introduction to disaster relief in conflict zones. Students described materials as insightful, enjoyable, and easy to understand. Many graduates felt well prepared after taking this course and would recommend it to colleagues.

Applicable for humanitarian workers

"Wonderful course for humanitarian workers"

"I am happy to attend the course and it was helpful for humanitarian and development workers"

"Excellent course, i will recommend it anytime any day"

In depth and engaging

"It was a very engaging course."

"I learnt a lot, this course was incredibly useful! Thanks a lot for giving me the opportunity to improve my skills!"

"Extremely informative and perfectly curated course"

Difficult to take notes

"My main perspective was that it was hard to study alongside the videos, because the note function on coursera can not be exported to text file"

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in When Disaster Meets Conflict with these activities:

Volunteer with a local disaster relief organization

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Gain practical experience and contribute to disaster relief efforts by volunteering with organizations engaged in conflict-affected areas.

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Research and identify disaster relief organizations in your area.
Contact the organization and inquire about volunteer opportunities.
Commit to a regular volunteering schedule and participate in activities.

Develop a disaster preparedness plan

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Apply your knowledge by creating a comprehensive plan outlining steps to prepare for and respond to disasters, considering the specific context of conflict-affected areas.

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Identify potential hazards and risks in the context.
Research and gather best practices for disaster preparedness.
Develop a detailed plan that addresses various aspects of disaster response.

Create a timeline of the conflict

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Develop a visual representation of the key events and turning points of the conflict to enhance your understanding of its progression.

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Gather information from credible sources.
Organize events chronologically.
Create a visual representation using a tool like Google Timeline.

Four other activities

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Practice conflict resolution techniques

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Engage in role-playing exercises or simulations to develop and refine your conflict resolution abilities, which are crucial in navigating complex humanitarian situations.

Browse courses on Conflict Resolution

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Identify and research different conflict resolution techniques.
Practice these techniques through role-playing or simulations.
Reflect on the effectiveness of your approaches and make adjustments as needed.

Attend a study group

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Enhance your learning by engaging in discussions, sharing perspectives, and working together with peers to explore the complexities of disaster risk reduction and humanitarian aid in conflict settings.

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Find or form a study group with fellow students.
Establish regular meeting times and a study schedule.
Prepare for meetings by reviewing course materials and completing assignments.

Read War and Peace by Leo Tolstoy

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Gain a deeper understanding of the historical context and the complex characters of the Napoleonic Wars in Russia.

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Read the book in small chunks.
Take notes on the plot, characters, and themes.
Discuss the book with others who have read it.

Write a blog post about your experiences

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Reflect on your learning journey and share your insights and experiences with others to reinforce your understanding and potentially assist fellow learners.

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Brainstorm ideas for your blog post.
Outline your post and gather your thoughts.
Write and edit your post.

Career center

Learners who complete When Disaster Meets Conflict will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Humanitarian Aid Worker

Humanitarian Aid Workers lead response initiatives in the aftermath of disasters and conflicts, providing critical assistance to disaster-affected communities in conflict zones. This MOOC provides valuable insights into the challenges and complexities of providing aid in such environments, equipping you with the skills necessary to make informed decisions and navigate ethical dilemmas faced by humanitarian actors in conflict settings. By understanding the interconnections between disaster, conflict, and aid, you can develop effective response strategies that meet the needs of vulnerable populations while upholding humanitarian principles.

See salaries and explore the career path for Humanitarian Aid Worker

Disaster Risk Management Specialist

Disaster Risk Management Specialists play a crucial role in mitigating the impact of disasters and conflicts on communities. This MOOC equips you with the knowledge and skills to assess risks, develop disaster preparedness plans, and implement risk reduction measures in conflict-affected areas. By understanding the specific challenges and vulnerabilities of conflict zones, you can design targeted interventions that enhance community resilience and minimize the consequences of disasters.

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Conflict Analyst

Conflict Analysts provide critical insights into conflict dynamics and inform policy decisions aimed at mitigating conflicts and promoting peace. This MOOC deepens your understanding of the complex interrelationships between disaster, conflict, and aid, enabling you to analyze conflict contexts, assess risks, and develop appropriate response strategies. By understanding the ethical dilemmas and potential unintended consequences of aid interventions, you can contribute to more effective and conflict-sensitive approaches to humanitarian assistance.

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Peacebuilder

Peacebuilders work to prevent and resolve conflicts, often in post-conflict or conflict-prone areas. This MOOC provides a comprehensive understanding of the challenges and opportunities of peacebuilding in conflict-affected regions. By learning about disaster risk reduction and humanitarian aid in conflict settings, you can develop a nuanced understanding of the interconnectedness of peace and disaster, and contribute to more sustainable and effective peacebuilding efforts.

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Policy Advisor

Policy Advisors provide evidence-based advice to policymakers on a wide range of issues, including disaster risk reduction and humanitarian aid. This MOOC strengthens your understanding of the policy landscape and best practices in these areas, enabling you to develop and advocate for policies that effectively address the challenges faced by conflict-affected communities. By understanding the ethical implications of policy decisions, you can contribute to more responsible and accountable policymaking.

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Researcher

Researchers conduct studies and analysis to inform policy and practice in various fields, including disaster risk reduction and humanitarian aid. This MOOC provides a solid foundation in the research methodologies and ethical considerations involved in disaster and conflict studies. By developing your research skills, you can contribute to a deeper understanding of the complex dynamics of conflict-affected areas and inform more effective interventions.

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Journalist

Journalists play a vital role in informing the public about disasters and conflicts, and in holding those in power accountable. This MOOC enhances your understanding of the ethical challenges and complexities of reporting on conflict-affected areas. By developing a nuanced understanding of the interconnections between disaster, conflict, and aid, you can produce more accurate and responsible reporting that raises awareness and contributes to positive change.

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Advocate

Advocates work to promote the rights and interests of marginalized or vulnerable populations, often in conflict-affected areas. This MOOC strengthens your understanding of the legal and ethical frameworks that apply to humanitarian assistance and disaster response in conflict settings. By developing your advocacy skills, you can effectively represent the needs of affected communities and influence policy decisions that impact their lives.

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Disaster Preparedness Coordinator

Disaster Preparedness Coordinators develop and implement plans to prepare communities for disasters and emergencies, including in conflict-affected areas. This MOOC provides insights into the unique challenges and considerations involved in disaster preparedness in conflict settings. By understanding the importance of conflict sensitivity and risk reduction measures, you can contribute to more effective preparedness efforts that minimize the impact of disasters on vulnerable communities.

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Project Manager

Project Managers oversee the implementation of projects, including disaster relief and rehabilitation projects in conflict zones. This MOOC provides a framework for managing projects effectively and ethically in challenging contexts. By understanding the complexities of conflict settings and the need for stakeholder engagement, you can ensure that projects are implemented in a manner that is sensitive to the local context and contributes to sustainable outcomes.

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Consultant

Consultants provide specialized expertise to organizations working in various fields, including disaster risk reduction and humanitarian aid. This MOOC equips you with the knowledge and skills to provide valuable insights and recommendations to organizations operating in conflict-affected areas. By understanding the ethical dilemmas and challenges faced by humanitarian actors, you can contribute to more effective and responsible interventions.

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Trainer

Trainers provide capacity building and training to individuals and organizations working in disaster risk reduction and humanitarian aid. This MOOC strengthens your ability to develop and deliver training programs that are tailored to the specific needs of conflict-affected communities. By understanding the challenges and vulnerabilities faced by these communities, you can contribute to more effective training that empowers local actors to respond to disasters and promote sustainable development.

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Program Manager

Program Managers oversee the design, implementation, and evaluation of programs, including those focused on disaster risk reduction and humanitarian aid in conflict settings. This MOOC equips you with the knowledge and skills to manage programs effectively and ethically in complex and challenging environments. By understanding the importance of conflict sensitivity and community engagement, you can ensure that programs are designed and implemented in a manner that is responsive to local needs and contributes to sustainable outcomes.

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Fundraiser

Fundraisers secure financial resources to support disaster relief and humanitarian aid efforts in conflict-affected areas. This MOOC enhances your understanding of the ethical and practical considerations involved in fundraising in conflict settings. By developing your fundraising skills, you can contribute to ensuring that organizations have the resources they need to provide life-saving assistance and support to vulnerable communities.

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Logistician

Logisticians manage the flow of goods, services, and information in disaster relief and humanitarian aid operations, including in conflict-affected areas. This MOOC provides insights into the unique challenges and considerations involved in logistics in conflict settings. By understanding the importance of security, access, and coordination, you can contribute to ensuring that essential supplies and services reach those in need in a timely and efficient manner.

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