Course Title: Culture Sensitivity for Humanitarian Action

Part A: Course Overview

Course Title: Culture Sensitivity for Humanitarian Action

Credit Points: 12.00


Course Coordinator: TBC

Course Coordinator Phone: TBC

Course Coordinator Email: TBC


Pre-requisite Courses and Assumed Knowledge and Capabilities

None


Course Description

 

This is an external online course offered by Oxford Brookes University, UK. Additional costs are involved not included in RMIT tuition fees.

The course is consistent with the widely and internationally accepted concept that sustainable development, rehabilitation and emergencies projects need to beembedded in local cultures. You will learn about what local culture means and how to be truly culture-sensitive? You will understand that cultural sensitivity requires knowledge, skills and competences, but also a positive attitude towards others.

This course will allow you to understand and deal with core issues related to culture, communication, and culture-sensitivity and also to explore issues related to cultural dimensions such as gender, displacement, identity, space and time. Those issues are even more crucial when working in turbulent and violent environments and you will seek answers to questions such as: Is violence creating a new culture, modifying perceptions, values, and attitudes? How should we take into account those changes in our programmes?

You will learn how to mainstream culture and culture sensitivity through all the project cycle, particularly during a feasibility study when assessing community needs and planning participation; during the implementation of a project; and in the end phase when evaluating results and measuring impacts. You will explore the key tools of communication and trust-building for culturally sensitive approaches within teams in conflict areas or with the local population.    


Objectives/Learning Outcomes/Capability Development

 

Upon completion of this course you will be able to:

  • Demonstrate depth and systematic understanding of culture and cultural issues in a conflict and emergency context.
  • Demonstrate deep understanding of socio-political impacts of humanitarian action.
  • Mainstream culture sensitivity in the project cycle management.
  • Critically evaluate participatory approaches.
  • Develop tools in order to build trust in intercultural teams and with the local population.

Listen actively and creatively, and sensitively apply innovative points of view. 



Overview of Learning Activities

 

In this course you will have the opportunity to:

  • Engage with lectures online.
  • Join discussion groups.
  • Explore issues related to your work experiences.
  • Do exercises online.    


Overview of Learning Resources

 

Oxford Brookes University will provide you with resources and tools for learning in this course through online systems.

A list of recommended learning resources will be provided by your instructor, including books, journal articles and web resources. You will also be expected to seek further resources relevant to the focus of your own learning.

The University Library has extensive resources for students.  The Library has produced a subject guide that includes quality online and print resources for your studies.

The Library provides guides on academic referencing: http://www.rmit.edu.au/library/referencing and subject specialist help via your Liaison Librarian.

Additionally a list of recommended learning resources will be provided, including books, journal articles and web resources. You will also be expected to seek further resources relevant to the focus of your own learning.

The University Library has extensive resources for students. The Library has produced a subject guide that includes quality online and print resources for your studies.

The Library provides guides on academic referencing: http://www.rmit.edu.au/library/referencing and subject specialist help via your Liaison Librarian.    


Overview of Assessment

 

Assessment includes an essay, group exercises related to case studies on building culture-sensitive projects, online journal and weekly discussion. The assessment may be done individually and in teams. You will be encouraged strongly to collaborate with the other students in the course.

You will be assessed on how well you meet the course’s learning outcomes and on your development against the program learning outcomes.