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 |
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
- Video: Welcome
- Video: Structure of the MOOC
- Discussion Prompt: General Discussion
- Video: Week 1 introduction
- Video: The communication process
- Video: Communication concept definitions
- Video: Communication means evolution
- Reading: Additional material
- Discussion Prompt: Consequences of communication evolution
- Video: Humanitarian action definition
- Video: Humanitarian principles
- Reading: Additional material
- Video: Specificities of humanitarian communication - Part 1
- Video: Specificities of humanitarian communication - Part 2
- Reading: Additional material
- 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
- Video: Week 2 - Introduction
- Video: Introduction to module 1
- Video: Understanding the different types of communication - Part 1
- Video: Understanding the different types of communication - Part 2
- Video: Understanding the different communication structures - Part 1
- Video: Understanding the different communication structures - Part 2
- Reading: Additional material
- Video: Introduction to module 2
- Video: Stakeholders analysis
- Reading: Additional material
- Video: Who is in charge of communicating
- Discussion Prompt: Scenarios - Discussion
- Video: Introduction to module 3
- Video: Understanding miscommunication
- Reading: Communication breakdown scenarios
- Discussion Prompt: Scenarios - Discussion
- 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
- Video: Week 3 - Introduction
- Video: Introduction to Module 1
- Video: Ethical challenges - Part 1
- Video: Ethical challenges - Part 2
- Discussion Prompt: Ethical challenges
- Reading: Deepen your knowledge on ethical challenges
- Video: Preventive/crisis communication challenges
- Reading: Deepen your understanding of relationships
- Video: Public communication in humanitarian settings: main challenges - Part 1
- Video: Public communication in humanitarian settings: main challenges - Part 2
- Reading: Deepen your understanding of public communication
- Video: Introduction to Module 2
- Video: The importance of listening - Part 1
- Video: The importance of listening - Part 2
- Video: The importance of body language
- Reading: Additional material
- 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
- Video: Week 4 - Introduction
- Video: The communication project cycle
- Reading: Additional material
- Video: Case study 1
- Reading: Case study
- Discussion Prompt: What do you think about the proposed answers?
- 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
- Video: Week 5 - Introduction
- Video: MOOC Conclusion
- Reading: Additional material
Graded: Ebola Case Study
FAQs
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Creators
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.
Ratings and Reviews
It was a great experience for me. I think that it’s important to get closer to different ways to communication and specially in humanitarian context.
¡Muchas gracias!
Great introduction on humanitarian communication for the ones we work in the field of human rights. Moreover, the structure of the course and the explanations of the professors are really well presented. Congratulations!
I thought the course was very well structured, presented and provided insightful material. For anyone who has never worked in humanitarian aid communication, the course is a great beginning step. I felt somewhat intellectually challenged at times. The readings and lectures were motivating, which helped me continue on to finish the course. I recommend this course to anyone who has never worked in such a role and context and would like to learn more.
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Very essential course for all humanitarian workers on the different levels.
I recommend this course as one of the basics for everyone aims to have a professional humanitarian endeavour!
Especial thanks to all the lecturers and for CERAH the place of making perfect humanitarian professional. My ambition and dream to continue my studies in this great place!