- To gain a grounding in the literature of the field and familiarize themselves with basic concepts;
- To reflect on different methods and tools when designing mediation processes;
- To practice mediation and thereby; and
- To understand of the gaps and opportunities between theory and practice.

This course is an introduction to peace mediation as an approach to conflict resolution in the international political sphere. We will look at the practice of mediation, its methods and analyze the opportunities and challenges in applying mediation in peace processes. The course seeks to simplify the field and bridge theoretical approaches with institutional frameworks and policy approaches on the one hand and equip students with practical tools and skills in mediation that can be applied in diverse policy fields on the other.

This course is not a certification in mediation and is not an all-encompassing coverage on the topic. Instead this is an introduction to the practice of mediation, complementing the existing theoretical courses at the university. As such it aims to give a broad overview of the issues related to applying mediation from the macro to the micro level, introduce the main actors conducting mediation in the international sphere and analyze the multiple stakeholders in peace-building processes and the different ways to approach them.

Mediation has been around for centuries and depending on culture, ideology, context and personal background and character there are many valuable ways of approaching it. There is no such thing as the “right way” of applying mediation. What is important is that future mediators have options in their tool box of mediation that help them reach a sustainable solution.

The course is built around a one-week block seminar. Your presence, ideas, and active engagement are required throughout for its successful competition. The course is based on experiential learning, which means that we will practice mediation and try to generalize conclusions, as well as look into theoretical frameworks and try to practically apply them. It is built on student participation, supplemented short lectures. The course includes the following components:

•       Lectures: Each lecture gives an introduction and presents different aspects of a given topic. Students are expected to have read and engage in the discussion.

•       Seminar: In this round, students will discuss together with the instructors the subject matter and raise questions for consideration

•       Exercises: Students will be asked to form smaller groups and work interactively.

•       Role-plays:  These are meant to practice the lessons learned in the lectures and seminars.

•       Small Group Discussions: Students are expected to read the newspaper and other social media and to come prepared to discuss current affairs

Upon successful completion of the course, students are awarded 5 credit points (ECTS). Students must register for the course to be eligible to earn these credits.

Students will be graded based on a final course paper with 100% of the grade. Students will research an on-going international mediation process involving or possibly involving the EU. Please make sure to get approval for your assignment and discuss it with the course instructors before the beginning. 

You are asked to take one conflict in the world in which mediation is taking place or could be a positive contribution. You are to do a full negotiation or mediation analysis. The paper allows students to undertake a conflict analyse of a current conflict from a perspective of their choosing and to make use of the different skills learned in the block seminars, lectures, and readings. Essential for is that students demonstrate their capacity to use the course knowledge in practical situations. The paper should not exceed 4000 words, excluding footnotes, citations, bibliography, and appendices). Please make sure to get an approval by the last block seminar.  A due date and time will be agreed in class with participants.

Attenance

Full attendance is required. The course is highly interactive and practice based. Therefore, you may not miss more than two sessions (90 min) without an acceptable excuse. If you have to miss a class, please send an e-mail stating the reason for your absence prior to the session.

Only for the degree students of the MDP in Peace, Mediation and Conflict Research.

Juan Diaz-Prinz is the Berlin Representative for the European Forum for International Mediation and Dialogue (mediatEUr) and former Director of CSSP: Berlin Center for Integrative Mediation (2005-2012). He is tri-lingual (English, German, and Spanish) conflict resolution specialist with over 14 years of experience managing mediation and negotiations in conflicted regions. His key accomplishments include accompanying the establishment of the European Institute of Peace (2013-2014); being the Senior Mediator in over 30 integrative mediation (2005-2012); assisting and co-mediating in over 50 divided communities in Bosnia and Herzegovina (2008-2004); training over 200 political and civil society leaders in integrative mediation (2002-Present); advising government ministries and institutions on developing mediation: training representatives of the EU and international institutions (UN, UNDP, ICO, and OSCE) on mediation: creating mediation strategies for multi-country and multi-donor projects; and providing training, coaching, and consulting on international projects.