Centre for Gender and Africa Studies: At the cutting edge of critical thought
Short Learning programmes (SLPs) offered by the Centre concentrates on knowledge, skills and competencies needed in the broader conflict transformation field. CGAS currently offers three outcomes based SLPs which can be combined or enrolled for as separate courses. On completion of all three SLPs the course articulates into the CGAS Honours in Africa Studies, more specifically the module: Multidisciplinary and Cross-Cultural Approaches to Peace and Conflict Resolution (ASHM 6806). This entails receiving full credit for this module of the participant should enrol for the CGAS Honours programme at a later stage. The three courses are:
- Conflict and Peace in Context;
- Conflict Competency; and
- Conflict Sensitive Development (see curriculum detail below).
- CGAS also offers a further outcomes based SLP entitled Conflict Competency Development, which is a combination of the three courses above.
The purpose of the SLPs are to enable participants in the management of conflict through conflict awareness and a range of conflict management skills that will equip them to proactively and reactively address various permutations of conflict. All SLPs will be contextualised to fit the needs of attendees.
Curriculum
For more detailed information regarding our short learning programmes, please follow the link below:
Who should apply?
All individuals who find themselves in a position which requires conflict management competencies, including governance and development practitioners, whether in the public, private or third sectors. The need for competencies of this kind has necessitated the creation of tailor-made SLPs aimed at building such competencies. The prevalence of conflict on the African continent retarding growth, development and democratic governance is well known and calls for the enablement of role-players and stakeholders as far as conflict management is concerned. This is not limited to the government sector (on various levels) but includes the private sector (e.g. the extractive industries, agricultural sector and development practitioners); and the third sector (Donors, developmental NGOs and FBOs).
Admission requirements
For admission to the combination of courses, Conflict and Peace in Context; Conflict Competency; and Conflict Sensitive Development (15 days contact period in total) applicants will have to be in possession of a B degree or an equivalent qualification. Admission to the Conflict Competency Development Course (6 days Contact Period) can be gained with a National Senior Certificate or a National Certificate (Vocational).
Method of Instruction
The SLP employs a resource-based teaching and learning strategy. Attendees are provided with pre-readings, study materials and learning activities that guide the learning experience. The SLP is taught in one contact session lasting 5/6 days, presented mostly in a workshop format. The teaching learning approach undertaken is the guided independent study approach, inclusive of lecturing and participative methodologies such group work, role-plays, presentations, simulation games and presentations.
The mode of delivery will be contact sessions hosted on the campus of the UFS in Bloemfontein/Qwaqwa or at a location of the client’s choice. A comprehensive study guide will be compiled for attendees inclusive of theoretical matter, case studies and practical exercises and assessment tools.
Contact
Mr Willem Ellis
Centre for Gender and Africa Studies
President Steyn Annex Building Office 215
University of the Free State
Nelson Mandela Avenue 205
Bloemfontein
9301
+27 51 401 2470
elliswf@ufs.ac.za