- Docente: Manuela Vaccari
- Credits: 3
- Language: Italian
- Teaching Mode: In-person learning (entirely or partially)
- Campus: Bologna
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Corso:
Second cycle degree programme (LM) in
Pedagogy - Science of education (cod. 6814)
Also valid for Second cycle degree programme (LM) in Pedagogy - Science of education (cod. 6814)
Second cycle degree programme (LM) in Pedagogy - Science of education (cod. 9206)
Second cycle degree programme (LM) in Pedagogy - Science of education (cod. 9206)
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from May 06, 2026 to May 22, 2026
Learning outcomes
Upon completion of this lab, students will be able to:
- Independently apply specialized knowledge in both autonomous settings and within institutional frameworks.
- Collaborate and communicate effectively with peers regarding the application and documentation of learned techniques.
- Contextualize specialized knowledge within various types of social and educational services.
- Critically evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of the technical tools acquired.
- Adapt and integrate technologies into diverse contexts, applying personal insights and modifications.
Course contents
Theories and Practices of Social Mediation and Conflict Resolution
The lab provides a comprehensive overview of mediation practices for conflict resolution, with a specific focus on urban environments and multicultural social contexts. A dedicated module will explore intra-family conflicts.
Participants will examine mediation as an "alternative" dispute resolution (ADR) tool to the formal justice system. The curriculum emphasizes practical application through simulations of micro-conflicts in neighborhood, school, and workplace settings. The lab concludes with a small-group project focused on designing socio-educational interventions related to community coexistence and mediation systems.
Readings/Bibliography
A fundamental bibliography is provided below. A more extensive reading list will be distributed during the lab sessions.
- L. Luison (ed.), La Mediazione Come Strumento di Intervento Sociale. Milan: F. Angeli.
- Vaccari M. (2014), "Progettare insieme la convivenza in Via Turri," in Corradini, F. (ed.), Dalla città all'Europa. Strategie di sicurezza urbana. Città di Castello: NuovaPrhomos.
- Vaccari, M. (2016), "Io dico com'è iniziata questa storia. Le parole che 'agiscono' in due centri pubblici per la mediazione sociale e dei conflitti," [Ph.D. Dissertation], Alma Mater Studiorum – University of Bologna. Doctoral Program in Pedagogical Sciences.
- Zannoni, F. (ed.) (2012), La società della discordia. Prospettive pedagogiche per la mediazione e la gestione dei conflitti. Bologna: CLUEB.
Note: These texts are not required for purchase.
Teaching methods
Topics will be introduced via brief lectures to provide theoretical frameworks, followed by active learning methodologies, including:
- Case studies
- Practical exercises
- Simulations and role-playing
The sessions will be structured as follows:
- Introduction to Mediation: Historical-geographical overview and analysis of different approaches (Problem-Solving, Transformative, and Humanistic Mediation).
- Conflict Mediation: The role of narrative "in-interaction" in mediation processes.
- Social Mediation: An analysis of diverse experiences and mediation systems.
- Family Mediation: Promoting well-being in developmental stages.
- Design: Developing "mediator systems" and "mediation systems."
- Presentation and Discussion: Project feedback and final review.
Assessment methods
Assessment is based on:
- Consistent attendance and active participation throughout the lab.
- Evaluation of the final project presentation and subsequent discussion.
Teaching tools
- Case materials (projects, reports, documents) from public institutions and non-profit organizations within Italy and the EU.
- Audio-visual materials.
Office hours
See the website of Manuela Vaccari
SDGs
This teaching activity contributes to the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals of the UN 2030 Agenda.