Module 4: Resilience

Abstract

This module explores resilience from diverse perspectives. It aims to expand traditional notions of resilience beyond simply "bouncing back" after shocks, focusing on innovative and transformative capacities. Topics range from social-ecological resilience to inner personal resilience and mindfulness practices, providing practical tools for fostering resilience in various contexts.

Objective

The learning objective of this course module on resilience is to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of resilience as a scientific method to analyse social-ecological systems, a technique of systems thinking, and a design concept, aligning with the program's focus on designing resilient regenerative systems (DRRS). Through lectures, discussions, and supplementary materials, participants will explore various resilience heuristics and learn to expand their understanding of resilience beyond the traditional notion of bouncing back after shocks. They will also delve into innovative and transformative capacities inherent in resilience thinking, connecting it with a network perspective and tools from previous modules on social networks. The module aims to examine resilience in diverse contexts, such as mountain environments and urban settings. Readings and live expert discussions offer insights into adaptive strategies for different communities and ecosystems. Participants will engage in inner resilience development, guided by mindfulness and self-compassion experts, to explore strategies for cultivating resilience at a personal level, including mindfulness practices and inner development goals. The module seeks to equip students with the knowledge and skills to navigate and thrive in dynamic and challenging environments at a systemic and personal level. The learning objective assessment starts in the preceding MOOC with a multiple-choice quiz. To pass, 70 percent of the questions must be answered correctly across all modules. Active attendance in the live sessions with experts is also required for each module. In addition, the Quest's progress is monitored continuously in the peer-learning process and through individual discussions with the lecturers.

Content

This learning module on resilience explores resilience as a scientific lens and method to analyse social-ecological systems, a systemic way of thinking, and a design concept, covering heuristics, innovative capacities, and practical strategies. It investigates resilience in diverse contexts and emphasizes personal resilience through mindfulness and self-compassion practices.

Resources