Course Overview
This course teaches the basics of systems thinking and practical tools to help create policies that address complex challenges through collaboration. This requires policy analysts and leaders to step back and take on relationship-building roles in discussions led by the public/affected interests. Key questions to be considered concern how to nurture democratic agency across people contributing to public policy ideas and how to find a shared direction within a set of divergent views.
Course Details
Format: Online
Duration: 4 Weeks
Start date: January 20, 2027
Weekly Commitment: 1 hour live online session
Cost: $375
Available Discounts
- Early bird discount of $250 applied if ordered before 31st December
- Current Trent University Undergraduate students qualify for a 50% discount. Contact microcredential@trentu.ca for details.
- Trent University alumni receive a 10% discount. Contact alumni@trentu.ca for details.
Only one discount may be applied per registration.
Credential Earned: Digital Badge
Registration
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Note for Trent University Staff
Permanent OPSEU employees at Trent University are now eligible for tuition waivers for Trent University micro-credential courses. Please do not register or pay through this page. Visit Support → Human Resources / Payroll / Waivers → Micro-Credential - Staff for waiver and registration instructions.
Learning Outcomes
By the end of this course, participants will be able to:
- Participants will build the facilitation expertise needed to lead equitable, transparent, and productive policy-focused public discussions
- Participants will explore participatory approaches to policymaking, understanding the role of policy analysts as facilitators in discussions led by the public and affected interests.
- Explain the importance of diverse approaches and perspectives when designing participatory processes.
- Analyze whether facilitation methods are enhancing or hindering meaningful participation and co-creation in policymaking.
- Apply and adapt participatory frameworks, showing the ability to engage in and contribute to better public dialogue and policymaking
Course Modules
Module 1: Systems thinking
Module 2: Acting for the Future
Module 3: Building Social Infrastructure
Moule 4: Encouraging Ongoing Dialogue
Assessment Requirements
To earn the micro-credential, participants must successfully complete:
Pre-Class Activities
- Complete pre-class questions and reflections before each session.
Participation
- Participate in weekly class discussions and activities.
Badge Requirements
- Participants must complete all pre-class activities and participate in weekly discussions to receive completion for the course.
Tax Receipt Information
Students may be eligible to receive a T2202 Tuition and Enrolment Certificate if their micro-credential meets Canada Revenue Agency requirements.
To qualify, students must meet the following criteria:
- Be enrolled in a qualifying educational program that provides at least 12 hours of instruction within a calendar month.
- Pay a minimum course fee of $150.
- Not receive a grant, reimbursement, benefit, or allowance for the program from an arm’s length party that would make the program ineligible under CRA guidelines.
Earn a Digital Badge
Upon successful completion of the course, participants will receive a verified digital badge that can be shared on LinkedIn, resumes, portfolios, and professional profiles.