March 11th - April 28th
Course FacultyMarkos Perrakis, PhD
Effective facilitation is essential for creating conditions where transformative learning can emerge within groups, organizations, and communities. This course explores participatory approaches to facilitation that enhance collective intelligence and wisdom while honoring the diverse perspectives and experiences of participants. Students will develop competencies in designing and holding spaces for authentic dialogue, creative conflict, and collaborative meaning-making. The course examines how different facilitation methods serve varying contexts and purposes, from educational settings to organizational change to community development. Topics include: emergent design, power dynamics, cultural sensitivity, group development, psychological safety, and the role of the facilitator in transformative processes. Particular attention is given to the facilitator's own development and capacity to work with complexity, uncertainty, and liminal spaces. Students will gain practical experience through facilitation exercises while developing their personal philosophy and approach to participatory facilitation.
Curriculum
Course Modules
Module One
The Art of Holding Space: Foundations of Participatory Facilitation
- The Evolution of Facilitation: From Control to Emergence
- Presence and the Quality of Attention
- Creating Container and Setting Context
- The Dance of Structure and Flow
- Facilitator as Cultural Architect
Module Two
Group Fields and Collective Intelligence
- Understanding Group Dynamics and Development
- Working with Energy and Engagement
- Collective Intelligence and Wisdom
- The Role of Ritual and Pattern
- Field Theory and Group Consciousness
Module Three
Power, Culture, and Participation
- Understanding Power Dynamics in Groups
- Cultural Sensitivity and Intercultural Facilitation
- Voice, Silence, and Deep Democracy
- Privilege and Access in Participatory Processes
- From Performance to Authentic Participation
Module Four
Design for Emergence and Transformation
- Principles of Emergent Design
- Working with Uncertainty and Not-Knowing
- Creating Conditions for Transformation
- The Architecture of Participatory Learning
- Rhythm and Timing in Group Process
Module Five
The Facilitator's Inner Journey
- Personal Development as Professional Development
- Shadow Work and Self-Awareness
- Emotional Intelligence and Regulation
- Working with Triggers and Projection
- Embodying Authentic Leadership
Module Six
Tools and Methods for Collective Wisdom
- Dialogue and Deep Listening Practices
- Creative Conflict and Generative Disagreement
- Somatic Approaches to Group Work
- Arts-Based Methods and Aesthetic Knowing
- Digital Tools and Virtual Facilitation
Module Seven
Facilitation as Cultural Transformation
- Building Communities of Practice
- Facilitating in Times of Crisis and Complexity
- The Commons and Collective Meaning-Making
- Next Stage Facilitation and Cultural Evolution
- Regenerative Practices for Long-term Impact
*Course modules are illustrative. Faculty build dynamic course content and class structure aligned with and beyond the listed modules.
Faculty
Convening Faculty
Markos Perrakis
Format
Course Structure
- Seven-week online course from March 11th, 2025 through April 28th, 2025.
- Six, live, 75-minute Zoom sessions with faculty held Mondays at 10:00 am PT (Pacific Time) and recorded for participants who cannot join every session live. Note: There is no live class during Week One.
- Reading resources, networking, and emergent community outcomes.
- Content and collaboration via Meridian's social learning platform.
Schedule
Course Schedule
Mar. 11
5 PMCourse Platform Opens
Mar. 1710 AMFirst Live Course Session
Mar. 2410 AMSecond Live Course Session
Mar. 3110 AMThird Live Course Session
Apr. 710 AMFourth Live Course Session
Apr. 14 – Apr. 20 No Course Sessions (Spring Break)
Apr. 2110 AMFifth Live Course Session
Apr. 2810 AMSixth Live Course Session
Course Fees
$250
- Live video classes
- Access to recordings on course platform
- Course platform community and written resources
- Participant launch of ongoing Community of Practice after the course
Accreditation
Meridian University is accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC) - a higher education accreditor recognized by the United States Department of Education. WASC is also the accreditor for Stanford University, UCLA, and the University of California at Berkeley.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is an Online Course?
Meridian's online courses are conducted via the University's own learning platform. Our online courses promote community learning, through strong interactive engagement with fellow students and faculty as well as live video sessions with faculty.
What technology do I need to take an online course?
You will need an email account, a high-speed internet connection, and access to a computer, iOS or Android device. If you are planning to attend the course video calls live, you will need a webcam and microphone for your device. (Course video calls are conducted with participants video-enabled.)
Do I need to be online at certain times for class?
Live 75 to 90-min video sessions with faculty and fellow students will be conducted throughout the course. Each week's live video call will be recorded and posted on the course platform. Video presentations, readings, discussions and learning activities will be accessible asynchronously and may be completed on participants' own schedule. Course resources and recordings will remain available up to 30 days after the close of the course.
What is Meridian's refund policy?
Full refunds are available until two (2) days before the course begins, by request via email.
Do I need to apply to Meridian graduate program to take this online course?
You do not need to apply to a Meridian graduate degree program to take this online course. This course is one of Meridian's open-enrollment courses.
How can I reach course support?
The course support team will be available to assist from start to finish. Please send your questions/requests/issues to ctl@meridianuniversity.edu
Who will teach each session?
Convening faculty generally lead each live session. Contributing faculty typically contribute in one of the live course sessions. Course resources address the work of both convening and contributing faculty.
Is financial aid available for this public online course?
Meridian has institutional and federal financial aid options for our graduate degree programs. This open enrollment course does not have financial aid or payment plans available.