Precedence and its criteria This unit introduces precedence lists, their socio-cultural importance and their practical relevance.  Firstly, it adopts an anthropological perspective to analyse the development of precedence lists and the cultural realities that such lists convey.  Each country honours different functions and the unit outlines which criteria may be adopted when determining the order of precedence.  Secondly, it addresses how precedence lists can be used to facilitate efficient and appropriate communication and planning. Seating arrangements for eventsThis unit examines the different seating arrangements that can be used at conferences and other important events to best ensure their success.  It looks at the preparations that need to be made prior to an event in order to ensure that people are correctly seated.  It raises some of the different challenges that can arise in the area of seating and looks at how these can be addressed by considering what might change at an event, precedence lists and modern seating arrangements.These lectures are included in our Master's Degree in Protocol & Soft Diplomacy Skills programme. This double-lecture from the MA programme is available as a stand-alone course, at the price of 160 EUR.If you would like to join this course, please contact the ISPD Front Office.