CONFLICT RESOLUTION

CRES-155  Introduction to Conflict Resolution: Science and Art

3 Credits (Interdisciplinary and
Emerging Issues Core)

This course is designed to introduce students to both different perspectives on conflict and different strategies for resolving conflict. Conflict will be explored in different contexts, including intergroup conflict, cross-cultural conflict, and international conflict, with an emphasis on interpersonal conflict. Most importantly, students will be asked to reflect on their own style of conflict resolution and the pertinence of the material covered to conflict resolution in their own lives. Course content will include experiential learning and role play. (3 hours weekly) Also listed as HEED-155.

CRES-201  Conflict and Process

3 Credits

Introduces students to the distinction between the content of conflict and the process of conflict management and resolution. Considers the range of processes available from both theoretical and practical viewpoints. Emphasizes role play and application of skills in negotiation, mediation and facilitation. (3 hours weekly.) Prerequisites: CRES-155

CRES-202  Dynamics of Social Conflict

3 Credits

This course will explore the social conflict that results from problems such as structural racism, disproportionate minority confinement in our prisons, economic inequality, and gender discrimination, which continue to be social problems that define United States culture. As such these problems have resulted in not only the attention of observers as noted by Case, but also in major social movements which have had varying degrees of success in making sustainable improvements in human interaction in our society. These four problems in particular, because of the irresoluteness of their nature often underlie conflict at the interpersonal, neighbor-to-neighbor, community, political jurisdiction, and/or ethnic/identity group level. Particular attention will be paid to case studies which illuminate racism, gender discrimination and class inequality. Students will generate potential resolutions to cases through the application of dispute resolution theories and techniques. (3 hours weekly). Prerequisites: CRES-201.

CRES-225  Sociology of Conflict and Non-Violence

3 Credits

This course examines why humans engage in conflict, why violence is employed to resolve conflict and the nature and practice of non-violent conflict resolution. Students will explore the social forces that produce conflict – including cultural, economic, and psychological – and the arenas in which conflict occurs – including family, community, nation and world. Within an interdisciplinary framework (using social sciences and humanities), students will learn the theoretical, historical, practical, and political aspects of violent and non-violent conflict. Special attention will be given to emerging social and global conflicts, including examination of how or if these conflicts might be resolved in a non-violent manner. Prerequisite: SOCI-101 or -102. (3 hours weekly) Also listed as SOCI-225.