Conflict Resolution
CNR 600 - Concepts and Processes
of Conflict Resolution
Catalog Description: Overview of the multidisciplinary field of conflict resolution and analysis. Mediation, negotiation, arbitration, collaborative problem solving and other applications are explored. Offered in the Fall.
For whom planned: This is the first of six core theory and skills course required for the master's program in Conflict Resolution. May be taken as a general elective.
Credits: 3
Preqequisites: NONE
Additional Requirements: None
Time and location: Monday, 6-8:45 pm, Merricka Building,
North Campus
Instructor: Sherrill W. Hayes, Ph.D, Assistant
Professor
Phone: (336) 217-5103
Email: swhayes@uncg.edu
Fax: (336) 217-5101
Office: Millennium Building, North Campus
Office Hours: M&T 5:00-6:00 PM or by appt.
Required Texts
Clare, J., Roundtree, L., & Manley, E. (Eds.) (2003). Alternative Dispute Resolution in North Carolina: A New Civil Procedure. North Carolina Bar Foundation & North Carolina Dispute Resolution Commission. (Your instructor will have information on how to purchase this book).
Mayer, Bernard (2000). The Dynamics of Conflict Resolution: A Practitioner's Guide. Jossey Bass.
Schellenberg, James (1996). Conflict Resolution: Theory, Research, and Practice. State University of New York Press.
Umbreit, Mark (2006) Mediating Interpersonal Conflicts: Approaches to Peacemaking for families, schools, workplaces, and communities. Wipf & Stock Publishers.
Students will also read professional journals as part of their investigation into the field of conflict analysis and resolution.
Student Learning Outcomes:
At the completion of this course students shall be able to:
- Discuss major categories on conflict theory
- Analyze and explain how various conflict theories apply to different areas of practice
- Discuss the historical foundations of the field of conflict analysis from a multidisciplinary perspective
- Analyze the strengths and weaknesses of different conflict theories
- Analyze different applications of conflict resolution practice
- Compare and contrast different methods of conflict resolution applications
TEACHING & LEARNING STRATEGIES
Independent work
This introduction to the diverse field of Conflict Resolution includes
interactive exploration of personal attitudes toward conflict and change
through class discussions on the theoretical foundations of the field
including anthropology, sociology, psychology, peace studies, social justice,
law and cross cultural sources. Students are expected to have read the
assigned materials and come to class to engage in a seminar style of dialogue
and questions. The instructor will review the readings and concepts, discussion
applications of theory to practice in the field, clarify theoretical concepts,
and pose and answer questions related to understanding why conflict practitioners
believe what they believe.
Group work
Students will meet in small dialogue groups throughout the semester. The
expectation is that graduate students should have an opportunity to meet,
dialogue about ideas impacting the study of conflict and conflict resolution,
and advance individual knowledge of the conflict analysis and resolution
field. During weeks 14 and 15, small groups will present an oral presentation
to the class. Each group is free to develop content and presentation methodology.
I encourage you to decide early how each individual will participate in
developing and presenting the material. The presentation should focus
on Critical Issues in Conflict Resolution Today. Each group should prepare
handout materials that students can download and add to their course material.
This presentation may duplicate or be separate from the topic of your
final paper.
Professional journals
It is expected that students will read online journals as part of their
investigation into the field of conflict analysis and resolution. Students
will share articles and journal websites with class members. Students
should submit (in Blackboard) a total of five journal reviews using the
journal review form during the course. Dates for the first 2 journal reviews
are posted, but the other 3 should be posted not later than November 20th.
This sharing will allow students to develop lists of journal sites applicable
to their areas of interest. Some guidelines for professional journals
and evaluating them will be included in Week 2.
Evaluation Methods and Guidelines for Assignments To determine final grades, students will be evaluated on the following:
I. Class Participation 15%
- Participation in small group presentation (Critical Issues in Conflict Resolution Today)
- Raising and answering questions related to the issues
- Sharing ideas, feelings, personal experiences and observations
- Relating and synthesizing the ideas of others
- Providing constructive feedback on the learning process
- Helping other develop their view and ideas
II. Quality of professional journal reviews 10%
III. Two Thought Papers 40%
- students will write two short papers of 5-6 double spaced pages during the semester
- papers will synthesize theoretical discussions of the preceding weeks
- reflect a critical analysis of the reading assignments
- paper are due the 7th and 11th week of the semester
IV. One Final Paper 30%
A longer 12-15 final paper summarizing the connection between the various
conflict theories covered in the course and the various applications in
the readings and discussed in class. This paper is due the last week of
class.
V. Final Presentation 5%
Academic Honor Code: Each student is required
to include the following acknowledgement of the Academic
Integrity Policy on the final page of all papers submitted for the
course:
I, (student's full name) have familiarized myself with the official Academic
Integrity Policy of the University of North Carolina at Greensboro and
I am aware of the university's philosophy and procedures for dealing with
breaches of this policy.
Attendance Policy: Students will be expected to attend regularly. Three unexcused absences will result in failure of this course; students will arrange to make up reading material and class notes from fellow students and the instructor as needed.
Course Outline
| Week | Topic | Reading & Assignments |
| Week 1 Aug. 20 |
Unit 1 Course Overview. Introduction to theories and ideas about conflict. Logistical Arrangements and Group Assignments |
Schellenberg, Ch. 1 |
| Week 2 Aug. 27 |
Unit 2 Theoretical orientations and research | Schellenberg, Ch. 2 Mayer, Ch. 1 |
| Week 3 Sep. 3 |
Labor Day. No class | |
| Week 4 Sep. 10 |
Unit 3 Conflict analysis and theory I |
Schellenberg, Ch. 3, 5 |
| Week 5 Sep. 17 |
Unit 4 Conflict analysis and theory II Social Process and Contextual theories |
Schellenberg, Ch. 4, 6 Mayer, Ch. 4 |
| Week 6 Sep. 24 |
Unit 5 Negotiation & Advocacy Article Review 2 due |
Mayer, Ch. 5-7 |
| Week 7 Oct. 1 |
Unit 6 Mediation: Styles and Strategies Thought Paper #1 Due |
Umbreit, Ch. 2 Schellenberg, Ch. 10 Mayer, Ch. 9 Clare, Ch. 3, 27 |
| Week 8 Oct. 8 |
Unit 7 Mediation Applications I | Schellenberg, Ch. 10 Clare, Ch. 10, 19, 26 |
| Week 9 Oct. 15 |
Fall Break | |
| Week 10 Oct. 22 |
Unit 8 Mediation Applications II Schools and Family Settings Mediation Video |
Umbreit, Ch. 4-6 Clare, Ch. 11, 12, 21 |
| Week 10 Oct. 29 |
Unit 9 Preparing to Work in CR and Analysis Dealing with stress, anxiety and comfort levels Meditation, Self Awareness, Reflective Practice |
Clare, Ch. 30 Mayer, Ch. 8 Additional readings Ethics |
| Week 11 Nov. 5 |
Unit 10 Restorative Justice Thought Paper #2 Due Victim Offender Mediation, E-reserve Videos of VOM (Umbreit) Small Group Sessions |
|
| VISIT: | www.restorative-justice.com, and www.restorativepractices.org and www.restorativejustice.org and http://voma.org/Romania | |
| Week 12 Nov. 12 |
Unit 11 Peace, Equality, and Social Justice:
Theory and Practice from Gandhi to King Visit and critique three peace or social justice related websites |
|
| VISIT: | www.nonviolentways.org/nvways-guide.pdf www.gandhiinstitute.org www.cartercenter.org |
|
| Week 13 Nov. 19 |
Unit 12 Careers in Conflict Analysis and Community Building and the Service Continuum All Journal Review Articles due by Nov. 20th |
Umbreit, Ch. 9 Mayer, Ch. 10 Clare, Ch. 31, 32 |
| Week 14 Nov. 26 |
Small Group Presentations | |
| Week 15 Dec. 3 |
Complete Small Group Presentations | |
| Week 16 Dec. 10 |
Final Analysis Paper Due (can be emailed) |
Academic Honor Code: Each student is required to sign the Academic Integrity Policy on all papers submitted for this course.
Attendance Policy: Students will be expected
to attend regularly. Three unexcused absences will result in failure of
this course; students will arrange to make up reading material and class
notes from fellow students and the instructor as needed.