Introduction to Conflict Resolution CR301U
Instructor: Amanda Byron
Required Reading:
All reading will be assigned and provided to students as handouts or web links
Course Description:
This class is a highly interactive intensive introduction to the field of conflict resolution and conflict studies. It will explore both the nature of conflict and our understanding of what resolution seeks to achieve. Particular emphasis will be placed on the strategies students currently employ towards conflict in their own lives, with suggestions and examples that broaden their understanding of what is possible. Small groups, simulated conflict situations, role plays, and examples from real life will provide students with the opportunity to both understand their own strategies and develop new ones.
Course Expectations:
Students are expected to be present in class and actively participate in discussion. Students will be asked to participate in small, in-class discussion groups on a regular basis, and will be encouraged to take leadership in discussing course materials.
There is a very reasonable amount of reading expected, and daily writing assignments, which will be evaluated on both content and writing. Special emphasis will be placed on the development of clear, direct, assertive communication that involves active listening and respect for others. This kind of communication is to be practiced and incorporated into the written assignments, as well as in the small group and class discussions.
Attendance and Participation:
There will be 20 participation points given for each day of class. Any absence or tardiness will detract from your daily points. Sleeping in class, or disengaging with computer, newspaper, or outside reading, will also impact your participation points.
Reflection Papers:
Students will write a reflection paper on each day’s reading assignments. These reflection papers should be between 1 and 2 pages, and will be evaluated for content as well as strength in writing. Papers should reflect on your thoughts about the readings, as opposed to a simple summary or book report, and you are encouraged to share any insights or questions that you have in response. You can draw upon your own personal experiences to highlight your thoughts and reactions. Papers are expected to be well written and proofed for errors. Each paper is worth 25 points, and there will be 3 papers. These papers will be due Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday, before/when you arrive to class.
Final Paper:
The final paper is a five to eight (5-8) page research paper on an area of conflict or conflict resolution that is of particular interest to you. Your paper must follow APA style (without the abstract or the title page) and must incorporate at least five references, either from course reading or from your own research. This paper can earn up to 100 points, and is due September 10th at 5pm.
Evaluation:
Grades will be based on class participation (100 points available), three reflection papers (75 points available), and your final paper (100 points available). In this system an A=275-245, a B=244-205, a C=204-165, a D=164-125, and an F=125 and below.
SCHEDULE Monday Topics:
Conflict, Resolution, and Conflict Resolution 9
Introductions 9:30
Ground Rules and CR Communication 10
Lecture and discussion about Conflict, Resolution and Conflict Resolution 10:30
Small Group Discussion and Sharing 11
Listening 12
Lunch: Read Conflict Transformation
http://beyondintractability.org/essay/transformation/?nid=1346
and Interests, Positions, Needs, and Values
http://beyondintractability.org/essay/interests/?nid=1026
2
Positions and Interests 3
Tips in Conflict: Curiosity, Interests, and Integration 4
Closing, questions, reminders
Remember: Your first reflection paper is due tomorrow morning when you come to class!
Tuesday
Topics:
CR Communication, Conflict Styles, Power, and Culture and Conflict Reading:
Read about conflict styles and complete the personal inventory at
http://peace.mennolink.org/resources/conflictstyle/styles.html
and The Train Clanked: http://www.wattstapes.com/dobson.htm 9
Reading Discussion
9:30
Dual Concern Model 10:30
Power and Conflict 11:30
Case Studies 12
Lunch: Culture and Conflict
http://beyondintractability.org/essay/culture_conflict/?nid=1186
and McIntosh
http://www.racismagainstindians.org/WhitePrivilege/InvisibleKnapsack.htm
and come to class with at least one question or comment.
2
3 4
Culture and Conflict: How does your background impact your daily life, your communication and the way you engage with conflict? Film: For the Bible Tells Me So Discussion
Wednesday
Topics: Reading:
Violence and Nonviolence, Media Violence
Story#3, “This story concerns a monastery” @
http://www.luthersem.edu/stewardship/resource_detail.aspx?resource_id =199 Martin Luther King Jr.’s “Letter from a Birmingham Jail” http://abacus.bates.edu/admin/offices/dos/mlk/letter.html
9
Reading discussion 10
Definitions and the Conflict Management Continuum 11
Film: Force More Powerful and Discussion 12
Lunch: Read The Dalai Lama and the Master of Kung Fu:
http://vajrakrishna.wordpress.com/2009/05/03/the-dalai-lama-and-the- master-of-kung-fu/ and Barak, Secrets of Violence and Nonviolence: http://books.google.com/books?id=- _mCXeWxmjUC&lpg=PA3&ots=UzIuJnzRFN&dq=barak%20%2522Sec rets%20of%20Violence%20and%20nonviolence%2522&pg=PA3#v=one page&q&f=false
2
Violence 3
Media Violence 4
Nonviolence: Case Studies
Thursday
Topics: Reading:
Enmification, Forgiveness and Reconciliation, Restorative Justice
Read 10 stories at http://www.theforgivenessproject.com And Principles of Justice and Fairness http://beyondintractability.org/essay/principles_of_justice/?nid=1012
9
Enmification 10
Discussion of Forgiveness and Reconciliation 11
Introduction to Restorative Justice 12
Lunch: Read A big tough samurai @
http://bkmeditation.blogspot.com/2007/08/heaven-and-hell.html
and watch the Being Peace clip at http://www.beliefnet.com/index/index_1031.html and come to class prepared with a question or comment
2
Film: Meeting with a Killer 3
Discussion
Friday
Topics:
Contexts of Conflict Resolution and Mediation Practice
Reading:
Mediation http://www.beyondintractability.com/essay/mediation/ Transformative Mediation
http://www.beyondintractability.com/essay/transformative_mediation/
And Problem Solving Mediation
http://www.beyondintractability.com/essay/problem-solving_mediation/
9
Contexts of CR: How is it applied in the “Real World”? 10
The Mediation Process 11
Mediation Demonstration and Discussion 12
Lunch: No reading!!!
1 2 3
Mediation Role Play Debrief/Discussion Conflict Resolution Final Un-Jeopardy!
Final Papers Due September 10th at 5pm!
Work submitted by students will be evaluated for academic honesty. Any breech of academic honesty will be met with the consequences established by Portland State University policy.
Please notify instructor if you need special accommodation.
