COMPLEXITY OF CONFLICT AND CHANGE MANAGE

Complexity of Conflict and Change Management (NECR K5095) is an elective course in the Negotiation and Conflict Resolution (NECR) Program. The course explores how change can create conflict and also how conflict requires change. Conflict is generally about differences in how people think, know, prefer, believe, and understand. By entering into a conflict resolution process, people can shift their understanding and beliefs about the conflict, the other party or parties, and possible outcomes. The course reviews literature and case studies of how people are impacted at a fundamental level when change occurs. Understanding this elemental human experience can lead to greater self-awareness and the ability to manage change professionally and personally, in order to become effective change agents, negotiators, mediators, and peacemakers. We will also explore how leaders at all levels in organizations can play an important role in implementing change in an organizational context. Thoughtful and strategic approaches that consider the impact of a change management process can mitigate and even prevent conflict. We will review change management models and links to developments in neuroscience and how humans are biologically wired to resist change. Balancing theory and practice, this course will focus on the experience and expertise of the students. They will learn to apply practical conflict resolution approaches to change efforts at the individual and organizational levels as well as consider national and international applications.

• F noon-2 p.m.
• Instructor: Susan Levin
  Info
• 3 points

UNDERSTAND CONFLICT & COOPERATION

UNDERSTAND CONFL & COOPER

• T 10 a.m.-1 p.m.
• Instructor: Fulya N Beriker
  Info
• 3 points

Organizational Conflict and Mediation

Org. Conflict & Meditatio

This required NECR course will introduce the concepts and skills of mediation, a type of third-party conflict intervention. This course will provide students with theory, research, and practice to effectively use mediation skills in a wide variety of contexts. Mediation practices are frequently applied to a variety of conflicts and are employed in conflict resolution strategies. Thus it is imperative for a conflict resolution practitioner to develop knowledge and skills of this practice. In this course students will be introduced to mediation philosophies, approaches, applications, and skills through readings, scholarly reflections, role-plays, a collaborative group project, and a term paper. This course will provide a deeper understanding of problem-solving and relational styles of mediation and the goals aligned with each. Students will learn to identify when mediation is appropriate, prepare for a mediation, employ communication skills, deal with negative emotions, address ethical dilemmas, and consider the cultural influences surrounding the parties and conflict.
Prerequisite: NECR 5105 Introduction to Negotiation
.

• S 9 a.m.-5 p.m.
• Instructor: Michele Riley
  Info
• 3 points

Negotiation for Everyday Use

In this course, we will explore negotiation from several points of view and approaches. We will also look at characteristics that impact the quality of our negotiations and the outcomes, such as the role of emotions, cultural considerations, effectiveness of our communication, and opportunities to seek out negotiation to transform relationships. The course will be a blend of concepts and skills, theory and practice. On some occasions, you will be introduced to a concept and then asked to apply those concepts in an experiential activity. At other times, you will be asked to engage the activity or simulation and then the concepts will be elicited based on your experience. You will have several opportunities to practice developing your skills throughout the course, in terms of enhancing your practice and honing your analytical and conceptual understanding.

• W 6:10 p.m.-8 p.m.
• Instructor: Martin E Epstein
  Info
• 3 points

INTRAPERSONAL DYNAMICS & CONFLICT

• F noon-1:30 p.m.
• Instructor: Barry Sommer
  Info
• 3 points

Restorative Practices

Restorative Justice (RJ) is rooted in ancient approaches to conflict resolution, aboriginal justice, and religious texts.  It has re-emerged as a promising
new
paradigm - a supplement and sometimes an alternative to the criminal justice system’s existing response to wrongdoing. Perhaps most importantly, it is also an alternative response to harm or conflict at the micro, meso, and macro levels. 

In this course, we will explore restorative justice and the ideas that form its foundation. We will question its strengths and shortcomings, examine restorative practices, and investigate opportunities to put the theory into practice. Over the course of the semester we will critically examine restorative justice theory, principles, and concepts while creating a unique opportunity to explore the philosophy from various perspectives, and as it is applied in various contexts.

Discussions and readings will take a critical look at how restorative justice presents a contrasting philosophy of justice that addresses the needs of multiple stakeholders, draws from faith-based and indigenous approaches, and challenges interpersonal and structural forms of harm. We will also explore intersections and applications of restorative justice within multiple fields and movements including racial justice, trauma healing, education, youth development, and transitional justice.

Although the focus will be on exploring theoretical, empirical, and experiential restorative approaches, there will also be some opportunity to develop and practice applied “facilitation” skills. As we examine the problems and limitations associated with dominant (punitive) responses to crime and rule violations, we will assess how restorative justice presents an alternative philosophy of justice and seek to understand the costs and benefits associated with attempts to apply that philosophy in different contexts, including criminal justice, schools, families, communities and nations.

You will be asked to discuss specific conflicts, dissect them through a restorative lens, and actively lead course discussions on your selected conflict. The format hopes to foster a participatory environment. This course is open to NECR and non-NECR students who are interested in further expanding their work in self-awareness, facilitation, conflict transformation, conflict analysis, and analyzing systems.

• SSUU 9 a.m.-5 p.m.
• Instructor: Dianne Williams
  Info
• 3 points

CONFLICT RESOLUTION AND DYNAMICAL SYSTEM

CONF RESOLUTION/DYNAMIC S

Dynamical Systems Theory (DST) is a methodology developed in the hard sciences to understand complex systems—from the weather to the functioning of cells, using mathematical algorithms. We added the lens of social-psychological concepts and practices to better understand how to apply DST to conflict. We are now applying DST to conflict analysis and resolution for larger social problems and conflicts that are protracted, deeply embedded and have multiple complex issues. This DST approach goes beyond linear problem-solving and embraces complexity in new ways. Dynamical Systems and Conflict Resolution (NECR 5210) is a required 3-credit course in the Negotiation and Conflict Resolution Program (NECR). Students are expected to spend on average 20 hours per week on this course, including media, group work, readings, and other assignments. NECR 5210 builds on concepts from Understanding Conflict and Cooperation (NECR 5101), where students became familiar with conflict resolution frames, theories, and models, as well as a basic understanding of the DST approach. This course will further develop and advance student understanding and use of advanced DST concepts and tools that will be useful for scholar-practitioners facing situations that require a systemic approach for more highly complex conflicts. It is a complementary approach that rounds out the other concepts and skills student learn in the program. Throughout this course students will work individually and in groups on multiple case studies, to understand and apply DST methodology, while developing an appreciation for the more fluid and non-linear DST approach.

• SUSU 9 a.m.-5 p.m.
• 3 points

Open Source Intelligence: Research for C

THE ART AND CRAFT OF PRAC

The elective "Open Source Intelligence: Research for Conflict Analysis"
 
course is designed to introduce students to key practical insights, tips, and professional skills necessary for any successful conflict resolution practitioner. In this course, students will be required to practically apply some of the tools and techniques of NECR, and appreciate the importance of combining and reformulating the basic NECR concepts in order to serve their exact needs in the field. 

Through this course, students have the opportunity to apply what they have learned in the classroom, learn additional practical research skills, and adjust them to their own very specific professional aspirations in the field. This course also helps students strategize their next professional steps in the field in a concise, methodical way. 

It is important to keep in mind that the Conflict Resolution field at large is quite diverse, and our students have unique backgrounds and future aspirations. Therefore, this course is customized in coordination with each student during 1-on-1 sessions that take place at the beginning of the semester, in order for each student to be working on something that is clear, and has practical value for his/her very specific professional interests. 

As with many things in life, proactiveness, creativity, and an entrepreneurial spirit are keys to success for our very challenging field.  Each student will be having a required 1-on-1 session with the instructor, where the instructor will help the student explore ways to creatively strategize their next professional steps as practitioners and also develop the instructions for the final paper that match the needs of the student. 

Overall, the goal is to provide students with an enriching, personal experience that helps them rethink their role as practitioners and strategize better their short/ long term goals in Negotiation and Conflict Resolution.

• SU 9 a.m.-11:30 a.m.
• Instructor: Nikolas Katsimpras
  Info
• 1 points

CAPSTONE: Conflict Analysis Models

Conflict analysis is central to understanding the context and content of any conflict. It is also critical for the person doing the conflict analysis to have a good understanding of who they are as a conflict resolution practitioner, including the frames with which they view the conflict analysis. Our worldviews, assumptions, values, and beliefs shape how we frame and create meaning from conflicts that we choose to examine, and how we understand the dynamics of those conflicts. Therefore, to conduct an impartial analysis of any conflict, and add value for the stakeholders involved, self-awareness is crucial.

This course is the foundation for developing the necessary mindset for conflict analysis. We want you to be able to enter any situation and ask the question, “What is really going on here?” and to use that inquiry to uncover underlying needs, issues, and assumptions. In this course, in addition to increasing your self-awareness as a conflict resolution practitioner, you will explore and become familiar with diverse conflict analysis approaches and tools, beginning with creating a conflict map to identify the actors, dynamics, and structures that are creating, escalating, and perpetuating the conflict. You will work with a variety of conflict analysis tools to examine the stakeholder perspectives and will be asked to identify issues that surfaced as a result of this analysis. You will define goals for your inquiry that correspond to the conflict issues you have identified and coalesce thematically around a specific purpose of appropriate scope for your capstone study. You will utilize the Coordinated Management of Meaning and Case Study frameworks to engage in desk-based qualitative inquiry using secondary sources. You will put theory into practice by interpreting the secondary data through the lens of applicable theory. The data will be further analyzed using CMM models and conflict analysis tools as a means of surfacing several needs to be addressed in your intervention design (in the next capstone course).

This course is the first of three (3) required courses of the capstone sequence.
In 6050, students will complete conflict analysis for their capstone case study.
In 6250, students will design an intervention that addresses the needs identified in their earlier analysis. In 6350, students will consider sustainability, as well as monitoring and evaluation strategies for their proposed intervention.

• S 11 a.m.-2 p.m.
• Instructor: Courtney A Chicvak
  Info
• 3 points

CAPSTONE: RESOLUTION STRATEGIES

• RRMMM 6:10 p.m.-8 p.m.
• R 11 a.m.-1 p.m.
• Instructor: Peter Dixon
  Info
• Instructor: Deborah J Sachare
  Info
• 3 points

CAPSTONE: NETWORKING & SUSTAINABILITY

CAPSTONE: NETWORKNG & SUS

• S 9 a.m.-3 p.m.
• SUU 9 a.m.-1 p.m.
• Instructor: Lauren M Fishel
  Info
• Instructor: Mark A Whitlock
  Info
• 3 points