Program Courses

NEGOTIATION & CONFLICT RESOLUTION

2009 - 2010

Core Courses

NECR K4100: Understanding Conflict and Cooperation (3 points)

The field of conflict resolution has been developed academically as a discipline from diverse fields of
knowledge. This course provides an introduction to the major schools of thought that contribute to the
developments in the multi-disciplinary field of conflict resolution that include social psychology, law,
political science, social work, and business. The field of conflict resolution is also dynamically
transforming and evolving and the course introduces recent developments, particularly in the area of
dynamical systems.

NECR K4105: Introduction to Negotiation (3 points)

Negotiation is one of the most important strategies in conflict resolution and is used routinely by all
humans to address potential conflicts and to resolve existing conflicts. This course examines both
theoretical and practical implications of diverse assumptions and strategies as they apply to negotiation.
Students develop a deeper self-awareness of their role in the creation, perpetuation, escalation and
resolution of conflicts, as well as in relationship with the other party(ies).

NECR K4107: Introduction to Mediation (3 points)

Mediation is a type of third party intervention and is one strategy frequently used by parties in conflict to
constructively address their incompatibilities. This foundational course presents several approaches and
models of mediation popular in the field today by fostering deeper conceptual understanding and skill-
building. This is done through a variety of methods including readings, discussion, role-plays, exercises
and group projects.

Intermediate Courses

NECR K4090: Fundamentals of Ombuds Practice (3 points)

The ombuds profession has seen tremendous growth as interest in alternative dispute resolution and
integrated dispute resolution systems within organizations has increased. However, when asked, the
average person in the United States still neither knows what an ombudsperson is nor the functions that
an ombudsperson fulfills within an organization. This class will introduce students to the major theoretical
and practical issues inherent in the ombuds profession. With particular focus on the Standards of Practice
as articulated by the International Ombudsman Association, students will learn about the unique services
that organizational ombuds people provide to organizations and to individuals within those organizations.

NECR K4200: Advanced Conflict Resolution (3 points)

This advanced course in conflict resolution theory builds on the foundation in Understanding Conflict and
Cooperation. Students return to some of the theories they previously learned and delve deeper into
understanding and applying these concepts and are introduced to additional theories and points of view.
There are practical applications and case studies that provide for students to develop more expertise in
working with these concepts.

NECR K4205: Advanced Negotiation (3 points)

This course builds on Introduction to Negotiation. Students have the opportunity to further develop their
skills toward becoming more proficient negotiators. They delve deeper into identifying and working with
factors that influence negotiation approach and outcome, such as cultural influences, context, goals and
the skill and attitude of the involved parties.
NECR K4207: Advanced Mediation (3 points)
This course builds on the foundational skills and concepts learned in Introduction to Mediation. Students
have the opportunity to further develop their skills as mediators and third party interveners in a broader
variety of contexts. They explore more approaches to mediation and learn to develop more expertise in
critical communication skills that can lead the parties toward more constructive outcomes.

NECR K4210: Dynamical Systems (3 points)

This course will develop the relevance of dynamical systems theory for understanding, investigating, and
resolving protracted and seemingly intractable conflict at different levels of social reality (interpersonal,
inter-group, international). We will attempt to conceptualize conflicts as dynamic phenomena whose
evolution reflects a complex interplay of factors operating at different levels and timescales. Our ultimate
goal for the course is to develop a comprehensive and testable framework for identifying the dynamics
underlying the development and transformation of conflict.

NECR K4212: Conflict, Social Networks, and Communication Technologies (3 points)

All conflict and subsequent resolution strategies involve communication. The use of information
technology in identifying and sustaining proper resolution strategies will be explored. The role of social
networks has been critical from time immemorial and how they transform relationships due to emerging
technologies will be reviewed.

NECR K4218: Environment, Conflict, and Resolution Strategies (3 points)

Global warming and environmental concerns have been increasing, especially in more recent years. The
relationship between industry, governments and communities as far as development is concerned has
become more and more of a hot topic. This course addresses the interactions between these parties and
how effective conflict resolution skills and approaches can enhance the quality of their communication
toward more constructive outcomes.

Capstone Seminar

NECR K5100: Conflict Assessment (3 points)

Conflict Analysis and conflict assessment are crucial for context and content of any conflict resolution
management. The participants will explore and get familiar with diverse conflict analysis approaches,
select the appropriate assessment in order to determine the Course of Action for further research, build
up a methodology for thorough investigation, all leading to effective recommendations and resolution
strategies. The foundation will be laid through an interactive seminar with the entire Capstone class, in
groups or individually and based on the recommended/required readings and analytical/evaluative
discussion of conflict theory. The course/seminar is designed and structured in such a way that
participants will be able to identify the various roots for conflict analysis and intervention.

NECR K5200: Resolution Strategies (6 points)

The results of an accurate conflict assessment will be used to identify appropriate resolution strategies
that will be targeted to better manage conflicts to resolve them or at least prevent escalation. These
strategies will address various levels of engagement from individual, to small group, to large group to
whole system interventions. The emphasis on this portion of the capstone project will focus on action
steps to implement the necessary changes as determined by the conflict assessment. Some of these
actions may need to be facilitated until capacity is built from within for self-sustained change. We will
explore a variety of practices applied to specific case studies and then applied to each capstone project
study.

NECR K5300: Networking and Sustainability (3 points)

Human networks are a vital element of group conflict. Networks can be local, national, transnational, and
global, and seek to drive or mitigate conflict. From localized peacebuilding networks to transnational
criminal and global terrorist organizations, the Networking portion of the capstone project explores the
centrality of human networks in conflict, conflict resolution and peacebuilding. Students will apply this
knowledge to map their chosen conflict. Special attention will be paid to achieving network sustainability
in student project design and implementation. Recent developments in online social networking will be
examined to frame conflict resolution challenges and opportunities, as well as survey conflict early
warning and prevention mechanisms.