300 Level Courses
CONF 300: Conflict Resolution Techniques and Practice. 3 credits.
Advanced consideration of
CONF 101 topics, introduction of core notion of reflective practice, conflict resolution techniques, practice, third party roles, and ethics. Offered by
Conflict Analysis & Resolution. Limited to three attempts.
CONF 301: Research and Inquiry in Conflict Resolution. 3 credits.
Introduces social science research methods at undergraduate level. Covers basic epistemology of social research, including quantitative and qualitative methods, emphasizing participatory action research, and evaluation and assessment work. Offered by
Conflict Analysis & Resolution. Limited to three attempts.
CONF 302: Culture, Identity, and Conflict. 3 credits.
Covers deeply rooted, intractable, or protracted social conflicts around core issues of identity, including race, ethnicity, religion, and nationalism. Explores cultural, symbolic, and discursive approaches to identity conflict. Offered by
Conflict Analysis & Resolution. Limited to three attempts.
CONF 310: Special Topics in Practice. 1-3 credits.
Examines selected topics related to practice in the field of conflict analysis and resolution. Topics vary, addressing practical skills and knowledge necessary to conflict resolution practice. Notes: May be repeated if topics vary. Offered by
Conflict Analysis & Resolution. May be repeated within the term for a maximum 6 credits.
CONF 314: Career Development Seminar. 1 credit.
This course offers students structured time to explore opportunities available in conflict analysis and resolution and discuss issues pertinent to career preparation. Attention is focused on identifying personal strengths, understanding the job search process, and developing the skills and documents to be successful when applying for internships and jobs. Offered by
Conflict Analysis & Resolution. Limited to three attempts.
CONF 320: Interpersonal Conflict Analysis and Resolution. 3 credits.
When, where, and why do relationships experience conflict? When are these conflicts productive and when are they toxic? How can you create space for problem solving and healing within relationships? In this course you will gain a greater understanding of assessing and intervening in conflicts as they arise between individuals and in small groups, learning concepts and skills for understanding the causes, patterns, systems and dynamics of difficult issues and situations. You will engage with different dimensions of interpersonal conflicts, from personality and individual differences, to relational history and context, to culture and worldview. Through hands-on tutorials, role plays and case studies, you will leave this course with a better sense of how to transform conflict through relationship-building, whether at work, as a professional, or in your daily life. Offered by
Conflict Analysis & Resolution. Limited to three attempts.
CONF 325: Dialogue and Difference. 3 credits.
Covers challenges of communicating across differences of age, gender, language, culture, political orientation, and contextual situations. Students will engage in preparing and analyzing communication strategies in conflict situations and will participate in a dialogue over the term that explores the meaning and experience of difference. Offered by
Conflict Analysis & Resolution. Limited to three attempts.
CONF 326: Negotiation. 3 credits.
The ability to negotiate and manage conflicts effectively is an essential skill in international, community, organizational and personal settings. Negotiation is the art and science of securing an agreement between two or more independent parties. This course is an introduction to the analysis and practice of negotiation and provides a solid foundation for further inquiry and application. Students will examine research and theories of negotiation, how different cultures influence conflict, frameworks for analyzing negotiation, and the roles of various factors (influences and contexts, tactics and strategies) on the negotiation process and outcome. This course will include a blend of lectures, class discussions, individual and group exercises, simulations and negotiation role plays in class. Offered by
Conflict Analysis & Resolution. Limited to three attempts.
CONF 329: Community Engagement and Collaborative Problem Solving. 3 credits.
This course will explore how organizations and leaders across sectors can use community engagement techniques and collaborative problem solving tools to achieve their goals and reach consensus-based and mutually-beneficial solutions. The course will be hands-on and experiential-based. Students will be introduced to different problem-solving techniques and will be given opportunities to experience and facilitate activities in-class. Offered by
Conflict Analysis & Resolution. Limited to three attempts.
CONF 330: Community, Group, and Organizational Conflict Analysis and Resolution. 3 credits.
Covers conflict in communities, groups and organizations. Introduces theories of social harmony and conflict, drawing on sociology, social psychology, community psychology, organizational psychology, administration of justice, philosophy, and conflict resolution. Uses case studies, class presentations, and group projects to develop ability to analyze conflict and make recommendations for change. Offered by
Conflict Analysis & Resolution. Limited to three attempts.
CONF 331: Simulation in Community and Organizational Conflict Resolution. 1 credit.
Builds on the theories and concepts presented in
CONF 330 to focus on the practice of group and community conflict. Through intensive simulations using conflict cases, students will have the opportunity to practice conflict resolution skills such as dialogue, problem solving, mediation and negotiation and gain a practical understanding of third party roles and intervention strategies in community, group, and organizational settings. Offered by
Conflict Analysis & Resolution. Limited to three attempts.
CONF 335: Justice and Reconciliation. 3 credits.
Explores justice and reconciliation from a conflict perspective. Drawing on approaches in the interdisciplinary fields of sociolegal studies and conflict analysis and resolution, the course considers these and other questions: How does injustice fuel conflict? What role should justice play in guiding conflict prevention and addressing the aftermath of violence? What is reconciliation and how do we know when it has been achieved? Are justice and reconciliation mutually reinforcing processes or does one stand in the way of the other? The first part of the course focuses on foundational concepts and questions understood through domestic US examples, examining topics such as: gender equality and gender violence, migration and integration, discrimination, identity politics, healing communities, and environmental justice. We then broaden our perspective geographically, as we examine justice and reconciliation as responses to mass atrocity. Offered by
Conflict Analysis & Resolution. Limited to three attempts.
CONF 337: Restorative Justice. 3 credits.
Restorative justice is a framework based in the wisdom and practices of Indigenous peoples across the world. It offers an approach to wrongdoing and harm in contrast with traditional punitive systems, as well as a model for proactive community-building that centers interconnectivity. This class explores the roots and origins of restorative justice; examines how it is being used from schools to legal systems to truth-telling processes; and considers critical perspectives on its efficacy and transformative potential.
Topics include Restorative Justice Roots and Foundations; Restorative Justice Philosophy and Practices; Restorative vs. Retributive Justice; Restorative Justice and the Criminal Legal System; Restorative Justice with Schools and Youth; Truth-Telling and Reconciliation; and the Future of Restorative Justice. Offered by
Conflict Analysis & Resolution. Limited to three attempts.
CONF 340: Global Conflict Analysis and Resolution. 3 credits.
Why is conflict more likely to occur in some places and times and not others? Why do certain groups use violence against civilians more than others? What connects local and global challenges? How can communities devastated by violence build peace? In this course you will examine globalization and structural causes of conflict and analyze the circumstances that aggravate old conflicts or lead to the emergence of new ones. You will also explore the conditions that promote peace and different methods of conflict intervention and resolution in international conflicts. Global conflict may involve sovereign states, international and non-government organizations, non-state armed groups, crime syndicates, and nonviolent protest movements; you will examine the roles these play in both conflict and peace. This course will develop your ability to compare and apply major approaches to understanding the origins of global conflicts and critically evaluate opportunities for peacebuilding. Offered by
Conflict Analysis & Resolution. Limited to three attempts.
CONF 341: Simulation in Global Conflict Resolution. 1 credit.
Focuses primarily on global conflict resolution practice. Using the methodologies of dialogue, problem-solving, and intensive simulation, students will increase their theoretical and practical understanding of peace making, peace building, and transformation processes within a specific international case. Offered by
Conflict Analysis & Resolution. May be repeated within the degree for a maximum 2 credits.
CONF 345: Social Dynamics of Terrorism, Security, and Justice. 3 credits.
Presents students with analytical frameworks to account for terrorist acts and organizations and explore social dynamics underlying the development of, and response to, terrorism. Topics may include recruitment into violent groups, counterterrorism and human rights concerns, role of religious and political ideologies in terrorism and counterterrorism, media coverage of terrorism, and effects of terrorism on social structures and processes. Offered by
Conflict Analysis & Resolution. Limited to three attempts.
CONF 347: Mobilizing for Change and Justice. 3 credits.
Mobilizing for Change and Justice explores how and why movements for political
change and justice have historically emerged in the United States and globally. During the course
we will consider How do we understand the concept of justice? Why do some movements employ non-violent strategies while others engaged in violence? What is the relationship between social, political and economic institutions that may constrain human action and human agency to organize for change? What role does repression and state violence play in shaping mobilization for change and justice? How do movements diffuse across international boundaries? and Why do some movements achieve their goals (at least some of them) while others falter?
The course will explore theoretical concepts as well as a variety of examples of mobilization for
change and justice across time and space, as well as struggles for justice that turned violent. The course includes case studies, lecture, discussions and films. Offered by
Conflict Analysis & Resolution. Limited to three attempts.
CONF 370: Internship Field Experience. 1-9 credits.
Internships will provide an opportunity for students to gain practical experience, reflect on those experiences, and apply academic theories outside of the normal classroom environment. Students will apply academic theories learned in the classroom to situations that arise in the work environment. Students must obtain approval and complete an internship proposal application in order to be registered for the course. Notes: Course does not have a regular meeting time; students submit work via blog and e-mail; some meetings with instructor. Offered by
Conflict Analysis & Resolution. May be repeated within the degree for a maximum 9 credits.
CONF 373: Contemporary Issues. 0-1 credits.
Students build skills in perspective taking, critical thinking, and dialogue as they actively explore complex and contentious issues. This course focuses on exploring alternate perspectives, while developing the skills and tools necessary to acquire and interpret information and engage in constructive dialogue with individuals holding a variety of opinions. The study of current events in the classroom provides a vehicle for students to practice identifying relevant information, analyzing opposing views, forming opinions, supporting dialogue, and expressing themselves clearly. Offered by
Conflict Analysis & Resolution. Limited to two attempts.
CONF 375: Special Programs Field Experience. 1-6 credits.
Learning experience in the application of conflict analysis and resolution (CAR) skills in special program settings. Provides supervised practice in CAR techniques, leadership, program implementation, and strategies to facilitate conflict resolution in educational institutions or community settings. Offered by
Conflict Analysis & Resolution. May be repeated within the term for a maximum 9 credits.
CONF 385: International Field Experience. 3 credits.
Investigates conflict theory through international field experience including participation in formally organized courses offered by Global Education Office or another form of international field experience approved by program director. Offered by
Conflict Analysis & Resolution. May be repeated within the degree for a maximum 6 credits.
CONF 386: Context and Synthesis: Study Abroad. 1 credit.
Investigates conflict theory through cross cultural experience which includes participation in formally organized semester abroad programs offered by the Global Education Office or another form of international field experience approved by the program director. Offered by
Conflict Analysis & Resolution. May be repeated within the degree for a maximum 2 credits.
CONF 392: Youth and Conflict. 3 credits.
Explores aspects of youth and conflict in terms of context and dynamics at the local, regional, and global levels, as well as interactions with violence and peace. Youth is more than a distinct life phase or political category; this course challenges the boundaries of how we understand the considerations and constraints of the transition to adulthood. Objectives of the course are: to develop a better understanding of the generational and gendered dynamics of conflict and peace; to situate youth contextually, socially, culturally, economically, and politically; to explore impacts of gender, age, and context upon youth individually as well as within constituent groups; to incorporate youth into theoretical and practical maps of conflict analysis and resolution. Offered by
Conflict Analysis & Resolution. Limited to three attempts.
CONF 393: Violence: Causes, Dynamics & Alternatives. 3 credits.
Examines causes, sources, and origins of group violence with particular attention to group violence and ethnic conflict. Explores alternative proposals that explain why violence becomes a primary, or at least a viable, form of resolving conflict in some societies. Offered by
Conflict Analysis & Resolution. Limited to three attempts.
CONF 394: Human Rights and Inequality. 3 credits.
Examines inequality, social justice, and human rights in an age of globalization. Topics may include international law and order, welfare-and social policy, regionalism and multilateralism, environmental protection, gender equality, terrorist and transnational criminal networks, human trafficking, modern slavery, world poverty, corporate military firms, governance of global financial institutions, security, and transnational social movements. Offered by
Conflict Analysis & Resolution. Limited to three attempts.
CONF 397: Study Abroad Special Topics. 1-9 credits.
Transfer credit for relevant coursework taken during direct exchange study abroad trips. Offered by
Conflict Analysis & Resolution. May be repeated within the term for a maximum 12 credits.
CONF 398: Special Topics in Advanced Techniques and Practices. 3 credits.
Examines selected topics relating to conflict resolution techniques and practices. Topics vary but may include mediation, negotiation, reflective practice, and facilitation. Notes: May be repeated if topics vary. Offered by
Conflict Analysis & Resolution. May be repeated within the term for a maximum 9 credits.
CONF 399: Special Topics in Conflict Analysis and Resolution. 3 credits.
Examines selected topics relating to analysis or resolution of conflict. Topics vary but may include historical examination of conflict, social issues stemming from conflict, ethical issues in intervention, globalization, human rights, sources of conflict, or relationship of particular identity domains to conflict. Notes: May be repeated if topics vary. Offered by
Conflict Analysis & Resolution. May be repeated within the term for a maximum 9 credits.
400 Level Courses
CONF 425: Mediating Conflict. 3 credits.
A skill development course connecting conflict resolution theory and practice to the mediation process through lectures, discussion. self-reflection, experiential learning, and role-plays. This course has been approved to meet the 20-hour basic education requirements for mediation certification by the Judicial Council of Virginia and the Office of the Executive Secretary, Supreme Court of Virginia. Offered by
Conflict Analysis & Resolution. Limited to three attempts.
CONF 435: Building Peace in Divided Societies. 3 credits.
A major challenge to peacebuilding efforts domestically and globally are the boundaries that communities believe separates themselves from others. The boundaries have ethnic, racial, religious or cultural roots, often with long histories of division and violence. This class will examine case studies and strategies from around the globe of peacebuilding in complex communities. Offered by
Conflict Analysis & Resolution. Limited to three attempts.
CONF 475: Special Topics in Conflict Analysis and Resolution. 3 credits.
Examines selected topics relating to conflict analysis and resolution and peace. Topics vary, but may include historical examination of conflict, social issues stemming from conflict, ethical issues in intervention, globalization, relationship of particular identity domains to conflict, or emerging areas of research and application. Notes: May be repeated if topics are different. Offered by
Conflict Analysis & Resolution. May be repeated within the term for a maximum 9 credits.
CONF 490: RS: Integration. 3 credits.
Capstone course in which students reflect on what they have learned, integrating knowledge from course work and synthesizing it to cogent body of knowledge. Includes class discussion and final project that demonstrates understanding of conflict theory and reflective practice. Offered by
Conflict Analysis & Resolution. Limited to three attempts.
CONF 499: Independent Research in Conflict Analysis and Resolution. 1-6 credits.
Readings and research conducted on individual basis in consultation with instructor. Notes: Student may not present more than 3 credits for graduation credit. Offered by
Conflict Analysis & Resolution. May be repeated within the degree for a maximum 6 credits.
600 Level Courses
CONF 600: Foundations of Conflict Analysis and Resolution. 6 credits.
This course offers an integration of theory, research and practice to investigate the inner workings of our field. It includes conflict theories, models and modes of practice that function as the grounding to subsequent courses in the curriculum, and exploration of some of the key contemporary debates. The course includes opportunities for linking theory to practice with experimental learning activities. Offered by
Conflict Analysis & Resolution. May not be repeated for credit.
CONF 605: Foundations of Peacebuilding. 6 credits.
This foundational course, building on initiatives of the United Nations and other multilateral organizations, explores dynamics of post-conflict peace building and prepares students to play innovative roles in peacebuilding and reconstruction of civil societies. The course introduces the theory, research and practice of peacebuilding programming with a focus on ethical, conflict-sensitive and inclusive process design and implementation. The course investigates the historical arc of peacebuilding practice and current implementation strategies; and examines peacebuilding theories, models and modes of practice that function as the grounding to subsequent courses in the curriculum, and explores of some of the key contemporary debates in the field. The course includes opportunities for linking theory to practice with experimental learning activities. Offered by
Conflict Analysis & Resolution. May not be repeated for credit.
CONF 610: Conflict Inquiry. 3 credits.
Introduces students to the philosophies behind social science research and the methods for conducting research in the field of conflict resolution. Focuses on the identification of research problems associated with particular conflict situations, selection of appropriate research methods, and the design of effective research projects. Offered by
Conflict Analysis & Resolution. May not be repeated for credit.
CONF 620: Reflective Practice in Interpersonal-Multiparty Conflicts. 3 credits.
Introductory skill-building course integrating conflict theory and practice using reflective practitioner model. Students learn necessary skills for third-party facilitation and mediation, including active listening, empathy, paraphrasing, reframing, and negotiation, in addition to analytical skills of problem solving and creation of transformational processes. Cases for practice focus on interpersonal and intergroup conflict. Offered by
Conflict Analysis & Resolution. May not be repeated for credit.
CONF 625: Engaging Conflict. 3 credits.
This course will provide students an experiential opportunity to consider the relationship between social science theories and conflict analysis and resolution work; and engagement in a variety of forms with real world conflict. Each course will provide students the opportunity to engage in research and practice activities, choosing the appropriate modalities for the conflict they are engaging with. Offered by
Conflict Analysis & Resolution. May be repeated within the term for a maximum 12 credits.
CONF 631: Mediation in Diverse Settings. 3 credits.
A skill development course connecting dispute resolution theory and practice to the mediation process through lectures, discussion. self-reflection, experiential learning, and role-plays. Along with consideration of foundational principles of mediation practice, the course covers a range of mediation traditions, including: facilitative mediation, evaluative mediation, transformative mediation, narrative mediation, etc. Along with understanding the mediation process, students will explore the impact on mediation of culture, power, race, gender and other contextual factors that challenge contemporary mediators. Offered by
Conflict Analysis & Resolution. May not be repeated for credit.
CONF 632: Coaching through Conflict. 3 credits.
Participants will learn the theory and value of professional coaching. They will review and practice several models of conflict coaching. Each student will evaluate their peers and receive feedback on their coaching. The class will examine conflict styles and address these styles through coaching. The participants will understand the larger field of coaching. Each student will design a template for group coaching. And the students will learn the competencies, markers, and ethics related to professional coaching. Offered by
Conflict Analysis & Resolution. May not be repeated for credit.
CONF 640: Practicum in Contemporary Dispute Resolution. 3 credits.
Capstone course facilitating integration of learning in the graduate certificate in dispute resolution and appropriate mentored application and experiential learning. Offered by
Conflict Analysis & Resolution. May not be repeated for credit.
CONF 650: Conflict Analysis and Resolution Advanced Skills. 3 credits.
Introduces innovative practices and provides structure to reflect on and improve ability to work within conflict settings. Considers the intersection of theory and practice, with special attention to the challenges of translation, adaptation, and transfer of skills and models. Offered by
Conflict Analysis & Resolution. May not be repeated for credit.
CONF 651: Collaborative Community Action & Participatory Governance. 3 credits.
Covers designing collaborative processes to work with diverse stakeholders to build meaningful and lasting shared agreements. Considers applications in land use, development, or other community planning contexts. Offered by
Conflict Analysis & Resolution. May not be repeated for credit.
CONF 652: Conflict Analysis and Resolution for Prevention, Reconstruction, and Stabilization Contexts. 3 credits.
Considers conflict analysis and resolution approaches to designing, implementing, and evaluating holistic cross-sectoral, conflict-sensitive initiatives in areas of potential violence and postconflict reconstruction and stabilization contexts. Offered by
Conflict Analysis & Resolution. May not be repeated for credit.
CONF 653: World Religions, Diplomacy, and Conflict Resolution. 3 credits.
Analyzes ways world religions play role in conflicts, war, diplomacy, peacemaking, and conflict resolution. Offered by
Conflict Analysis & Resolution. May not be repeated for credit.
CONF 654: Mass Atrocity: Early Warning and Prevention. 3 credits.
This course provides students with scholarly, practical, and relevant knowledge of Genocide and Atrocity Prevention. Students will analyze genocide and mass-atrocities as part of a spectrum of violence and conflict, and gain expertise in prevention mechanisms, including: early warning indicators, early prevention strategies, diplomacy, international justice, legal infrastructures, negotiation, mediation, humanitarian relief and intervention, civilian protection, and civil society-based solutions. Offered by
Conflict Analysis & Resolution. May not be repeated for credit.
CONF 657: Facilitation Skills. 3 credits.
Covers range of skills in group facilitation processes, with emphasis on conflict analysis and resolution approaches to improve group communication. Includes skill-building exercises. Offered by
Conflict Analysis & Resolution. May not be repeated for credit.
CONF 658: Diversity and Difference in Conflict Analysis and Resolution. 3 credits.
Covers elements of cultural diversity, understanding, and awareness, as well as creative ways of approaching issues of diversity, identity, worldviews, and territory. Considers individuals, organizations, communities and nations. Offered by
Conflict Analysis & Resolution. May not be repeated for credit.
CONF 659: Leadership in Conflict Analysis and Resolution. 3 credits.
Covers roles and styles of leadership in interpersonal, organizational, community, group, and international conflicts. Considers cultural roles of leaders as insider-partials, negotiators, facilitators, and mediators. Offered by
Conflict Analysis & Resolution. May not be repeated for credit.
CONF 660: Conflict Assessment and Program Evaluation. 3 credits.
Covers assessment methods appropriate to conflict contexts and related evaluation approaches and techniques for use in areas of peace building, community processes, or interpersonal conflict. Offered by
Conflict Analysis & Resolution. May not be repeated for credit.
CONF 661: Program Design and Monitoring. 3 credits.
This course provides an in-depth review of the core concepts, skills and practical strategies for peacebuilding program design and monitoring that ensures achieving the desired impact and outcome parameters. The course reviews core components of the program cycle, starting with theories of peacebuilding and change that underpin program design, including project aims, inputs, outputs, outcomes and impacts; and moving to decision-making regarding program monitoring and evaluation, emphasizing developing skills in different performance evaluation and impact designs approaches including snapshot, one sample, cross-sectional, before and after, time series, and case study designs. Offered by
Conflict Analysis & Resolution. May not be repeated for credit.
CONF 662: Funding and Managing Peacebuilding Programming. 3 credits.
This course delves into the practical fundraising and implementation challenges of peacebuilding programming. The course focuses on building philanthropic support, identifying funding sources, grant writing, donor/funder management best practices, budgeting, and financial reporting for peacebuilding projects and programming. Offered by
Conflict Analysis & Resolution. May not be repeated for credit.
CONF 665: Special Topics in Conflict Analysis and Resolution. 3 credits.
In-depth study of contemporary areas of conflict resolution practice. Notes: Fulfills elective requirement for certificate program. Topics vary. Offered by
Conflict Analysis & Resolution. May be repeated within the degree for a maximum 6 credits.
CONF 668: Applied Integration for Graduate Certificates. 3 credits.
Capstone course facilitating integration of learning in the graduate certificate programs and appropriate mentored application and experiential learning. Offered by
Conflict Analysis & Resolution. May not be repeated for credit.
CONF 670: Conflict Sensitive and Inclusive Peacebuilding. 3 credits.
Humanitarian, development and peacebuilding organizations and funders are increasingly concerned with designing and implementing projects that do not exacerbate conflict dynamics by using conflict sensitive, inclusive and ethical approaches. This course prepares students to develop and implement conflict-sensitive and inclusive programming by applying in-depth knowledge of conflict dynamics; understanding the interactions between interventions and the conflict context, ensuring that the interventions minimize potential negative impacts; adjusting programming to changing conflict dynamics; and increasing capacities of communities to adapt to change, become more resilient and reduce the likelihood of relapsing into violence. Offered by
Conflict Analysis & Resolution. May not be repeated for credit.
CONF 675: Peacebuilding Capstone. 3 credits.
This course is taken in conjunction with MA in Peacebuilding internship course. It is a structured opportunity for students to reflect on and learn from their real-world engagements in peacebuilding work. Students integrate peacebuilding theory and practice content together with their on the ground experience for final reflection and capstone project writing assignment. The course also explores and prepares students for the most effective ways of developing and pursuing career opportunities in the peacebuilding field. Offered by
Conflict Analysis & Resolution. May not be repeated for credit.
CONF 682: Principles of Environmental Conflict Resolution. 3 credits.
Explores the nature and characteristics of environmental conflict and efforts to manage, resolve or transform it. Students will develop a capacity to assess the strengths and weaknesses of environmental conflict resolution processes while learning about best practices for preventing, preparing for, and addressing environmental conflict. Offered by
Conflict Analysis & Resolution. May not be repeated for credit. Equivalent to
EVPP 682.
CONF 683: Environmental Conflict Resolution: Situation Assessment, Process Design and Best Practices. 3 credits.
Explores best practices for managing, resolving, and transforming environmental conflict using environmental conflict resolution (ECR) processes. Nature and dynamics of environmental disputes, methods for assessing conflict situations, and methods for conducting various forms of ECR processes will be covered in the context of selected case studies with emphasis on student involvement. Offered by
Conflict Analysis & Resolution. May not be repeated for credit. Equivalent to
EVPP 683.
CONF 694: Internship. 1-6 credits.
Students are expected to mesh theory and practice through observation and experience. Includes comprehensive report analyzing experiences. For 3 credits of internship students must complete 160 hours of work on site. Students must receive permission of the Internship Coordinator prior to registering. Notes: Under direction of internship coordinator, students spend at least 160 hours on project involving study, resolution of conflict for each 3-credit internship. Offered by
Conflict Analysis & Resolution. May be repeated within the term for a maximum 9 credits.
CONF 695: Selected Topics. 3 credits.
CONF 697: Directed Readings and Research. 1-6 credits.
Independent reading at master's level on specific topic related to conflict analysis and resolution, as agreed to by student and faculty member. Offered by
Conflict Analysis & Resolution. May be repeated within the term for a maximum 6 credits.
700 Level Courses
CONF 702: Peace Studies. 3 credits.
Examines diverse meanings of peace, conflict, and violence, and then reviews different issues relevant to understanding peace and conflict, including the sources of war, poverty and economic disparities, and ecological degradation. Other topics to be covered are peace keeping, peace building, sustainable development, ecological preservation, nonviolence, and peace movements. Offered by
Conflict Analysis & Resolution. May not be repeated for credit.
CONF 704: Narrative Approaches to Conflict Analysis. 3 credits.
This course provides participants with the analytic tools needed to conduct their own research on conflict and conflict resolution, using a narrative perspective. This course enables students to a) review the key narrative research in the field of conflict resolution; b) design a narrative analysis of conflict; c) conduct a narrative analysis of conflicts. Offered by
Conflict Analysis & Resolution. May not be repeated for credit.
CONF 705: Conflict and Discourse Analysis. 3 credits.
The study of discourse, culture, narratives and public interpretations are becoming ever more important to the field of Conflict Analysis and Resolution. In this class we explore these concepts as they have been used in cutting edge approaches to the analysis and resolution of conflict. Offered by
Conflict Analysis & Resolution. May not be repeated for credit.
CONF 706: Ethics and Conflict. 3 credits.
Students explore issues and controversies in our field about what is just and unjust, morally right and wrong, and good and bad. Such issues are relevant to analysis and practice before, during, after the occurrence of conflict; the major topics include: validity of pacifism, the notions of a just war, the challenges of genocide prevention, non-violent resistance, humanitarian interventions, and human rights activism. Offered by
Conflict Analysis & Resolution. May not be repeated for credit.
CONF 707: Gender and Violence. 3 credits.
This course will address gendered dimensions of violent conflict and its transformation. Key themes to be explored include gender and post-conflict justice and reconciliation; the gendered politics of memory, speech and representation; militarism and masculinity; sexual violence and discourses of trauma, victimization and agency; and the ethics and politics of analytic and practice approaches. Case studies will include the partition of India/Pakistan; wartime sexual assault in Bosnia/the DRC; and domestic violence in the U.S. and South Asia. Offered by
Conflict Analysis & Resolution. May not be repeated for credit.
CONF 708: Identity and Conflict. 3 credits.
Explores complex interrelations of social identity and postmodern conflicts in society. Emphasizes the role of identity in processes of conflict resolution and transformation. Critical rethinking of ethnic, national, and religious identities as both generators and outcomes of conflict are an important part of the course. Extends knowledge on structure and dynamics of identity-based conflicts and develops a framework for their resolution. Course includes lectures, simulations, and case studies. Offered by
Conflict Analysis & Resolution. May not be repeated for credit.
CONF 720: Ethnic and Cultural Factors in Conflict Resolution. 3 credits.
Examines the role culture plays in genesis, structuring, and resolution of processes of conflict within and between groups. Special attention to ethnicity and other subcultural markers of identity in complex social systems as generators and outcomes of conflict. Explores relevance of variables to success or failure of conflict resolution. Offered by
Conflict Analysis & Resolution. May not be repeated for credit.
CONF 721: Conflict and Race. 3 credits.
Addresses historic analyses of racial and ethnic identity conflicts and their resolution. Offered by
Conflict Analysis & Resolution. May not be repeated for credit.
CONF 722: Conflict and Religion. 3 credits.
Explores role of religious ideas, practices, and organizations in conflict, war, peace making, and conflict resolution. Offered by
Conflict Analysis & Resolution. May not be repeated for credit.
CONF 723: Conflict and Gender. 3 credits.
Examines constructs of gender and conflict as they relate to critical analysis of theory and practice. Reviews feminist theories for contributions to social and conflict theories. Uses narratives to explore how gender, power dynamics interact in conflict. Offered by
Conflict Analysis & Resolution. May not be repeated for credit.
CONF 725: Conflict and Spirituality. 3 credits.
Explores the relationship of spirituality to the dynamics of conflicts and conflict resolution. Offered by
Conflict Analysis & Resolution. May not be repeated for credit.
CONF 726: Moral and Philosophical Foundations of Conflict. 3 credits.
Explores major historical and contemporary positions on the intellectual, moral, and religious foundations for analyzing and resolving conflict. Enhances critical abilities in metacritique, dialectics, and intellectual self-appropriation. Offered by
Conflict Analysis & Resolution. May not be repeated for credit.
CONF 727: Ethnographic Methods for Conflict Analysis and Resolution. 3 credits.
CONF 728: Human Rights Theory and Practice in Comparative Perspective. 3 credits.
Introduces major controversies and debates surrounding use of human rights theory and practice cross-culturally. After basic study of human rights philosophy, uses case studies from around the world to examine problems and potential of human rights in today's globalized world. Offered by
Conflict Analysis & Resolution. May not be repeated for credit.
CONF 730: Structural Sources of Conflict. 3 credits.
Examines how structures and institutions affect behavior and give rise to conflictual relationships at all social levels, from interpersonal to the international. Explores role of conflict resolution as political process providing opportunities for nonviolent system change. Offered by
Conflict Analysis & Resolution. May not be repeated for credit.
CONF 731: Conflict in Organizations. 3 credits.
Explores intersection and dynamics of organizational behavior and dimensions of conflict. Involves theoretical perspectives and cases examining conflict analysis and resolution. Practices strategies for prevention and intervention. Field research in greater metropolitan area integrates course content. Offered by
Conflict Analysis & Resolution. May not be repeated for credit.
CONF 732: Conflict in Development. 3 credits.
Examines the relationship between processes of political and economic change and conflict; the relationship between democratization and conflict; the relationship between structural adjustment policies and conflict; and the challenges of postconflict reconstruction. Offered by
Conflict Analysis & Resolution. May not be repeated for credit.
CONF 733: Law and Justice from a Conflict Perspective. 3 credits.
Contrasts legal processes and institutions with alternative approaches to dispute resolution. Defines and distinguishes among law, "alternative dispute resolution," and problem-solving analysis as methods for resolving rather than controlling conflict. Examines to what extent legal procedures are truly applicable to resolving deep-rooted conflict. Offered by
Conflict Analysis & Resolution. May not be repeated for credit.
CONF 736: Globalization and International Conflict. 3 credits.
Explores economic, political, social, and cultural meanings of globalization; how they affect conflict processes at international level; and when and under what conditions globalization promotes cooperation or conflict. Offered by
Conflict Analysis & Resolution. May not be repeated for credit.
CONF 741: Negotiating in Complex Systems. 3 credits.
The ability to negotiate and manage conflicts effectively has become an essential skill in our organizational and personal settings, as well as in international diplomacy. Negotiation is the art and science of securing an agreement between two or more independent parties. This course reviews the wide variety of approaches to the analysis and practice of negotiation and is intended to provide a solid foundation for further inquiry and application. Students will learn the history of thinking about negotiation, how different cultures influence conflict, frameworks for analyzing negotiation, and the roles of various factors (influences and contexts, tactics and strategies) on the negotiation process and outcome. Offered by
Conflict Analysis & Resolution. May not be repeated for credit.
CONF 747: Reconciliation. 3 credits.
Explores processes of acknowledgment, reconciliation, forgiveness, and restitution. Reviews literature, case studies, and other research to assess applicability and impact of these efforts. Offered by
Conflict Analysis & Resolution. May not be repeated for credit.
CONF 751: Dynamics of Civil Wars. 3 credits.
Civil wars represent some of the most vexing challenges to peace in the contemporary world. In this seminar we investigate approaches to understanding the grievances and root causes of civil wars but also new research on the political economy of civil war, organizational characteristics of insurgent movements, how rebels and civilians interact during wartime, and how transnational processes shape civil wars. A better understanding of these structures and dynamics is essential to better peacebuilding in the context of internal conflicts. Offered by
Conflict Analysis & Resolution. May not be repeated for credit.
CONF 752: Dynamics of Post-War Peacebuilding. 3 credits.
This seminar examines the processes of war termination and comparative peace processes; components and dynamics of peacebuilding and the relationships among peacebuilding, democratization, and state-building; roles of third parties in promoting negotiations, peace implementation and sustainable peacebuilding, reconciliation and reconstruction. Offered by
Conflict Analysis & Resolution. May not be repeated for credit.
CONF 754: Micro-theories of Conflict. 3 credits.
The goal of this course is to explore theoretical approaches to psychological processes, personality, in-group and intergroup dynamics, and social processes in the society as a whole with the emphasis on their role in the processes of conflict resolution and transformation. Critical understanding of psychological and socio-psychological phenomena as both generators and outcomes of conflict will be an important part of the course. This course has three main parts: psychological processes, approaches to person, and group processes and society. Offered by
Conflict Analysis & Resolution. May not be repeated for credit.
CONF 755: Transforming Conflict through Insight. 3 credits.
The Insight approach is best understood as an applied human science. Like other applied sciences, it requires students to master an explanatory framework that enables them to frame their questions, formulate their hypotheses, verify their findings, and plan their actions. Thus, the course is designed follow an activity-based, problem-solving approach to learning and using the Insight approach. The objective is to enable students to master the Insight approach by putting it to work, with course meetings build around analytical exercises and activities designed to illuminate assigned readings. Offered by
Conflict Analysis & Resolution. May not be repeated for credit.
CONF 756: Addressing Intractable Conflict. 3 credits.
This course is about the biggest problems facing our communities, our nation, and our world today. Our communities, our nations (the US and others), and the world have proven remarkably unable to "solve" any of these problems. Why? We assert it is because they are all underlain by a more fundamental problem the inability to constructively deal with difficult and intractable conflicts. These conflicts prevent us as individuals, organizations, and governments (at all levels) from making wise decisions or taking effective action that will address any of these pressing problems. Offered by
Conflict Analysis & Resolution. May not be repeated for credit.
CONF 757: Conflict and Literature. 3 credits.
The purpose of this course is to teach students to read/interpret written and oral texts; explore what imaginative literature can teach us about the causes, motives, dynamics, and possibilities of resolving violent social conflicts; deepen our understanding of the human dimensions of conflicts involving mass movements for social transformation; and practice creating imaginative works of our own. Offered by
Conflict Analysis & Resolution. May not be repeated for credit.
CONF 758: Social Dynamics of Terrorism. 3 credits.
Presents students with analytical frameworks to account for terrorist acts and organizations and explore social dynamics underlying the development of, and response to, terrorism. Topics may include recruitment into violent groups, counterterrorism and human rights concerns, role of religious and political ideologies in terrorism and counterterrorism, media coverage of terrorism, and effects of terrorism on social structures and processes. Offered by
Conflict Analysis & Resolution. May not be repeated for credit.
CONF 759: Building Peace in Divided Societies. 3 credits.
Explores the roots of peacebuilding as a conflict resolution strategy in terms of changes over time, basic assumptions underpinning the emergence and continuance of conflict, building peace, and challenges to community participation as well as varied reactions to the building peace enterprise. The tensions theoretically and practically between building peace and continuity of the conflictual status quo will be explored in detail throughout the course. The focus on communities intersects and often
conflicts with the more prominent global peacebuilding frame, often considered an elite endeavor as well as the political economy of the status quo as evidenced in the United States. Why, for example, does the term peacebuilding not appear regularly when considering domestic US conflict and its effects? There are, of course, more questions than answers. However, the focus of the course is to expand our thinking, conceptualizing, and theorizing regarding the current state of peacebuilding. Offered by
Conflict Analysis & Resolution. May not be repeated for credit.
CONF 795: Professional Development Seminars. 1-3 credits.
These 1- and 2-credit courses are scheduled non-conventionally using weekends, concentrated presentations, and intersession periods to develop advanced professional skills. Possible topics include marketing conflict resolution services, academic course design, training design, mediation, facilitation, family practice, fundraising, writing for publication, advanced field research techniques, and grassroots applications of conflict resolution. Offered by
Conflict Analysis & Resolution. May be repeated within the term for a maximum 6 credits.
CONF 797: Proposal Development. 1 credit.
Covers development of research proposal for master's thesis, including framing a question, literature review, and designing appropriate methodology. Students form master's thesis committee and review Human Subjects Review Board's guidelines and procedures. Offered by
Conflict Analysis & Resolution. May not be repeated for credit.
CONF 799: Thesis. 1-6 credits.
Two semesters, usually taken as 3 credits per semester. Original research or analysis under direction of thesis committee. Contact the Graduate Advisor for registration code. Offered by
Conflict Analysis & Resolution. May be repeated within the degree.
800 Level Courses
CONF 801: Introduction to Conflict Analysis and Resolution. 3 credits.
Introduces field of conflict analysis and resolution for doctoral students. Examines definitions of conflict and diverse views of resolution. Explores thinking about human behavior and social systems as they relate to origins and role of conflict in violent and peaceful social change. Considers appropriate responses to conflict at interpersonal, intergroup, industrial, communal, and international levels. Notes: Prerequisite or corequisite for all PhD CONF students. Offered by
Conflict Analysis & Resolution. May not be repeated for credit.
CONF 802: Theories of the Person. 3 credits.
Understanding human conflict requires knowledge of human behavior, motivation, and perception. Reviews and critically analyzes several psychological theories for application to conflict analysis and resolution theory and practice. Offered by
Conflict Analysis & Resolution. May not be repeated for credit.
CONF 803: Structural Theories. 3 credits.
Understanding social conflict and potential for conflict resolution requires that both conflict and cooperation be perceived in relation to patterns of social change. Reviews and critiques significant theories of social change to establish a basis for creative conflict analysis and resolution. Offered by
Conflict Analysis & Resolution. May not be repeated for credit.
CONF 804: Alternate Theoretical Foundations. 3 credits.
Familiarizes students with the ideas generated by the Frankfurt School of social theorists and others who have extended or altered these ideas. Students will use these insights to deepen an understanding of serious social conflicts and to explore the implications of critical theories for conflict resolution processes. Offered by
Conflict Analysis & Resolution. May not be repeated for credit.
CONF 811: Quantitative Foundations. 3 credits.
Building on logic of inquiry, introduces steps in research process to prepare dissertation and implement published research. Covers wide array of quantitative research approaches in social sciences, with emphasis on conflict analysis. Offered by
Conflict Analysis & Resolution. May not be repeated for credit.
CONF 812: Qualitative Foundations: Social Sciences. 3 credits.
Continuation of steps in research process to prepare dissertation and implement published research. Builds on
CONF 811 by examining qualitative research approaches used in social sciences, with emphasis on conflict analysis. Offered by
Conflict Analysis & Resolution. May not be repeated for credit.
CONF 813: Qualitative Foundations: Humanities. 3 credits.
Explores qualitative research design as it pertains to the humanities, including the methods and epistemology behind the various issues likely to emerge in the process of conducting research. In addition to material on research design and methodology, reading assignments include several monographs that employ different qualitative methodologies. Offered by
Conflict Analysis & Resolution. May not be repeated for credit.
CONF 820: Reflective Practice in Interpersonal-Multiparty Conflicts. 3 credits.
Introductory skill-building course integrating conflict theory and practice using reflective practitioner model. Students learn necessary skills for third-party facilitation and mediation, including active listening, empathy, paraphrasing, reframing, and negotiation, in addition to analytical skills of problem solving and creation of transformational processes. Cases for practice focus on interpersonal and intergroup conflict. Offered by
Conflict Analysis & Resolution. May not be repeated for credit.
CONF 897: Directed Reading. 1-6 credits.
Independent reading at doctoral level on a specific topic related to conflict and conflict resolution as agreed to by student and faculty member. Offered by
Conflict Analysis & Resolution. May be repeated within the term for a maximum 6 credits.
