CONF 101 Conflict and Our World: Introduction to Conflict Analysis and Resolution Fall 2005 Instructor: Dr. Susan F. Hirsch Email: [email protected] Office: Robinson Hall B365 Office hours: Tues. 3:00-4:30 Course assistants: Terry Beitzel [email protected]; Dena Hawes [email protected] Across all human societies, conflict is part of daily life. Sometimes it may be an annoyance, such as arguing with a sibling over the last cookie; sometimes it is more serious, such as the debate over human cloning; and sometimes it is tragic, as in the events of the London subway bombing. Conflict can be destructive, for example, when it damages relationships among neighbors or relatives. Conflict can also be constructive, as shown by the effects of civil rights demonstrations in the U.S. in the 1950s and 1960s. Our increased interconnection as a global society, as well as the upsurge in certain forms of violence, have heightened the need for more attention to determining how humanity can deal with conflict productively. This course introduces the interdisciplinary study of conflict analysis and resolution. We will examine how and why conflict occurs in human society, and what we can do to mitigate its destructive aspects. The course includes an overview of the field including the central approaches to analyzing conflict, an extended case study of a conflict, an examination of several forms of intervention, and finally a consideration of new directions in conflict studies. We will highlight the societal, structural, and cultural factors that play a part in conflict and its resolution. At the end of the course, you should be able to analyze a conflict, to appreciate the contextual factors that influence conflict, to know the major conflict resolution techniques, and to understand the complexities of the most pressing contemporary conflicts. Attendance in class is not only mandatory but also crucial if you would like to succeed in this course. Some of the material will be discussed only in class and not in the readings. You should plan to complete the assigned readings prior to each class. Be sure to look up words that are unfamiliar to you but realize that some terms have specialized meanings in the field of conflict resolution. Ask in class if you have not understood a term or idea. Classroom etiquette: Come to class on time and prepared. Turn off cell phones, pagers, beepers, etc. Do not leave class unless you have an emergency. Do not disturb others by talking, passing notes, etc. Be mindful of the sensitivities of others in your comments in class; however, open dialogue is our goal. Conflict 101 fulfills the University General Education requirement for Social and Behavioral Sciences.2Assignments, Percentages of Grade, Due Dates Attendance Assessed throughout the semester 5% Web discussion participation Assessed throughout the semester 15% Short essay (2 pages) Due September 28 5% Three tests Held in class 60% Final take-home exam Due Date TBA 15% Make-up exams and extensions of time for assignments will be arranged ONLY for documented personal illness or family emergency. Students with documented disabilities should make arrangements early in the term by contacting Professor Hirsch. Guidelines for preparing the short essay and the final paper will be provided in class and on the course WebCT page (version 4.1). The short essay will focus on a conflict on George Mason campus. The final take-home exam will include mapping a specific conflict, either interpersonal, organizational/community, or international. Students are required to participate in a web discussion group monitored by the course assistants. You must post to the discussion two times prior to each exam. You are expected to abide by George Mason University’s Honor Code in preparing all work for this class. If you have any questions about Honor Code issues (e.g., whether you are permitted to discuss an assignment with a fellow student) or are uncertain about how to cite a source, or if you have observed Honor Code violations, please contact Professor Hirsch or one of the course assistants immediately. Required Readings (1) Pruitt, D.G. & S. Kim. 2004. Social Conflict: Escalation Stalemate, and Settlement. New York: McGraw-Hill. (2) Assefa, H. and P. Wahrhaftig.1990. The MOVE Crisis in Philadelphia: Extremist Groups and Conflict Resolution. Pittsburgh: University of Pittsburgh Press. (3) Introductory Reader in Conflict Analysis and Resolution. Contents listed below and available on GMU Library electronic reserve. It is highly recommended for this course, and for your undergraduate career, that you seek out information about current events in your community and in the world generally. This may achieved by reading daily--either physically or online--The New York Times, The Washington Post, or by listening to the BBC news or National Public Radio News. The news outlets you consult should adhere to high standards of journalism. Bring especially interesting examples to class for discussion or refer to them on the discussion board.3Schedule of Topics, Readings, and Assignments Aug. 30 Introduction to the course Defining Conflict Sept. 1 What is conflict? Pruitt 3-14, White 247-252 Sept. 6 Nature and Sources of Conflict I Pruitt 15-36; Barna 322-330 Sept. 8 Nature and Sources of Conflict II Pruitt 56-62; Avruch Sept. 13 Nature and Sources of Conflict III Galtung 39-53; Mennonite Conciliation Services 78-83 Analyzing Conflict Sept. 15 Strategies Pruitt 37-56 Sept. 20 Tactics Pruitt 63-84 SHORT ESSAY DUE IN CLASS Sept. 22 Approaches to analyzing and resolving conflict Kriesberg 51-77 Sept. 27 EXAM ONE Conflict in Process Sept. 29 Pruitt 87-120; Assefa and Wahrhaftig 3-44 Oct. 4 Pruitt 121-150; Assefa and Wahrhaftig 45-62 Oct. 6 Pruitt 151-168; Assefa and Wahrhaftig 63-96 Oct. 11 Classes do not meet. Monday classes meet. Oct. 13 **Pruitt 171-188; Assefa and Wahrhaftig 97-118 Video: The Bombing of West Philly Oct. 18 Assefa and Wahrhaftig 119-1524Oct. 20 Alternatives to Violence: Historical Perspectives Ackerman and Duvall 305-333 Resolving Conflict Oct. 25 EXAM TWO Oct. 27 Mediation Workshop Pruitt 189-225 Guest speaker: Mediating conflict Nov. 1 Interpersonal Conflict Pruitt 226-258 Nov. 3 Transforming Interpersonal Conflict Bush and Folger 41-84 Nov. 8 Group, organizational and public