Course Descriptions
- NECR K4100. Understanding Conflict and Cooperation. 3 pts.
- NECR K4105. Introduction to Negotiation. 3 pts.
- NECR K4107. Introduction to Mediation. 3 pts.
Intermediate Core Courses
- NECR K4090. Fundamentals of Ombuds Practice. 3 pts.
- NECR K4200. Advanced Conflict Resolution. 3 pts.
- NECR K4205. Advanced Negotiation. 3 pts.
- NECR K4207. Advanced Mediation. 3 pts.
- NECR K4210. Dynamical Systems Theory. 3 pts.
- NECR K4212. Conflict, Social Networks, and Communication Technologies. 3 pts.
- NECR K4216. Conflict Resolution in Healthcare. 3 pts.
- NECR K4218. Environmental Conflict Resolution Strategies. 3 pts.
Master’s Project Seminars
- NECR K5100. Master'sProject, I: Conflict Assessment. 3 pts.
- NECR K5200. Master's Project, II: Resolution Strategies. 6 pts.
- NECR K5300. Master's Project, III: Networking and Sustainability. 3 pts.
NECR K4100. Understanding Conflict and Cooperation. 3 pts.
Description
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 social psychology, law, political science, social work, and business. The field of conflict resolution is also dynamically transforming, and the course introduces recent developments, particularly in the area of dynamical systems.
NECR K4105. Introduction to Negotiation. 3 pts.
Description
Negotiation is one of the most important strategies in conflict resolution and is used routinely by all humans to resolve conflict and potential conflict successfully. This course examines both theoretical and practical implications of diverse assumptions and strategies. 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.
NECR K4090. Fundamentals of Ombuds Practice. 3 pts.
Description
The ombuds profession has seen a tremendous growth in interest 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 ombudspeople provide to organizations and to individuals within those organizations.
NECR K4107. Introduction to Mediation. 3 pts.
Description
Mediation is a strategy frequently used by parties in conflict to constructively address incompatibilities. New models of mediation have been developed recently and while presenting several models of mediation, emphasis is given to insight mediation.
NECR K4200. Advanced Conflict Resolution. 3 pts.
Prerequisite
NECR K4100. Understanding Conflict and Cooperation.
Description
This course invites students to more deeply explore themes related to specific conflict resolution issues and theoretical approaches. It encourages an exploration of the new developments in the field and introduces current research topics. Emphasis is given to a dynamical systems approach.
NECR K4205. Advanced Negotiation. 3 pts.
Prerequisite
NECR K4105. Introduction to Negotiation.
Description
The course focuses on negotiation in particularly challenging settings. The dilemmas and paradoxes generated by the unavailability of some actors to engage in negotiation are explored, as well as the dilemmas generated by particularly challenging environments. Emphasis is given to a dynamical systems approach.
NECR K4210. Dynamical Systems Theory. 3 pts.
Description
The emergence of a dynamical systems understanding of conflict and its resolution is one of the most encouraging developments in the field of conflict resolution. The course focuses on dynamical systems and their relevance for successful conflict resolution analysis and interventions. A modeling and information technology component is part of the course.
NECR K4216. Conflict Resolution in Healthcare. 3 pts.
Description
Developed to focus on the needs and concerns of health care professionals, this course explores the most constructive ways to properly address and resolve the numerous tensions emerging in the profession. Legal concerns are effectively addressed as well as more general issues.
NECR K4218. Environmental Conflict Resolution Strategies. 3 pts.
Description
The environment is an increasingly important factor in human communities and especially in public affairs. The environment has become the focal point of many disciplinary enquiries, yet its relationship with conflict resolution and its constructive strategies are not widely available. The course brings together conflict resolution literature and skills, particularly as they pertain to the environment. Emphasis is given to a dynamical systems approach.
NECR K5100. Master'sProject, I: Conflict Assessment. 3 pts.
Prerequisite
K4100 Understanding Conflict and Cooperation. K4105 Introduction to Negotiation. K4107 Introduction to Mediation. Plus additional 15 elective credits.
Description
The first Master's Project Seminar examines how to assess complex conflicts. The seminar is also a forum for testing and group feedback. Each student chooses a real-world conflict resolution scenario of which they have firsthand experience and develops an applicable conflict resolution or negotiation strategy. After completing each Master's Project Seminar, students defend the corresponding master’s project chapter before a review board. Each defense simulates a team review experience, with students judged individually on the effectiveness of their presentations and their skill in fielding questions and supporting their proposals.
NECR K5200. Master's Project, II: Resolution Strategies. 6 pts.
Description
The second Master's Project Seminar examines how to determine the best strategies for resolving and managing conflict. The seminar is also a forum for testing and group feedback. Students continue focusing on their chosen real-world conflict resolution scenario. After completing the seminar, students defend their completed master’s project chapter before a review board.
NECR K5300. Master's Project, III: Networking and Sustainability. 3 pts.
Prerequisite
K4100 Understanding Conflict and Cooperation. K4105 Introduction to Negotiation. K4107 Introduction to Mediation. Plus additional 15 elective credits.
Description
The final Master's Project Seminar examines the role of networking in mediation and negotiation to solve problems. It is the final installment of the real-world conflict resolution scenario each student chose to examine, culminating in a coherent presentation of a fully developed and practical conflict resolution plan that responds to an actual conflict scenario. After completing the final seminar, students defend their completed master’s project chapter before a review board.
