Curricula

Objectives

The objective of the course

This course introduces students to aspects related to conflict management, with a particular focus on conflict within intrapersonal, interpersonal, within-group and between-group contexts. Emphasis is made on skills development through simulation and other practices.

At the completion of this class, you will be aware of multiple options appropriate for specific contexts--as well as which are not appropriate for a given situation.
You also will be familiar with the Non-Violent Communication method of conflict resolution.

Course Competence

Ethics: Because conflict is a reality in all aspects of life and business, active participation in this course will help you take responsibility for your actions and subsequent consequences, to reflect on the outcome of your behaviors, and draw on relevant ethical principles in selecting appropriate responses to and behaviors related to conflict resolution and management.

The learning objective of the course

As a result of theory, in-class activities, and out-of-class practice of conflict resolution skills, you will develop multiple means for recognizing and addressing conflict in many forms, from internal conflict to those involving groups with distinct approaches to conflict. The ultimate goal is for you to hone your skills in awareness of emotions in conflict and how unmet needs often fuels conflict in various relationships, both personal and in a business context.

Content

The teacher introduces theory and activies through which you and your fellow students will engage to explore phenomena and experiences related to conflict, conflict resolution, and conflict management. The focus of the entire class is helping you become familiar with theories and practices pertaining to conflict management in intrapersonal, interpersonal, within-group, and between-group perspectives.

Specifically, you will be exposed to and learn to apply conflict resolution activities using Marshall Rosenberg's Nonviolent Communication approach.The course utilizes appropriate texts and media, simulations, and individual practice, and perhaps psychometric instruments, to help you develop the knowledge and expertise useful in managing conflict in multiple contexts.

Learning materials and recommended literature

Materials will be provided by the lecturer. In addition to teacher-supplied materials, students will seek out peer-reviewed journal papers on their own to support their reflective learning. In addition, videos will be used to support learning.

Teaching methods

Dialogic pedagogy will be the principal teaching theory employed. The teacher will introduce theory and practices through which the students will engage themselves and engage with others to explore phenomena and experiences--and practice strategies--related to conflict, conflict resolution, and conflict management. Most of the content will focus on intrapersonal, interpersonal, and intragroup conflict scenarios.

Practical training and working life connections

The material presented does not have direct internship outcomes, but the conflict resolution processes can be employed in the students' home and professional conflictual interactions.

Exam dates and retake possibilities

All assessment in this course fall within in-class presentations or written assignments.

Alternative completion methods

Degree students have the right to apply for recognition of prior learning (e.g., university studies completed elsewhere) that can be accredited toward the degree you are currently completing. The recognition of prior learning is possible in three primary ways: accreditation (replacement or inclusion), recognition of informal learning, and studification. More precise info: JAMK Degree Regulations, Section 17.

Student workload

As a 5-credit course, you should expect to invest 135 hours in both in-class and out-of-class exercises and assignments. Each credit represents 27 hours of class/assignments.

The typical breakdown of course work:
In-class classwork: About 35 hours
Viewing conference video on the Nonviolent Communcation practice: 3 hours
Probable identification and reading of peer-review material: 5-10 hours
Out-of-class group work: 10 hours
Written assignments and out-of-class practice: Approximately 75 hours

Content scheduling

Because the timing of the semester impacts the presentation schedule for the semester, students typically do not receive a syllabus, but will have information presented in Moodle.

Further information for students

Individuals tasks typically are graded based on a total of 100 points for the class. Each assignment (as well as portion of the points awarded for engaged participation and attendance) is allotted specific points (accompanying the assignment description in Moodle). At the end of the course, the points accumulated by each student will be translated into the university's scale of 0-5. In this point system, students must earn 45 points to pass the course with a 1; students earning 85 points or more will be awarded a 5.

The exact schedule of out-of-class assignments will be noted at the start of the course.

Evaluation scale

0-5

Evaluation criteria, satisfactory (1-2)

Individual tasks typically are graded based on a total of 100 points for the class. Each assignment (as well as portion of the points awarded for engaged participation and attendance) is allotted specific points (accompanying the assignment description in Moodle). At the end of the course, the points you accumulate will be translated into the university's scale of 0-5. In this point system, you must earn 45 points to pass the course with a 1; if you earn 85 points or more, you will be awarded a 5.

Assessment will based on regular written tasks and on attendance. The exact schedule of out-of-class assignments will be noted at the start of the course.

Sufficient (1): You understand and can explain that, in most conflict situations, there are multiple ways to resolve the dispute, although often some options are better than others. You are aware of the foundations of Non-violent Communication, as advocated by Marshall Rosenberg. And you will recognize that when you are in conflict with another person, you play a role in both the problem and the solution.

Satisfactory (2): You are able to identify the multiple options to resolve, or at least contain, various types of conflict in interpersonal or work environments. You become familiar with the theory of Non-violent Communication and will practice it within specified activities. And you accept the role that you play in any interpersonal conflict and draw on the theory of the class in considering options for conflict resolution.

Evaluation criteria, good (3-4)

Good (3): Through the theory and activities presented in the class, you develop an understanding of the options available for conflict resolution at various levels of interpersonal interaction (intrapersonal through intergroup). In-class opportunities to study and practice the process of non-violent communication facilitates your ability in recognizing the role of emotion and unmet needs in the creation of conflict situations, improving your ability to deescalate and perhaps resolve interpersonal conflict. And you will improve your ability to self-identify and take ownership of your own contributions to conflicts and to develop the ability react to conflict in a compassionate and ethically responsible manner.

Very Good (4): You are able to identify the multiple options for resolving various types of conflict and to indicate which strategy has the most likely chance of success. You can demonstrate how to manage the process of non-violent communication as designed by Marshall Rosenberg and identify which emotions reflect unmet needs. In understanding the four types of conflict, you apply knowledge for limiting conflict or resolving a dispute. And you accept and acknowledge your role in your conflicts and ethically and compassionately employ the processes from the course in negotiating or resolving conflicts.

Evaluation criteria, excellent (5)

Excellent (5): As a result of the theory and activities throughout the course, you are knowledgeable of and can apply one of several options for conflict resolution and justify which are optimal for a specific situation. You will be skilled in applying non-violent communication as a means of conflict resolution both in your life and at work. In learning the unique challenges and benefits within the four levels of human interaction and conflict (from intrapersonal to intergroup), you demonstrate how theory can support objective perception and behaviorial choices to decrease instances of conflict and address skillfully means of negotiating and resolving disputes. You can related experiences in applying the lessons from the course to everyday conflicts in your life. Finally, through self-awareness and self-reflection, you are able to identify your role in conflict, take ownership of these behaviors, work toward moderating your behaviors, and react both ethically and compassionately toward yourself and others in the process of resolving conflict situations.

Prerequisites

Although the course has no prerequisite, prior studies in intercultural, cross-cultural, or multicultural interaction is highly recommended.