Introduction to Conflict Resolution Processes I
- Social Sciences
- 100 level
- 3 credit units
- 130 pages
- 20 units
This course introduces students to the fundamental concepts and processes of conflict resolution. It explores various conflict handling styles and strategies, emphasizing the importance of communication. The course also covers alternative dispute resolution methods, including negotiation and mediation. Students will gain an understanding of peacebuilding, international law, and humanitarian principles. The course aims to equip students with the skills to analyze, manage, and resolve conflicts effectively.
About this course
- Difficulty
- Intermediate
- Study hours
- 65 hours
- Maths
- None
- Content
- Theoretical, case study
- Practical work
- No
- Assignments
- Tutor marked assessments
- Final examination
What you'll read
The real module and unit structure of PCR115, taken from the course material NOUN publishes.
One paragraph, so you can see how it reads
PCR115 · UNIT 2: CONFLICT HANDLING STYLES
What are the five main styles of handling conflict? The five basic ways that people handle conflict are; avoidance or denial; confrontation; collaboration; compromise; and joint problem solving.
What you should be able to do
- Define conflict and its sources
- Apply various conflict handling styles
- Differentiate between formal and informal dispute resolution
- Utilize negotiation and mediation strategies
- Understand the principles of peacebuilding
- Apply international law and humanitarian principles
What it prepares you for
- Mediator
- Arbitrator
- Diplomat
- Conflict Analyst
- Peacebuilder
- Government
- International Organizations
- Non-profit
- Law
- Education
Where it gets hard
The units students slow down on, and what makes each one heavy.
- Module 3:
Unit 3: Types and Strategy of Mediation
Directive strategies require a deep understanding of power dynamics and potential consequences of incentives and sanctions, making it challenging to apply effectively.
- Module 4:
Unit 3: Basic Standards in International Law and Humanitarian Principles
Requires understanding of complex legal frameworks and their application in diverse conflict scenarios.
A suggested way through it
13 weeks, about 49 hours in total. Yours will differ.
- Week 1Module 1:
Unit 1: Understanding Conflict and Process of Conflict Resolution · 3 hours
Read Unit 1: Understanding Conflict and Process of Conflict Resolution. Define conflict and identify its sources. Discuss the concepts of conflict resolution and transformation.
Unit 2: Conflict Handling Styles · 2 hours
Read Unit 2: Conflict Handling Styles. Explain the avoidance, confrontation, collaboration, compromise, and joint problem-solving styles. Assess personal conflict handling style.
Unit 3: Strategies of Conflict Resolution · 2 hours
Read Unit 3: Strategies of Conflict Resolution. Differentiate between formal and informal conflict resolution strategies. Analyze the role of conflict analysis.
- Week 2Module 2:
Unit 4: Communication in Conflict Resolution · 3 hours
Read Unit 4: Communication in Conflict Resolution. Identify barriers to effective communication. Apply active listening techniques.
Unit 1: What is Alternative Dispute Resolution? · 2 hours
Read Unit 1: What is Alternative Dispute Resolution?. Define Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR). Outline the advantages and disadvantages of ADR.
- Week 3Module 2:
Unit 2: Negotiation · 3 hours
Read Unit 2: Negotiation. Understand the interlinkage between bargaining and negotiation. Describe the "negotiator's dilemma".
Unit 3: Types of Negotiation · 2 hours
Read Unit 3: Types of Negotiation. Differentiate between hard, soft, and principled negotiation. Analyze the outcomes of each negotiation type.
- Week 4Module 2:
Unit 4: Strategies of Negotiation · 3 hours
Read Unit 4: Strategies of Negotiation. Apply integrative bargaining techniques. Identify interests and create options.
- Week 5Module 3:
Unit 1: What is Mediation? · 3 hours
Read Unit 1: What is Mediation?. Define mediation and explain its process. Identify the types of mediators.
- Week 6Module 3:
Unit 2: Skills of Mediation · 3 hours
Read Unit 2: Skills of Mediation. Explain the basic skills in mediation. Identify the qualities of a mediator.
- Week 7Module 3:
Unit 3: Types and Strategy of Mediation · 3 hours
Read Unit 3: Types and Strategy of Mediation. Explain communication-facilitation strategies. Explain procedural strategies. Explain the use of directive strategies.
- Week 8Module 3:
Unit 4: Conditions for Successful Mediation · 3 hours
Read Unit 4: Condition for Successful Mediation. Explain the importance of timing in the mediation process. Describe the enabling factors for mediation.
- Week 9Module 4:
Unit 1: Understanding Peace · 3 hours
Read Unit 1: Understanding Peace. Differentiate between positive and negative peace. Discuss the importance of positive peace to human well-being.
- Week 10Module 4:
Unit 2: Peace Support Operation · 3 hours
Read Unit 2: Peace Support Operation. Understand Peacekeeping and Peace enforcement as important aspect of peace support operation. Explain the importance of peace support operations to the efforts to global peace and security.
- Week 11Module 4:
Unit 3: Basic Standards in International Law and Humanitarian Principles · 3 hours
Read Unit 3: Basic Standards in International Law and Humanitarian Principles. Explain the basic standards of international law and humanitarian principles. Discuss the types of international law.
- Week 12Module 4:
Unit 4: Early Warning and Preventive Measures and Deployment · 3 hours
Read Unit 4: Early Warning and Preventive Measures and Deployment. Describe the elements of the Early Warning process. Explain the five essential elements of early warning and Preventive Measures.
- Week 13Module 5:
Unit 1: Peace Building · 3 hours
Read Unit 1: Peace Building. Distinguish between pre and post conflict peacebuilding. Explain the importance of local-led peacebuilding.
Unit 2: Multi-track Diplomacy in Peacebuilding · 2 hours
Read Unit 2: Multi-track Diplomacy in Peacebuilding. Understand the synergy between the nine tracks in the Multitrack Diplomacy. Explain the evolution of Multitrack Diplomacy.
Preparing for the exam
- Create concept maps linking conflict resolution strategies to specific scenarios (Weeks 1-6)
- Practice applying negotiation techniques from Units 7-9 in mock scenarios
- Review key international laws and humanitarian principles from Units 10-12
- Focus on understanding the roles and responsibilities of different actors in peacebuilding (Weeks 11-13)
- Summarize key concepts and theories from each module to aid retention
Questions students ask about this course
What is PCR115 about?
This course introduces students to the fundamental concepts and processes of conflict resolution. It explores various conflict handling styles and strategies, emphasizing the importance of communication. The course also covers alternative dispute resolution methods, including negotiation and mediation. Students will gain an understanding of peacebuilding, international law, and humanitarian principles. The course aims to equip students with the skills to analyze, manage, and resolve conflicts effectively.
How many units does PCR115 have?
PCR115, Introduction to Conflict Resolution Processes I, has 20 units across 5 modules, over 130 pages of course material. You can read it one unit at a time.
How many credit units is PCR115?
PCR115 carries 3 credit units, at 100 level in Social Sciences.
Is PCR115 hard?
PCR115 is rated intermediate level, with no mathematical content. It is mostly theoretical and case study work.
How long does PCR115 take to study?
About 65 hours of study, spread across its 20 units.
How is PCR115 assessed?
PCR115 is assessed by assignments, tutor marked assessments and final examination.
What can I do with PCR115?
Mediator, Arbitrator, Diplomat, Conflict Analyst and Peacebuilder.