Introduction To Conflict Resolution Processes I
- Social Sciences
- 700 level
- 3 credit units
- 107 pages
- 19 units
This course introduces students to the fundamental concepts and practices of conflict resolution. It explores various processes including mediation, negotiation, bargaining, and Alternative Dispute Resolution. The course aims to equip students with a strong foundation in understanding conflict dynamics and applying effective resolution strategies. Students will learn to appreciate the importance of communication and cooperation in achieving peaceful outcomes in diverse settings.
About this course
- Difficulty
- Intermediate
- Study hours
- 15 hours
- Maths
- None
- Content
- Theoretical
- Practical work
- No
- Assignments
- Tutor marked assessments
- Final examination
What you'll read
The real module and unit structure of PCR715, taken from the course material NOUN publishes.
One paragraph, so you can see how it reads
PCR715 · UNIT 1 THE MEANING OF CONFLICT RESOLUTION
The dates for submission of all assignments will be communicated to you. You will also be told the date of completing the study units and dates for examinations.
What you should be able to do
- Explain the meaning of conflict and conflict resolution
- Understand conflict resolution processes
- Distinguish between mutual gains and competitive negotiation tactics
- Explain conciliation and mediation
- Understand negotiation processes
- Appreciate the importance of communication
What it prepares you for
- Mediator
- Arbitrator
- Diplomat
- Human Resources Manager
- Negotiator
- Government
- Law
- International Relations
- Human Resources
- Social Work
Where it gets hard
The units students slow down on, and what makes each one heavy.
- Module 4:
Unit 2: Basic Standards in International Law and Humanitarian Principles
Requires understanding of complex legal frameworks and international agreements, including the Geneva Conventions and related protocols.
- Module 4:
Unit 3: Early Warning and Preventive Measures
Demands comprehensive knowledge of various early warning systems, data collection methods, and preventive strategies employed by international organizations.
A suggested way through it
13 weeks, about 32 hours in total. Yours will differ.
- Week 1Module 1:
Unit 1: The Meaning of Conflict Resolution · 2 hours
Define conflict and its underlying causes. Differentiate between dispute settlement and conflict resolution. Analyze institutional structures contributing to conflict.
Unit 2: Processes of Conflict Resolution · 2 hours
Compare cooperative and competitive approaches. Discuss mutual gains and competitive negotiation tactics. Explore African traditional processes of conflict resolution.
- Week 2Module 1:
Unit 3: Conflict Transformation · 2 hours
Define conflict transformation. Distinguish between conflict transformation, resolution, and management. Analyze the dialectic nature of conflict.
Unit 4: Major Strategies for Conflict Resolution · 2 hours
Explain conciliation and mediation. Understand arbitration and litigation. Identify major strategies for conflict resolution.
- Week 3Module 2:
Unit 1: What is Mediation? · 2 hours
Define mediation and its importance. Explain the mediation process. Identify potential mediators: individuals, states, institutions.
- Week 4Module 2:
Unit 2: Skills of Mediation · 2 hours
Explain skills of mediation. Identify sources of trust. Discuss how mediators build trust with parties.
- Week 5Module 2:
Unit 3: Strategies of Mediation · 2 hours
Identify three main mediation strategies. Explain communication facilitation strategies. Explain procedural and directive strategies.
- Week 6Module 2:
Unit 4: Conditions for Successful Mediation · 2 hours
Explain importance of timing in mediation. Describe enabling factors for mediation. Identify instances where mediation is difficult.
- Week 7Module 3:
Unit 1: What is Negotiation? · 2 hours
Define negotiation and its processes. Explain objectives of negotiation. Distinguish positional bargaining from principled negotiations.
- Week 8Module 3:
Unit 2: Integrative or Interest-based Bargaining (Principled Negotiation) · 2 hours
Define integrative bargaining. Identify collective interests. Explain creating new options.
- Week 9Module 3:
Unit 3: The Frames of Negotiation · 2 hours
Explain framing a problem. Explain planning for negotiation. Understand the frames of negotiations.
- Week 10Module 3:
Unit 4: Alternative Dispute Resolution · 2 hours
Define Alternative Dispute Resolution. List basic ADR processes. Outline advantages and disadvantages of ADR.
- Week 11Module 4:
Unit 1: Communication in Conflict Resolution · 2 hours
Explain importance of communication. Describe implications of language. Explain non-verbal expressions. Discuss conveying the right message.
- Week 12Module 4:
Unit 2: Basic Standards in International Law and Humanitarian Principles · 2 hours
Define international law. Discuss types of international law. Explain basic standards and humanitarian principles.
Unit 3: Early Warning and Preventive Measures · 2 hours
Explain elements of early warning. Describe early warning process. Discuss multilateral preventive actions.
- Week 13Module 4:
Unit 4: Skills and Methods of Conflict Resolution · 2 hours
Discuss conflict at individual level. Explain current thinking on conflict resolution styles. Explain role of mediation and negotiation.
Preparing for the exam
- Review definitions of key terms in Units 1-4
- Create concept maps linking mediation skills (Module 2)
- Practice negotiation scenarios from Module 3
- Study international law principles from Unit 2 Module 4
- Summarize conflict resolution strategies from Unit 4 Module 1
Questions students ask about this course
What is PCR715 about?
This course introduces students to the fundamental concepts and practices of conflict resolution. It explores various processes including mediation, negotiation, bargaining, and Alternative Dispute Resolution. The course aims to equip students with a strong foundation in understanding conflict dynamics and applying effective resolution strategies. Students will learn to appreciate the importance of communication and cooperation in achieving peaceful outcomes in diverse settings.
How many units does PCR715 have?
PCR715, Introduction To Conflict Resolution Processes I, has 19 units across 5 modules, over 107 pages of course material. You can read it one unit at a time.
How many credit units is PCR715?
PCR715 carries 3 credit units, at 700 level in Social Sciences.
Is PCR715 hard?
PCR715 is rated intermediate level, with no mathematical content. It is mostly theoretical work.
How long does PCR715 take to study?
About 15 hours of study, spread across its 19 units.
How is PCR715 assessed?
PCR715 is assessed by assignments, tutor marked assessments and final examination.
What can I do with PCR715?
Mediator, Arbitrator, Diplomat, Human Resources Manager and Negotiator.