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The multi- and inter-disciplinary nature of Conflict Resolution entails the need for a nuanced knowledge of the works of the parents of the field as well as other theories derived from Psychology, Sociology, International Relations, and other social sciences. Before considering the objective of resolving or at least transforming social conflict, the imperative of analyzing issues, motives, positions, and trajectories, either among individuals, groups, states, or other stakeholders, requires a minimum familiarity with leading conceptual frameworks which offer various interpretations of how the world works. Accordingly, the objectives of this course include:

1.      Examining and critiquing social theories that may prove useful in analyzing various types of social conflict;

2.      Evaluating the usefulness of these social theories by applying them to specific conflict situations;

3.      Assisting students to become better critics of conflict-related theories and more acute conflict analysts; and

4.      Enabling them to develop their own abilities to construct useful theories of conflict and conflict resolution.

Monday: 7:20-10:00PM