HUM 130: Conflict Analysis and Resolution

Citrus College Course Outline of Record

Citrus College Course Outline of Record
Heading Value
Effective Term: Summer 2022
Credits: 3
Total Contact Hours: 54
Lecture Hours : 54
Lab Hours: 0
Hours Arranged: 0
Outside of Class Hours: 108
Strongly Recommended: ENGL 101.
District General Education: C2. Humanities
Transferable to CSU: Yes
Transferable to UC: Yes - Proposed
Grading Method: Standard Letter, Pass/No Pass

Catalog Course Description

This course provides a broad overview of the interdisciplinary field of conflict analysis and resolution. Humanistic and social science frameworks for diagnosing, responding to, and managing conflicts are explored. Case studies of social conflicts are used to provide tactics for resolving conflict. 54 lecture hours.

Course Objectives

  • Analyze social conflicts by applying multiple theories.
  • Understand and apply various conflict intervention techniques and tactics.
  • Design and evaluate intervention stratagies.

Major Course Content

  1. The Problems of Conflict and its Analysis
    1. Why positional bargaining endangers relationships  
    2. Avoiding positional bargaining and developing relationships
    3. Engaging in productive discussions as relationship maintenance
  2. The Methodological Analysis of Conflict
    1. Separating people from the problem
    2. Focusing on interests, not positions
    3. Inventing options for mutual gain
    4. Insisting on using objective criteria
  3. Negotiating Engagement
    1. What if they are more powerful? (establishing your best alternative to a negotiated agreement)
    2. What if they won't play? (negotiation jujitsu)
    3. What if they use dirty tricks? (dealing with sophistry)

Suggested Reading Other Than Required Textbook

Dixit, A.K. and B.J. Nalebuff. "Thinking Strategically: The Competitive Edge in Business, Politics, and Everyday Life." W.W. Norton & Company, Inc. New York, 1991.
Mandela, Nelson. The Long Walk to Freedom. Hachette Book Group. New York, 1994.

Examples of Required Writing Assignments

A formal essay that involves critical analysis of a primary text as well as support from secondary sources.
For example, critically analyze and apply negotiation jujitsu to a conflict like those discussed in Nelson Mandela's, "The Long Walk to Freedom." How did Mandela use this technique to find peace in his efforts in South Africa?

Examples of Outside Assignments

Write Summary & Analysis responses to questions based on reading assignments that will serve as the basis for classroom discussion.
For example, "Why is separating people from the problem at hand an important conflict resolution technique?"

Instruction Type(s)

Lecture, Online Education Lecture

IGETC Area 1: English Communication

1C. Oral Communication, 1B. Critical Thinking/English Comp

IGETC Area 2: Mathematical Concepts and Quantitative Reasoning

No

IGETC Area 3: Arts and Humanities

3B. Humanities

IGETC Area 4: Social and Behavioral Sciences

4G. Interdisciplinary, Social & Behavioral Sciences

IGETC Area 6: Languages other than English

No