Cross-Cultural Conflict (DisRes 624)
MCCORMACK GRADUATE SCHOOL OF POLICY STUDIES

FALL

Instructor:
Rezarta Bilali
617-287-7489
www.disres.umb.edu

A full understanding of cross-cultural conflict requires the integration of knowledge from a range of different fields. This course takes an interdisciplinary look at the special problems posed for conflict resolution by cultural and inter-group differences. We will draw on relevant theory and research from social psychology, anthropology, sociology, business, and other fields. Topics to be considered include the psychology of inter-group relations, definitions of culture, ethnocentrism, cross-cultural communication, cultural differences in attitudes toward conflict, racial and ethnic conflict, and approaches to training in cross-cultural mediation.

Conflict Management: Strategies, Tactics, and Behavior (MMG747)
CAMBRIDGE COLLEGE SCHOOL OF MANAGEMENT

FALL

Instructor:
Martha Belden
800-877-4723 X0163

This course explores different conflict management styles and situational considerations available to the individual that impact negotiations. It introduces theories and strategies that characterize the competitive and cooperative bargaining styles and evaluates the consequences of using each. The course also explores planning, communication, perception, cognitive biases and the impact of power imbalance in negotiations. The emphasis is on the integration of negotiation theory, practice and behavior, including ethical considerations. The methodology is lecture, discussion, video and negotiation simulations and role-plays. The text for the course is Negotiation by Roy Lewicki. Other readings will be provided by the instructor. Instructor and student analyze each negotiation in which the student participates. There is the opportunity for students to apply the theory learned to one of their current real-life negotiations through a written paper or in-class discussion.  (Weekend in mid-November and in mid-December: Saturday and Sunday 9:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m.)

Conflict Resolution in Multi-Cultural Settings (MMG761)
CAMBRIDGE COLLEGE SCHOOL OF MANAGEMENT

SPRING

Instructor:
Shirley Harrell
800-877-4723 X0163

Today’s organizations may face greater potential for conflict than ever before in history. The marketplace, with its increasing competition and globalization, magnifies differences among people in terms of gender, race, ability, age, life orientation, personality, values, perceptions, languages, cultures, and national background. With the increasing diversity of the workforce comes potential incompatibility and conflict.

Conflict management skills are keys to management success. Estimates show that leaders spend about 21 percent of their time dealing with conflict. That is the equivalent of one day every week. Conflict management skills are a major predictor of managerial success. All conflicts require skills on the part of the leader, whose task is to stimulate functional conflict and prevent or resolve dysfunctional conflict.

This course focuses on developing managerial skills in conflict resolution with a corollary understanding of conflict in multi-cultural organizations and the effect conflict has on the organization’s innovation and productivity. The course uses a model developed by Tjosvold, which develops procedures for making conflict positive. The model uses four inter-related steps for creating conflict-positive organizations: 1) value diversity and confront differences; 2) seek mutual benefits and unite behind cooperative goals; 3) empower individuals to feel confident and skillful; and 4) take stock to reward success and learn from mistakes. The text for the course is Getting Together. (Two weekends; dates to be announced.)

Seminar: Managing Ethnic Conflict (Pol 127b)
BRANDEIS UNIVERSITY PEACE, CONFLICT, and COEXISTENCE STUDIES

SPRING

Instructor:
Steven L. Burg
781-736-2755

A comparative study of the sources and character of interethnic conflict, with emphasis on the processes by which groups become politicized, and the stragies and techniques for managing conflict in a democratic systems. (Section 1: undergraduates: Tuesday and Friday 12:10-1:30 p.m.; Section 2: graduate students: Tuesday and Friday 12:10-1:30 p.m. plus Thursday 2:00-3:00 p.m.)

International Mediation and Dialogue Skills
BRANDEIS PROGRAM IN CONFLICT AND COEXISTENCE

FALL

Instructor:
Theodore Johnson
International Center for Ethnics
781-736-8577

This course covers basic international mediation theory — the sources and methods used by successful international mediators through a case-study methodology. In addition, the course will examine the mediation process in practice — what do successful international mediators say or do to create and manage the actual process of third-party interventions? Specifically, the course will examine techniques and strategies for managing cross-cultural communication and a multi-ethnic communication process by creating a “holding space” of mutual respect, which is both effective and appropriately contextual for the problem-solving effort. Students in the Brandeis MA programs in Coexistence and Sustainable International Development will be given preference in registration; however, the course will be open to other students upon approval by the instructor. (Monday 2:00-5:00 p.m.)

The Future of Diversity Work
BRANDEIS PROGRAM IN CONFLICT AND COEXISTENCE

SPRING

Instructor:
Theodore Johnson
International Center for Ethnics
781-736-8577

What is diversity? What is race? What is racism? The course will examine these and many other timely topics along with the implications for these questions in a multi-cultural, multi-ethnic, multi-religious world. The course is based on the assumption that Diversity is more than multiculturalism, racial, gender, and sexual or religious equality. The course posits that the future challenges of diversity are about finding strategies to accept differences in identity without losing or having local or individual identities threatened. These and other important questions will be raised through readings, case studies and interactive exercises. The course will give preference to Brandeis Masters students in the fields of Conflict and Coexistence and Sustainable International Development but will also be open to other students with approval from the instructor. (Tuesday: 1:40-4:30 p.m.)

Advanced Development, Aid, and Coexistence (COEX 261F) (Half-course)
BRANDEIS UNIVERSITY PEACE, CONFLICT, AND COEXISTENCE STUDIES

SPRING

Instructor:
Theodore Johnson
International Center for Ethnics
781-736-8577

This seminar builds on the concepts and theories offered in the basic course. Students will master the skills of conflict mapping, strategic intervention, and analysis using case studies of current and past conflicts where development assistance was also required. (Friday 1:40-4:30 p.m.)

Development, Aid, and Coexistence (COEX 260F) (Half-course)
BRANDEIS UNIVERSITY PEACE, CONFLICT, AND COEXISTENCE STUDIES

SPRING

Instructor:
Theodore Johnson
International Center for Ethnics
781-736-8577

The purpose of this course is to increase the knowledge and skills of students undertaking development and aid work in conflict situations. It explores how such skills can address development needs, as well as the need to increase intercommunity equity, understanding, and cooperation. (Friday 1:40-4:30 p.m.)

Conflict and Development
BRANDEIS PROGRAM IN CONFLICT AND COEXISTENCE

SPRING

Instructor:
Theodore Johnson
International Center for Ethnics
781-736-8577

This course focuses on the intersection of the fields of conflict and development. Specifically, the course is designed to equip researchers and practitioners to work more effectively in conflict areas and dealing with the challenges of working “in” and/or “on” conflict. In reality, research and/or development work in conflict areas requires conflict-sensitive approaches not only to “do no harm” but also to effectively accomplish positive results. Through case studies, readings and interactive methods, this course will explore these challenges and provide guidance to both conflict and development practitioners — or at least to those who anticipate their fieldwork will be affected by these fields. The course will give preference to Brandeis Masters students in the fields of Conflict and Coexistence and Sustainable International Development but will also be open to other students with approval from the instructor. (Day and time to be announced.)

Coexistence Research Methods (half course) (COEX 230F)
BRANDEIS UNIVERSITY PEACE, CONFLICT, AND COEXISTENCE STUDIES

FALL

Instructor:
Theodore Johnson
International Center for Ethnics
781-736-8577

This course helps participants prepare for their Master’s Field Project, and is also useful for participants’ current and future career needs. It addresses the:

a) Establishment of objectives and parameters of the Master’s Field project;
b) Clarification of basic project or research questions; c) Cultural awareness and sensitivity issues;
d) Data collection, assessment and analysis;
e) Effective report writing.

(Friday 1:40-4:30 p.m.)