SKILLS DEVELOPMENT IN CONFLICT RESOLUTION

Informal conflict resolution is a growing area because organizations and individuals are looking for ways to resolve their differences economically, rapidly and respectfully. Several courses in our programs are designed to teach various conflict resolution skills. For students wishing to develop those competencies further, the School of Conflict Studies offers a Skills Development in Conflict Resolution option.

Program requirements

Compulsory Courses - 12 units
ECS2103 Negotiation (3u)
ECS2104 Mediation (3u)
ECS2191 Introduction to Conflict Studies (3u)
ECS2321 Listening and Interaction in Conflict Resolution (3u)

Optional Courses - 6 units from:
ECS3101 Introduction to Technical and Legal Aspects of Conflict Resolution (3u)
ECS3127 Group Processes and Conflict (3u)
ECS3128 Consultation and Coaching in Conflicts (3u)
ECS3323 Dialogue (3u)

Courses

ECS2103 Negotiation (3u)

Concepts and foundations. Difference between mediation and negotiation. Case Studies. Ethical considerations. Role playing and practical exercises. Specificities of negotiation among ethnic and religious groups. A minimum of ten laboratory hours will be required in this course.

Prerequisite or concomitant: ECS2321.

ECS2104 Mediation (3u)

Concepts and foundations. Objectives of mediation, importance of third parties. Mediation and post-modernity. Ethical considerations. Role playing and practical exercises. Specificities of mediation among ethnic and religious groups. A minimum of ten laboratory hours will be required in this course.

Prerequisite: ECS2103

ECS2191 Introduction to Conflict Studies (3u)

A multidisciplinary introduction to research in the evolving field of peace and conflict studies, with emphasis on ethnic and religious conflict. Cases are drawn from local to global levels. Includes anthropology, sociology, psychology, history, political science, law, labour relations, theology, philosophy, gender studies and security studies.

ECS2321 Listening and Interaction in Conflict Resolution (3u)

Theory and practice of the listening skills crucial for participating in conflict resolution processes. Development of synthesis, reframing, and appropriate responses to difficult situations. Attention to non-verbal communication, emotions, and communication styles. Exploration of some of cultural differences in communication. A minimum of ten laboratory hours will be required in this course.

ECS3101 Introduction to Technical and Legal Aspects of Conflict Resolution (3u)

Introduction to some concepts pertaining to the analysis and resolution of conflict: judicial norms, contracts, binding character of judicial decisions, judicial organization and structures, formal processes of mediation and negotiation. The course also includes consideration of some aspects of international law, as well as principles of conflict management in key fields areas such as labour, social services, etc.

Prerequisites: ECS2191 and ECS2192.

ECS3127 Group Processes and Conflict (3u)

Introduction to the intervention toward groups in order to manage and resolve conflicts. Study of group dynamics and underlying behaviours. Review of different approaches to group processes. Exploration of the requirements and abilities for the leadership and facilitation of groups. Case studies. Practical in-class exercises.

Prerequisites: ECS2103, ECS2104.

ECS3128 Consultation and Coaching in Conflict (3u)

Initiation to personal support to people involved in conflicts. Presentation of various models of personal and group coaching. Development of some basic abilities in this kind of intervention (including self-awareness, emotional intelligence, active and empathic listening, communication, overcoming resistance, etc.) through simulations and exercises.

ECS3323 Dialogue (3u)

Examination of dialogue as a means of exploring hidden beliefs and the exchange of ideas between participants. Practical exercises that explore the use of dialogue as a means of resolving and transforming conflicts. Training in the use of structured dialogue in professional activities. Specificities of dialogue among ethnic and religious groups.

Prerequisite: ECS2321.