About this course: This course introduces you to the concept of conflict transformation and how it differs from conflict resolution, management, and prevention. We’ll see how conflict offers opportunities for constructive change, and we'll explore different tools and methods for engaging conflict constructively. Regardless of your familiarity with the topic, you'll get insightful tips, portable handouts, lively demonstrations, and personalized assignments to bridge and enhance your own knowledge and history within the conflict narrative. In any area of your life, you'll benefit from the practical techniques and transferable information offered throughout this five-week journey.
Created by: Emory University
Taught by: Ellen Ott Marshall, Associate Professor of Christian Ethics and Conflict Transformation
Candler School of Theology
| Level | Beginner |
| Commitment | 5 weeks of study, 2 hours/week |
| Language | English |
| How To Pass | Pass all graded assignments to complete the course. |
Syllabus
WEEK 1
Conflict As an Opportunity?
This module uncovers a deeper awareness of what conflict is, its underlying opportunities, and the concept of conflict transformation.
7 videos, 4 readings, 1 practice quiz
- Video: Welcome and an Introduction to the Course
- Reading: Course Outline
- Reading: Grading and Assessment Information
- Discussion Prompt: Ponder the Past
- Reading: Fundamental Texts on Conflict Transformation
- Video: Conflict Transformation Introduced
- Video: Understanding Conflict
- Video: The Four Dimensions of Change
- Reading: Nested Theory and Nonviolent Resistance
- Video: Conflict Is a Nested Phenomenon
- Video: Constructive Change and Nonviolent Resistance
- Video: Week 1 Recap
- Practice Quiz: Practice
Graded: Conflict in the News
WEEK 2
Know Thyself: How Do You Respond to Conflict and Why Do You Respond That Way?
This module looks at a self-assessment instrument, the conflict styles, and how your body and brain respond to conflict.
6 videos, 3 readings, 1 practice quiz
- Reading: Discover Your Conflict Style
- Discussion Prompt: Ponder the Past
- Reading: Weekly Readings
- Video: Self-Assessment Overview
- Video: The Five Conflict Styles
- Video: Which Style Is Best for What Kind of Conflict?
- Video: The Brain's Response to Conflict
- Reading: Physical and Psychological Responses to Stress
- Video: The Body's Response to Conflict
- Video: Week 2 Recap
- Practice Quiz: Practice
Graded: Analyzing Your Conflict Style
WEEK 3
What in the World Is Going On? Analyzing Conflict
This module explores conflict analysis and three analysis tools.
6 videos, 3 readings, 1 practice quiz
- Discussion Prompt: Ponder the Past
- Reading: Weekly Readings
- Video: Analyzing Conflict Overview
- Reading: Case Study and Tools Handout
- Video: "Trouble at the Bus Stop"
- Video: The ABC Tool
- Video: The Onion Tool
- Video: The Tree Tool
- Video: Week 3 Recap
- Reading: Conflict Analysis Organizations, Resources, and Manuals
- Practice Quiz: Practice
Graded: Using a Conflict Tool
WEEK 4
Doing Well in the Middle
This module will discuss mediation and circle processes and guidelines for facilitating or participating in one of these processes.
7 videos, 2 readings, 1 practice quiz
- Discussion Prompt: Ponder the Past
- Reading: Weekly Readings
- Video: Engaging Conflict from a Middle Ground
- Reading: Mediation and Circle Process Handout
- Video: Phases of the Mediation Process
- Video: The Role of the Mediator
- Video: Mediation Demonstration
- Video: Defining a Circle Process
- Video: Elements of the Circle Process
- Video: Week 4 Recap
- Practice Quiz: Practice
Graded: Designing a Process
WEEK 5
No Easy Road: The Ongoing Work on Conflict Transformation
This module covers strategies for dealing with conflict that is ongoing or seemingly erupts unexpectedly.
5 videos, 2 readings, 1 practice quiz
- Discussion Prompt: Ponder the Past
- Reading: Weekly Readings
- Video: Other Conflict Considerations
- Video: How to Deal with Conflict Erupting Out of Nowhere
- Video: How to Deal with Ongoing Conflict
- Video: Identifying Deeper Issues
- Video: Week 5 Recap
- Practice Quiz: Practice
- Reading: Bibliography
Graded: Dealing with Difficult Conflict
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Emory University
Emory University, located in Atlanta, Georgia, is one of the world's leading research universities. Its mission is to create, preserve, teach and apply knowledge in the service of humanity.
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