| CODE | LAW5060 | ||||||||||||
| TITLE | Theory of Conflict Resolution | ||||||||||||
| UM LEVEL | 05 - Postgraduate Modular Diploma or Degree Course | ||||||||||||
| MQF LEVEL | 7 | ||||||||||||
| ECTS CREDITS | 5 | ||||||||||||
| DEPARTMENT | Faculty of Laws | ||||||||||||
| DESCRIPTION | The key element of this course of studies is the understanding of the development of conflict as a means to communicate incompatibilities that may lead to direct, structural and cultural violence or peace by peaceful means. The first part of the study-unit will explore the evolution in the understanding of conflict focusing on conflict dynamics, the deprivation of basic needs, rational calculations, the formation of conflicts and conflict contexts (neighbourhood and intergroup conflict, industrial and commercial conflict, environmental and technical conflict, family conflicts and workplace conflicts) within institutional settings. The second part will delve into the resolution of conflicts: analyses, communication, planning and preparation, collaborative problem-solving, litigation, arbitration and finally mediation. A final stage of this learning experience will be to explore the conflict resolution process, practical conflict resolution skills, 'what to do when and how', interpersonal and relationship competencies and professional approaches to conflict resolution using the mediation paradigm Study-unit Aims The aims of this unit are to: (i) develop a practical understanding of the dynamic relationship between conflict analysis and resolution (ii) establish a practical understanding of reflective practice in both personal and professional terms of the relationship between conflict and conflict resolution (iii) explore specific techniques and practices as they build upon conflict analysis and resolution (iv) understand the conflict dynamics and their resolution in different contexts within cultural, gender, power and ethical environments (v) discuss and possible practice various conflict resolution techniques (vi) increase the ability to analyse conflict and apply resolution by peaceful means. Learning Outcomes 1. Knowledge & Understanding: By the end of the study-unit the student will be able to develop: (i) an understanding of conflict as a means to resolve incompatibilities at individual, community, national and international levels (ii) an insight into violence seen from a direct, structural and cultural dimension (iii) an understanding of how conflicts are formed and deformed through intervention and transformation processes (iv) an understanding of the conflict cycle and how it impacts on potential conflict environments (v) an understanding of how communication, cooperation and confidence-building are at the basis of non-violent conflict transformation (vi) a predictive capacity to visualise the roots of conflict and the benefits of the core values of peaceful relations such as security, freedom, well-being and identity (vii) an insight into how litigation, arbitration and mediation are institutions of negative and positive peace. (viii) an understanding of the role mediators play in conflict resolution particularly in aspects of mediation related to family, work and business and commerce. (ix) a case study in a conflict situation by analysing its roots, its manifestation and its economic, cultural and social (possibly political) impacts. (x) an understanding of the role of mediation centres in conflict resolution 2. Skills: By the end of the study-unit the student will be able to: (i) Write and speak about contemporary conflict theories particularly those developed by the authors covered in the unit (ii) Demonstrate an own conceptual framework of the manifestations and the impact of conflict on the quality of life of individuals in civil society (iii) Deploy a range of schools of thought on conflict formation, intervention and transformation particularly within the context of family, work and business and commerce. (iv) Develop a critical understanding of how conflicts develop, manifest, destroy and re-build relations (v) Demonstrate an ability to produce techniques based on effective communication, sector-based cooperation and confidence-building measures. (vi) Demonstrate an ability to analyse aspects of aggression as determining the structure and function (internally and externally) of individuals and institutions (vii) Develop the capacity to consolidate, expand and integrate conflict resolution theories into training in mediation techniques. . (viii) Deploy, participate and take initiatives within civil society to highlight conflict issues in the sectors explored within this programmes of studies. (ix) Produce a mapping technique of conflict resolution from various perspectives. (x) Take an active role in analysing conflict situations and in providing a creative approach to its resolution. Main Text/s and any supplementary readings Main Texts (subject to revision by Q4 2010) - "The Mediation Process: Practical Strategies for Resolving Conflict" - Christopher W. Moore; 3rd Edition Jossey-Bass 2003 - "The Promise of Mediation: The Transformative Approach to Conflict" - Robert A. Baruch Bush; Revised edition, Jossey-Bass 2005 - "The Eight Essential Steps to Conflict Resolution" Dudley Weeks; Jeremy P Tarcher/Putnam 1992 - Edward DeBono, "Conflicts - A Better Way to Resolve them". - Oliver Ramsbotham, Contemporary Conflict Resolution" 2nd edition - Henry Brown and Arthur Marriott, "ADR Principles and Practice", Sweet & Maxwell, 1993. - P.H. Gulliver, "Disputes and Negotiations", Academic Press, 1979. - Robert Mnookin, "Bargaining with the Devil - when to negotiate and when to fight". Supplementary Texts (subject to revision by Q4 2010) - "Conflict Resolution" Daniel Dana, McGraw-Hill, 2001 - Basic Skills for the New Mediator; Allan H Goodman, Solomon Publications 2nd edition, 2005 - How to Mediate Like a Pro - 42 Rules for mediating Disputes, Mary Greenwood iUniverse 2008 - "Mediation in a Nutshell, 2d (West Nutshell)" Kimberlee K. Kovach; West Nutshell Series 2nd Edition 2010 |
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| STUDY-UNIT TYPE | Lecture | ||||||||||||
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The University makes every effort to ensure that the published Courses Plans, Programmes of Study and Study-Unit information are complete and up-to-date at the time of publication. The University reserves the right to make changes in case errors are detected after publication.
The availability of optional units may be subject to timetabling constraints. Units not attracting a sufficient number of registrations may be withdrawn without notice. It should be noted that all the information in the description above applies to study-units available during the academic year 2025/6. It may be subject to change in subsequent years. |
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