1. ALPHA and NUMBER
COURSE TITLE
CREDITS
DATE OF OUTLINE
2. COURSE DESCRIPTION
MAUI COMMUNITY COLLEGE
COURSE OUTLINE FORM
COM 215/PSY 253
Conflict Resolution and Mediation
Three (3)
May 10, 2005 (revised February 2004 as part of SLO and Assessment Project; October 29,
2000)
Explores the reasons for conflict and the different approaches for seeking resolution for conflict.
Studies personal and societal value systems, the psychology of how people respond to conflict, the impact of culture on conflict styles, communication skills useful in dealing with conflict, and alternative resolution strategies.
Practices mediation skills as a third party intervention method.
3. CONTACT HOURS/TYPE
4. PREREQUISITES
Three (3) - Lecture
PSY 100 with a “C” or better, COMUN 145 or
BUS/COMUN 130 with a “C” or better or consent
COREQUISTIES None
RECOMMENDED PREPARATION ENG 100 with a “C” or better

Approved: ______________________________ Date:____________
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5.
GENERAL COURSE OBJECTIVES
See the attached curricular grid for detailed information on how PSY 253/ COM 215 focuses on the Maui Community College general education standards.
PSY 253 fulfils a social science or elective course requirement in Maui Community
College’s AA degree. COM 215 fulfills fulfils a humanities or elective course requirement in Maui Community College’s AA degree.
A request has been submitted to have the course articulate to UH Manoa and other colleges in the UH system. A copy of the articulation form completed in 2000 is attached.
As it is not presently articulated to UH Manoa it does not fulfill a requirement for
University of Hawaii Manoa General Education.
6.
STUDENT LEARNER OUTCOMES
Upon completion of the course, students will be able: a.
To list and discuss the basic issues of conflict, conflict management and resolution. b.
To apply the basic theories about conflict resolution. c.
To integrate critical thinking and analysis of conflict resolution into the student’s communication and interaction patterns. d.
To integrate the theoretical constructs presented with personal knowledge and experience with conflict situations. e.
To practice through class and other exercises and discussions how to effectively deal with personal conflicts when they arise. f.
To learn, practice and demonstrate mediation skills as a third party method for resolving conflict. g.
To enjoy the class and practical applications, have fun, and expand the student’s sense of humor, while demonstrating how to deal with conflict in an effective manner. h.
Additional objectives may be established by the class based on needs, opportunities, and resources.
7.
RECOMMENDED COURSE CONTENT AND APPROXIMATE TIME
SPENT on EACH TOPIC
1-2 sessions Introduction to the Study of Conflict (a, g, h)
3

1-2 sessions
1-2 sessions
1-2 sessions
1-2 sessions
1-2 sessions
1-2 sessions
1-2 sessions
1-2 sessions
1-2 sessions
1-2 sessions
1-2 sessions
1-2 sessions
2-3 sessions
0-1 session
People in Conflict: Values, Attitudes, and Beliefs (a, b, c, d, e)
Culture and Gender in Conflict (a, b, c, d, e)
Types of Conflict (a, b, c, d, e)
The Process of Conflict (a, b, c, d, e)
Conflict Styles, Strategies and Tactics (a, b, c, d, e)
Social-Psychological Perspectives of Conflict (a, b, c, d, e)
Communication Perspective on Conflict Behavior (a, b, c, d, e)
Intimacy and Conflict (a, b, c, d, e)
Effective Communication Behavior (a, b, c, d, e)
Negotiation (a, b, c, d, e)
Escalating and De-Escalating Conflict (a, b, c, d, e)
After the Conflict: Forgiveness and Reconciliation (a, b, c, d, e)
Mediation as Third-Party Intervention (a, f)
Additional Topics in Conflict (h)
The exact content and arrangement of the content and the time allotted for content will be determined by the instructor at the time the course is offered.
8. TEXT AND MATERIALS
An appropriate text(s) and materials will be chosen at the time the course is to be offered from the texts and materials that are available at the time in the field. Examples of currently available texts and materials include:
Texts:
Lulls, Roxanne S. and Dudley D. Chan. Conflict: From Theory to Action, 2
Needham Heights, MD: Allyn & Bacon, 2000. nd
edition.
Borisoff, Deborah and David A. Victor. Conflict Management: A Communication
Skills Approach, 2 nd
edition. Needham Heights, MD: Allyn & Bacon, 1998.
Folger, Joseph P., Marshall Scott Poole, and Randall K. Stutman. Working Through
Conflict: Strategies for Relationships, Groups, and Organizations, 4 th
edition. San Francisco:
Addison Wesley Longman, Inc., 2000.
Materials:
Handouts developed by the instructor, from journals and other media, and from other sources including the mediation organizations listed under other below.
Other:
Reference Materials, including books, such as: Getting to Yes: Negotiating Agreements without
Giving In by Roger Fisher and William Urn; Interpersonal Conflict by William Wilmot and
Joyce Hocker; Don’t Sweat the Small Stuff…and It’s All Small Stuff by Richard Carlson.
Websites such as: Conflict Resolution Resource Center at: http://www.conflictresolution.net/
Community mediation organizations, such as: Mediation Services of Maui, Inc.;
Mediation Center of Molokai, Inc; Mediation Centers of Hawaii, Inc.
Other appropriate materials such as videos, guest speakers, practicum work, field
4

trips, etc.
9. `RECOMMENDED COURSE REQUIREMENTS
Specific course requirements are at the discretion of the instructor at the time the course is being offered. Suggested requirements might include, but are not limited to:
Written and/or oral examinations
In-class and out-of-class exercises
Homework assignments (including journals, reaction papers, etc.)
Quizzes
Projects or research (written reports and/or class presentations)
Attendance and/or class participation
Field trips/practicum work/other activities with community mediation organizations such as Mediation Services of Maui, Inc.
EVALUATION
Students will be evaluated by a variety of appropriate means specified by the instructor at the time of the class which might include, but is not limited to, a combination of written and/or oral examinations, quizzes, attendance and/or class participation, experiential exercises and simulations, projects, assignments, practicum work, and/or other appropriate means. At least 20% of the final evaluation is to be based on activities that display the student’s conflict resolution skills, such as simulated mediations, practicum work, and/or communication
activities.
10. METHODS OF INSTRUCTION
Methods may include but are not limited to: lecture; group discussion; cases; audio- and video-tapes; guest speakers; simulation; experiential exercises in dyads, triads, small groups, large groups; demonstrations; field trips; projects; practicum work; and/or other appropriate methods.
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Standard 1 - Written
Communication
Outcome 1.1
- Use writing to discover and articulate ideas.
PSY PSY PSY PSY PSY PSY PSY PSY PSY PSY PSY PSY
100 103 170 202 213 214 240 250 251 253 260 290V
1 1 1 2 1 1 2 2 2 2 3
Outcome 1.2
- Identify and analyze the audience and purpose for any intended communication.
0 2 0 1 0 2 1 0 0 0 0
Outcome 1.3
- Choose language, style, and organization appropriate to particular purposes and audiences.
Outcome 1.4
- Gather information and document sources appropriately.
Outcome 1.5
- Express a main idea as a thesis, hypothesis, or other appropriate statement.
Outcome 1.6
- Develop a main idea clearly and concisely with appropriate content.
Outcome 1.7
- Demonstrate a mastery of the conventions of writing, including grammar, spelling, and mechanics.
Outcome 1.8
- Demonstrate proficiency in revision and editing.
Outcome 1.9
- Develop a personal voice in written communication.
Standard 2 - Quantitative
Reasoning
Outcome 2.1
- Apply numeric, graphic, and symbolic skills and other forms of quantitative reasoning accurately and appropriately.
Outcome 2.2
- Demonstrate mastery of mathematical concepts, skills, and applications, using technology when appropriate.
Outcome 2.3
- Communicate clearly and concisely the methods and results of quantitative problem solving.
Outcome 2.4
- Formulate and test hypotheses using numerical experimentation.
0 3 0 2 2 3 1 0 0 0 0
2 3 1 2 3 3 2 2 2 2 3
1 3 1 2 3 3 2 1 1 1 1
1 2 0 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2
1 3 0 2 2 3 2 1 1 1 1
0 3 0 2 1 0 2 0 0 0 0
0 0 3 3 0 0 2 0 0 2 3
PSY PSY PSY PSY PSY PSY PSY PSY PSY PSY PSY PSY
100 103 170 202 213 214 240 250 251 253 260 290V
0 2 0 0 3 3 0 0 0 0 0
0 1 0 0 3 3 0 0 0 0 0
1 3 0 1 3 3 1 0 0 0 0
0 1 0 0 3 3 0 0 0 0 0
6

Outcome 2.5
- Define quantitative issues and problems, gather relevant information, analyze that information, and present results.
Outcome 2.6
- Assess the validity of statistical conclusions.
Standard 3 - Information
Retrieval and Technology
Outcome 3.1
- Use print and electronic information technology ethically and responsibly.
0 3 0 0 3 3 0 0 0 0 0
1 1 0 1 3 3 1 0 0 0 0
PSY PSY PSY PSY PSY PSY PSY PSY PSY PSY PSY PSY
100 103 170 202 213 214 240 250 251 253 260 290V
1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1
Outcome 3.2
- Demonstrate knowledge of basic vocabulary, concepts, and operations of information retrieval and technology.
1 2 1 1 2 2 1 1 1 1 1
Outcome 3.3
- Recognize, identify, and define an information need.
2 2 2 1 2 2 1 2 2 1 2
Outcome 3.4
- Access and retrieve information through print and electronic media, evaluating the accuracy and authenticity of that information.
2 1 1 2 1 1 2 2 2 2 2
Outcome 3.5
- Create, manage, organize, and communicate information through electronic media.
0 1 1 0 2 2 0 1 1 0 1
Outcome 3.6
- Recognize changing technologies and make informed choices about their appropriateness and use.
Standard 4 - Oral
Communication
1 1 2 1 2 2 1 2 2 1 2
PSY PSY PSY PSY PSY PSY PSY PSY PSY PSY PSY PSY
100 103 170 202 213 214 240 250 251 253 260 290V
Outcome 4.1
- Identify and analyze the audience and purpose of any intended communication.
1 2 1 2 2 1 1 1 1 2 1
Outcome 4.2
- Gather, evaluate, select, and organize information for the communication.
2 2 1 2 2 2 1 2 2 2 2
Outcome 4.3
- Use language, techniques, and strategies appropriate to the audience and occasion.
2 1 1 2 1 1 1 1 1 3 1
Outcome 4.4
- Speak clearly and confidently, using the voice, volume, tone, and articulation appropriate to the audience and occasion.
2 2 1 2 2 2 1 2 2 3 2
Outcome 4.5
- Summarize, analyze, and evaluate oral communications and ask coherent questions as needed.
1 2 1 2 1 1 1 2 2 3 2
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Outcome 4.6
- Use competent oral expression to initiate and sustain discussions.
1 1 1 2 2 2 1 2 2 3 2
Standard 5 - Critical Thinking
PSY PSY PSY PSY PSY PSY PSY PSY PSY PSY PSY PSY
100 103 170 202 213 214 240 250 251 253 260 290V
Outcome 5.1
- Identify and state problems, issues, arguments, and questions contained in a body of information.
1 3 2 2 2 3 2 2 2 2 2
Outcome 5.2
- Identify and analyze assumptions and underlying points of view relating to an issue or problem.
Outcome 5.3
- Formulate research questions that require descriptive and explanatory analyses.
Outcome 5.4
- Recognize and understand multiple modes of inquiry, including investigative methods based on observation and analysis.
2 2 2 3 2 2 2 2 2 2 2
0 3 0 1 0 3 0 0 0 0 0
2 3 2 2 3 3 2 2 2 2 2
Outcome 5.5
- Evaluate a problem, distinguishing between relevant and irrelevant facts, opinions, assumptions, issues, values, and biases through the use of appropriate evidence.
Outcome 5.6 - Apply problem-solving techniques and skills, including the rules of logic and logical sequence.
Outcome 5.7 - Synthesize inform from various sources, drawing appropriate conclusions.
Outcome 5.8 - Communicate clearly and concisely the methods and results of logical reasonong.
Outcome 5.9 - Reflect upon and evaluate their thought processes, value system, and world views in comparison to those of others.
2 3 2 2 3 3 2 2 2 2 2
1 2 2 0 2 2 1 2 2 1 2
2 2 2 3 2 2 2 2 2 2 2
1 2 2 0 3 3 1 2 2 1 2
2 1 3 3 1 1 2 3 3 3 3
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