Kennesaw State University MSCM
Syllabus, Fall Semester 2009
Foundations of Conflict Management
CM 7210: Conflict Theory (3 Credits)
Class Meetings: Aug 21-22, Sept 11-12, Sept 25
Class hours will be Fridays 3:00pm-8:00pm, Saturdays 8:30am-3:30pm.
Dr. Linda M. Johnston
Office: SO 5034
Office Phone: 678-797-2233
Email: ljohnst9@kennesaw.edu
Dr. Timothy Hedeen
Office: SO 5060
Office Phone: 770-423-6879
Email: tkhedeen@kennesaw.edu
Dr. Susan S. Raines
Office: SO 5062
Office Phone: 770-423-6081
Email: sraines@kennesaw.edu
Dr. Volker Franke
Office: SO 3002
Office Phone: 678.423.2931
Email: vfranke@kennesaw.edu
Section Objectives:
 Understand what “theory” is and its utility.
 Understand the broad range of theories related to Conflict Management coming from fields
such as Psychology, Sociology, Law, Communications, Criminal Justice, and others.
 Understand the conflict analysis process.
 Apply Conflict Management theories to particular contexts to explain and predict the course
and stages of conflict.
 Predict the utility of various interventions based on predictions from theory.
Texts:
 Handbook of Conflict Resolution: Theory and Practice edited by Deutsch and Coleman.
 Your selected case study book
Required Assignments and Grading:
Individual Presentation - 35%: On Friday, September 25th, each individual will make a 5-minute
presentation of his/her selected case study. Presentations should briefly provide some history and
context for the case under study, an exploration of how various theories explain and/or predict the
course of the conflict, and thoughts regarding the author’s perspective or bias.
Individual Conflict Analysis Paper - 50%: Each student will prepare a paper of 8-10 pages in length,
12-font, double-spaced. Each student will analyze one of the case studies from the list provided and
apply theoretical works to: explain how the conflict arose, progressed and resolved (if resolved);
predict the future path of this conflict; and prescribe conflict management intervention(s) informed by
theory and practice. Guidelines for this analysis will be provided at Orientation. References and
citations in the paper should be only from the case study (no additional research is required). Due
October 9th, 2009, by email to Dr. Johnston.
2
Attendance and Participation - 15%: This portion of your grade will be affected by unexcused
absences, tardiness, or inadequate participation in class exercises and discussion. The student should
come prepared to class; that is, he/she is responsible for having completed all the reading prior to the
beginning of class.
Friday and Saturday, August 21st and 22nd: Conflict Theory: Interpersonal/Intergroup/Societal
Conflict
Reading: Handbook of Conflict Resolution Introduction and Chapters 1, 2, 4, 5, 8, 11-14 and begin
reading your selected case study book.
Friday and Saturday, September 11th and 12th: Reflection; Aggression; Cross-Cultural and
Intractable Conflicts
Reading: Handbook of Conflict Resolution Chapters 19-23 and Concluding Overview and your
selected case study book.
Friday, September 25th
Due: Case Study Presentations in Class
Friday, October 9th
Due: Case Study Analysis Papers
Overall Expectations:
One of the essential skills of the conflict resolution professional is the ability to create a safe space.
This class, and indeed all of the classes in the MSCM curriculum, is intended to be an opportunity to
explore freely and to take risks in a safe environment. Students are expected to participate in creating a
dynamic learning environment for all members of the class.
Grading:
Grades will be based on a combination of written work, attendance and participation, and
presentations (if any).
What does an A, B, or C “look like?”
Students whose participation, papers, and exam answers exceed adequate levels will receive an A.
Students whose participation, papers, and exam answers are adequate will receive a B.
Students whose participation, papers, and exam answers are not adequate will receive a C or lower.
Late Work:
Homework and research papers must be turned in on time. Late work may receive a reduced grade. If
you are not able to turn an assignment in on time, please let us know in advance.
Written Work:
Written communication, as well as oral communication, is the hallmark of the effective conflict
manager. For this reason, writing is an important component of the MSCM program. Written work will
be evaluated primarily on the basis of content. However, originality, organization, writing style, and
research (if applicable) are important components of written assignments.
Course Attendance:
3
Since class meetings are limited, it is imperative that students attend all class meetings. Individual
exceptions to this rule will be limited to cases of emergency or serious illness. If a student fails to
provide acceptable documentation that an absence is due to emergency or serious illness, the grade for
the course in question may be lowered one letter grade.
Academic Integrity Statement:
Every KSU student is responsible for upholding the provisions of the Student Code of Conduct, as
published in the Undergraduate and Graduate Catalogs. Section II of the Student Code of Conduct
addresses the University's policy on academic honesty, including provisions regarding plagiarism and
cheating, unauthorized access to University materials, misrepresentation/falsification of University
records or academic work, malicious removal, retention, or destruction of library materials,
malicious/intentional misuse of computer facilities and/or services, and misuse of student identification
cards. Incidents of alleged academic misconduct will be handled through the established procedures of
the University Judiciary Program, which includes either an "informal" resolution by a faculty member,
resulting in a grade adjustment, or a formal hearing procedure, which may subject a student to the
Code of Conduct's minimum one semester suspension requirement.
Please note: Turning in the work of others as your own, turning in papers downloaded from the
Internet as your own, using more than three substantive words in order from an uncited source, and/or
using ideas or concepts borrowed from others without adequate citation will be considered plagiarism.
We reserve the right to review any student papers and assignments through plagiarism-review services
or software.
Important notice: Any student who, because of a disabling condition, may require some special
arrangements in order to meet the course requirements should contact the instructor as soon as possible
to arrange the necessary accommodations. Students should present appropriate verification from KSU
disAbled Student Support Services. No requirements exist that accommodations be made prior to
completion of this approved University process.