KENNESAW STATE UNIVERSITY
GRADUATE PROGRAM/CONCENTRATION PROPOSAL
FORM 02/25/04
PROGRAM OR CONCENTRATION NAME:__PhD in International Conflict Management_
DEPARTMENT:___College of Humanities and Social Sciences
_______________
PROPOSED EFFECTIVE DATE: ___Spring 2012____________________________________
Check One or More of the Following and Complete the Appropriate Sections
_____New Program Proposal**
__X__Change in Program/Concentration/Degree Requirements
_____New Concentration Proposal
Sections to be Completed
All
III – V
I – VII, XII
**A new course proposal is required for each new course that is part of the new program
Submitted by:
__Volker Franke_______________________________9/20/11____
Faculty Member
Date
_X_ Approved ___ Not Approved
______________________________________________________
Department Curriculum Committee
Date
_X_ Approved ___ Not Approved
______________________________________________________
Department Chair
Date
___ Approved ___ Not Approved
______________________________________________________
College Curriculum Committee
Date
___ Approved ___ Not Approved
______________________________________________________
College Dean
Date
___ Approved ___ Not Approved
______________________________________________________
GPCC Chair
Date
___ Approved ___ Not Approved
______________________________________________________
Dean, Graduate Collelge
Date
___ Approved ___ Not Approved
______________________________________________________
Vice President for Academic Affairs
Date
___ Approved ___ Not Approved
______________________________________________________
President
Date
UNIVERSITY SYSTEM OF GEORGIA
REVISION OF GRADUATE PROGRAM PROPOSAL
PhD Program in International Conflict Management
Kennesaw State University
September 20, 2011
Office of the Dean
College of Humanities and Social Sciences
Proposed Start Date: Spring 2012
CIP:______
Ph.D. in International Conflict Management
Program & Curricular Revision Proposal
9/20/2011
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I.
Program Description
N/A
II Objectives of the Program
N/A
Ph.D. in International Conflict Management
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III Justification for Program Revisions
After one year of running the program and getting to know the students and their prior
experiences, research interests, and career objectives, it has become necessary to adjust the
curriculum to better serve students’ needs. In addition, three new program faculty have been
hired, and the revised curriculum also reflects their specific expertise and research interests.
The proposed revisions have been made in order to more effectively fulfill the program’s vision,
“to become the leading applied doctorate program preparing scholar-practitioners for the
complex challenges of preventing, managing and transforming conflict,” attract the best students,
and prepare our graduates to compete effectively for tenure-track university faculty appointments
and a wide range of operational positions in government, non-governmental agencies and the
private sector.
The Core Seminars have been expanded from 3 to 4 courses. In addition to Theories and
Analysis of International Conflict Management (INCM 9001) and International Relations (INCM
9002), core required courses are proposed in the Economics of Conflict (INCM 9005) and
Intercultural Dynamics of International Conflict Management (INCM 9006). These courses
better reflect the core theoretical basis of international conflict management. Since one objective
of the curriculum revision is to provide ultimate flexibility for the students we want to minimize
the number of required courses. With that in mind, Essentials of International Negotiation
(originally INCM 9003, proposed INCM 9320) has been changed from a core course to an
elective course, as this is a more specialized topic.
A number of elective courses were added to the curriculum. As the PhD Program grows in size
and scope, more courses need to be created in order to cover all of the important topics of
interest for the students, as well as to capitalize on the research strengths of new and existing
program faculty.
Some of the new elective courses are worth 1 credit hour. The Program has begun teaching 1credit skills-based courses this year. Shorter, 1-credit courses (15-20 class hours) give students
the opportunity to learn specific skills and methods useful to the research and practice of
international conflict management. They allow students greater choice and enhance their ability
to tailor their coursework to fit their specific research interests and their topical foci. In addition,
offering such courses is unique in the field, helping the INCM Ph.D. stand out from competing
programs.
The International Experience requirement has been expanded to include options beyond an
internship. Relevant study abroad, international field work, international research projects, etc
have been added as alternative ways to complete the INCM 9700 course. All of the options allow
for valuable, significant international experience; in addition, the expansion both increases the
flexibility for Ph.D. students and broadens the program’s ability to tailor content to fit the needs
of students’ interests.
Ph.D. in International Conflict Management
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IV Procedures Used to Develop the Revisions
The PhD Program’s Curriculum Committee met on the following dates to discuss curriculum
changes and revisions:
 June 14, 2011
 August 31, 2011
 September 9, 2011
 September 16, 2011
In addition, program faculty met on July 19th, August 4th, and August 19th to discuss possible
changes and revisions to the program’s curriculum and methodology.
All revisions were approved by the PhD Program’s Curriculum Committee on September 16th.
Ph.D. in International Conflict Management
Program & Curricular Revision Proposal
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V Curriculum: Degree Program Requirements
Legend:
Highlighted text represents a change or addition to the previously approved curriculum
Crossed out text represents deletions from the previously approved curriculum
Red Text represent new INCM courses (see Course Proposal Forms)
Approved Curricular Focus:
Program Curricular Focus
The Ph.D. program will have one curricular focus, International Conflict Management, with
related areas in which students can choose a topical and/or regional specialization. Students will
ideally select their specialization during the second semester in the program (e.g. international
conflict related to environmental, human rights, or security issues). There will be a designated
faculty field coordinator for each specialization.
At the debut of the program, we will capitalize on KSU’s existing nationally and internationally
recognized M.S. program in Conflict Management, introducing the Ph. D. program as an
opportunity for greater specialization in this field. The program offers students an opportunity to
examine the current theory, research, and practice in the field of conflict management as well as
its relationship to international relations and international negotiations. The emphasis in these
areas makes up the three core courses in the program, followed by research methods and a
required international internship. The total required hours are 34-39 as follows: three core
seminars plus an internship, four or five methods courses depending on the approach the
dissertation will follow, and four courses in area studies (regional and topical) related to the
student’s research. The student must then choose 31 hours of electives for a total of 60 credits
not counting dissertation hours, which total another 15 hours. Electives include courses focused
on critical issues in conflict management: methods of reconciliation; human rights; integrative
vs. distributive bargaining; modes of cooperation and harmony; the role of the media in the
development of conflict; project management; the role of identity, race, and ethnicity; crosscultural work in resolution strategies; the role of third parties and international organizations; the
rule of law; and conflict prevention, and reconstruction.
Proposed Revision of Curricular Focus:
Program Curricular Focus
The PhD program has one curricular focus: International Conflict Management. However,
depending on their career objectives, students are strongly encouraged to develop a disciplinary
or topical focus. The interdisciplinary nature of the program in combination with its focus on
rigorous methodological training and praxis-relevance provides an ideal basis for allowing
students to tailor the curriculum to meet their unique research interests and career objectives. As
such, the program offers students an opportunity to examine current theories, research, and
practice in conflict resolution/management, international relations, intercultural dynamics of
international conflict management, and economics of conflict. The emphasis in these areas
Ph.D. in International Conflict Management
Program & Curricular Revision Proposal
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makes up the four core courses in the program. The total required hours are 29: four core
seminars (12 credit hours), four methods courses (12 credit hours), the Faculty Research and
Dissertation Proposal colloquia (1 credit hour each), and an international experience (with a
minimum of 3 credit hours). In addition, students must complete 31 credit hours of electives
(including a maximum of allowable 24 program transfer credits) for a total of 60 credits not
counting dissertation hours, which total another 15 hours.
Students are required to spend a minimum of three semesters, completed during the academic
year, in residence at KSU – with the ability to spend a semester at one of the program’s approved
partner institutions with the approval of the program director – before they can take their
comprehensive exam. Students are eligible to transfer a maximum of 24 graduate credit hours
completed previously in an accredited graduate program at another institution into the program
towards their required 60 total credit hours.
Current, Approved Catalog Description:
International Conflict Management, Ph.D.
Contact: Dr. Volker Franke, Interim Program Director
Office: Social Sciences Building 22, Suite 5010, MD# 2201
Phone: (678) 797-2931 or (770) 423-6124
Email: vfranke@kennesaw.edu
Web address: http://phd.hss.kennesaw.edu
International Conflict Management Ph.D Program Description
This interdisciplinary in-residence program is designed to meet the global demand for scholarpractitioners to address the complex array of international conflict and security challenges.
Following rigorous substantive and methodological preparation, applied experience in the field,
college-level teaching experience, competency in a foreign language, and the successful
completion of their dissertation research, program graduates will be ready to compete for tenuretrack university faculty appointments and a wide range of operational positions in government,
non-governmental agencies and the private sector including the global business community.
General Requirements for Admission to the Ph.D. Program
Applicants are required to submit portfolios of documents as evidence of their qualifications.
Qualified applicants are recommended for admission based on the International Conflict
Management (INCM) Program Admissions Committee evaluation of the submitted materials.
The MA/MS degree in a related discipline is highly recommended as the basic requirement. In
exceptional cases, a BA/BS degree in the field may be considered. Evidence of relevant full-time
work experience or international experience is strongly recommended, but not required.
To be considered for admission to the INCM Ph.D. program, the following application materials
must be submitted by applicants electronically through the KSU Graduate Credit hoursool [SIC]
Online Application at http://www.kennesaw.edu/graduate/admissions/application.html
(documents can be uploaded):
Ph.D. in International Conflict Management
Program & Curricular Revision Proposal
9/20/2011
Page 7 of 28
1. Application Fee. Non-refundable $60.
2. Applicants can apply for Financial Aid and Assistantships which are awarded upon
review by the Program Admissions Committee. KSU Assistantships provide a stipend
and cover both in-state and out-of-state tuition, however student fees will still remain the
responsibility of the student. KSU Financial Aid options are available at
http://www.kennesaw.edu/financial_aid/.
3. Resume or CV, showing the chronological progression of educational and work
experiences including any additional information relevant to support the application.
4. Statement of Intent describing the applicant’s interest in the study of international conflict
management and any relevant experiences and an outline of how the Ph.D. program
could further those interests.
5. Writing Sample demonstrating writing and analytical abilities related to higher education
or professional experience. This writing sample is preferred in English, however will be
accepted in another language accompanied by an English translation. There are no length
requirements, however longer samples (e.g., a senior or master’s thesis) should be
accompanied by an abstract or executive summary.
6. Letters of Recommendation from three references, at least two of which describing [SIC]
the applicant’s qualifications, motivation and prospects for success in the program. The
references will be sent an email with a link to a reference form to be completed
electronically.
7. Transcripts from all post-secondary educational institutions. Although unofficial
transcripts may be uploaded online, applicants still need to submit official transcripts.
Transcripts from foreign institutions must be accompanied by an official evaluation.
Transcripts may be evaluated at any of the credentialed evaluation services listed at
www.naces.org/members.htm. Evaluations must include a course-by-course listing and a
calculation of the applicant’s GPA.
8. Official GRE scores from within the last five years.
9. TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) or IELTS (International English
Language Testing System) scores for all applicants who are not native speakers of
English (www.ets.org/toefl/ (minimum score of 88) or the IELTS www.ielts.org/
(minimum score of 6.5)), unless: they come from exempt countries; have graduated from
a college or university in the United States accredited in a manner accepted by KSU; or
who have studied successfully for at least one year at a university in which English was
the medium of instruction.
Transfer Credit
A maximum of twelve graduate transfer credits can be accepted from accredited graduate
programs at KSU or other universities, pending approval by the Program Admissions
Committee.
Ph.D. in International Conflict Management
Program & Curricular Revision Proposal
9/20/2011
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Program Structure and Degree Requirements
Completion of the INCM Ph.D. requires 60 semester hours of doctoral coursework - including an
international field experience - proficiency in a foreign language (no degree credit) and 15
semester hours of dissertation research, writing, and defense. In addition, program completion
requirements include a qualifying exam, comprehensive exam, dissertation proposal approval,
and dissertation defense. The program provides students maximum flexibility to tailor their
education to topical and regional interests and the demands of the global job market. Students
will ideally select a specialization during the second semester in the program (e.g., international
conflict related to environmental, human rights, development, or security issues, etc.).
Degree Completion
Students will be allowed to graduate when all degree requirements have been fulfilled.
Proposed Revision of Catalog Description:
International Conflict Management, Ph.D.
Contact: Dr. Volker Franke, Interim Program Director
Office: Social Sciences Building 22, Suite 5010, MD# 2201
Phone: (678) 797-2931 or (770) 423-6124
Email: vfranke@kennesaw.edu
Web address: http://phd.hss.kennesaw.edu
International Conflict Management Ph.D Program Description
This interdisciplinary in-residence program is designed to meet the global demand for scholarpractitioners to address the complex array of international conflict and security challenges.
Following rigorous substantive and methodological preparation, applied experience in the field,
college-level teaching experience, competency in a foreign language, and the successful
completion of their dissertation research, program graduates will be ready to compete for tenuretrack university faculty appointments and a wide range of operational positions in government,
non-governmental agencies and the private sector including the global business community.
General Requirements for Admission to the Ph.D. Program
Applicants are required to submit portfolios of documents as evidence of their qualifications.
Qualified applicants are recommended for admission based on the International Conflict
Management (INCM) Program Admissions Committee evaluation of the submitted materials.
The MA/MS degree in a related discipline is highly recommended as the basic requirement. In
exceptional cases, a BA/BS degree in the field may be considered. Evidence of relevant full-time
work experience or international experience is strongly recommended, but not required.
To be considered for admission to the INCM Ph.D. program, the following application materials
must be submitted by applicants electronically through the KSU Graduate Admissions Office via
the Online Application at http://www.kennesaw.edu/graduate/admissions/application.html
(documents can be uploaded):
1. Application Fee. Non-refundable $60.
Ph.D. in International Conflict Management
Program & Curricular Revision Proposal
9/20/2011
Page 9 of 28
2. Applicants can apply for Financial Aid and Assistantships which are awarded upon
review by the Program Admissions Committee. KSU Assistantships provide a stipend
and cover both in-state and out-of-state tuition, however student fees will still remain the
responsibility of the student. KSU Financial Aid options are available at
http://www.kennesaw.edu/financial_aid/.
3. Resume or CV, showing the chronological progression of educational and work
experiences including any additional information relevant to support the application.
4. Statement of Intent describing the applicant’s interest in the study of international conflict
management and any relevant experiences and an outline of how the Ph.D. program
could further those interests.
5. Writing Sample demonstrating writing and analytical abilities related to higher education
or professional experience. This writing sample is preferred in English, however will be
accepted in another language accompanied by an English translation. There are no length
requirements, however longer samples (e.g., a senior or master’s thesis) should be
accompanied by an abstract or executive summary.
6. Letters of Recommendation from three references, at least two of which describe the
applicant’s qualifications, motivation and prospects for success in the program. The
references will be sent an email with a link to a reference form to be completed
electronically.
7. Transcripts from all post-secondary educational institutions. Although unofficial
transcripts may be uploaded online, applicants still need to submit official transcripts.
Transcripts from foreign institutions must be accompanied by an official evaluation.
Transcripts may be evaluated at any of the credentialed evaluation services listed at
www.naces.org/members.htm. Evaluations must include a course-by-course listing and a
calculation of the applicant’s GPA.
8. Official GRE scores from within the last five years.
9. TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) or IELTS (International English
Language Testing System) scores for all applicants who are not native speakers of
English (www.ets.org/toefl/ (minimum score of 88) or the IELTS www.ielts.org/
(minimum score of 6.5)), unless: they come from exempt countries; have graduated from
a college or university in the United States accredited in a manner accepted by KSU; or
who have studied successfully for at least one year at a university in which English was
the medium of instruction.
Transfer Credit
Students are eligible to transfer a maximum of 24 graduate credit hours completed previously in
an accredited graduate program at another institution into the program towards their required 60
total credit hours.
Ph.D. in International Conflict Management
Program & Curricular Revision Proposal
9/20/2011
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Program Structure and Degree Requirements
Completion of the INCM Ph.D. requires 60 semester hours of doctoral coursework - including an
international field experience - proficiency in a foreign language (no degree credit) and 15
semester hours of dissertation research, writing, and defense. In addition, program completion
requirements include a portfolio review, comprehensive exam, dissertation proposal approval,
and dissertation defense. The program provides students maximum flexibility to tailor their
education to topical and regional interests and the demands of the global job market. Depending
on their career objectives, students are strongly encouraged to develop a specific disciplinary or
topical focus. The program provides students maximum flexibility to tailor their education to
topical and regional interests and the demands of the global job market. Students will ideally
select a specialization during the second semester in the program (e.g., international conflict
related to environmental, human rights, development, or security issues, etc.).
Degree Completion
Students will be allowed to graduate when all degree requirements have been fulfilled.
Program Admission Requirements:
Unchanged
Course Offering Schedule and Plan-of-Study
Current, Approved Course Offerings:
Core Seminars (9 hours)

INCM 9001 - Theories and Analysis in International Conflict Management

INCM 9002 - International Relations: Theory, System, and Practice

INCM 9003 - Essentials of International Negotiation: Theory and Practice
Core Research Method Requirements (9 hours)

INCM 9101 - Fundamentals of Research Design

INCM 9102 - Quantitative Methods

INCM 9103 - Qualitative Methods
Electives (3-4 hours)

INCM 9210 - Advanced Quantitative Methods

INCM 9230 - Advanced Qualitative Methods
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
INCM 9250 - International Program and Management Evaluation

INCM 9290 - Special Topics in Research Methods
Required Dissertation Proposal Seminar (1 hour)

INCM 9600 - Dissertation Proposal Seminar
Program Curricular Electives (21-24 hours)

INCM 9310 - Intercultural Dynamics in International Conflict Management

INCM 9330 - Foundations and Issues in International Political Economy

INCM 9350 - Peacebuilding, Peacekeeping, and Reconciliation

INCM 9370 - International Project Management

INCM 9410 - Comparative Conflict Management Policies of International Organizations

INCM 9430 - Post-Agreement Reconstruction

INCM 9450 - Current Conflicts
Internship (required) (3 hours)

INCM 9700 - Internship with International Organization
Related Studies and International Experience Requirements (10 hours minimum)

INCM 9004 - Faculty Research Colloquium

INCM 9510 - Related Study of a Selected Regional Area

INCM 9530 - Related Study of a Selected Topical Area

INCM 9550 - Related Course Directed Study
Dissertation Research

INCM 9900 - Ph.D. Dissertation Research
Program Total (75 hours)
Proposed Revision of Approved Course Offerings:
Core Seminars (12 hours)

INCM 9001 - Theories and Analysis in International Conflict Management
Ph.D. in International Conflict Management
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
INCM 9002 - International Relations: Theory, System, and Practice

INCM 9003 - Essentials of International Negotiation: Theory and Practice

INCM 9005 – Economics of Conflict

INCM 9006 - Intercultural Dynamics in International Conflict Management
Core Research Method Requirements (9 hours)

INCM 9101 - Fundamentals of Research Design

INCM 9102 - Quantitative Methods

INCM 9103 - Qualitative Methods
Research Method Electives (3 hours)

INCM 9210 - Advanced Quantitative Methods

INCM 9230 - Advanced Qualitative Methods

INCM 9250 - International Program and Management Evaluation

INCM 9290 - Special Topics in Research Methods
Faculty Research & Dissertation Colloquia (2 hours) Required Dissertation Proposal
Seminar (1 hour)

INCM 9004 - Faculty Research Colloquium (1 hour)

INCM 9600 - Dissertation Proposal Colloquium (1 hour)
Program Curricular Electives (31 hours)

INCM 9310 - Intercultural Dynamics in International Conflict Management

INCM 9320 - Essentials of International Negotiation: Theory and Practice

INCM 9330 - Foundations and Issues in International Political Economy

INCM 9340 - Transnational Civil Society and Conflict

INCM 9350 - Peacebuilding, Peacekeeping, and Reconciliation

INCM 9360 - Gender and Security
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
INCM 9370 - International Project Management

INCM 9380 - Sustainable Development

INCM 9390 - International Policy Analysis

INCM 9410 - Comparative Conflict Management Policies of International Organizations

INCM 9430 - Post-Agreement Reconstruction

INCM 9450 - Current Conflicts

INCM 9451 - Conflicts in Africa

INCM 9510 - Related Study of a Selected Regional Area

INCM 9530 - Related Study of a Selected Topical Area

INCM 9550 - Related Course Directed Study

INCM 9601 - Case Writing/Case Teaching (1 credit)

INCM 9602 - Peacebuilding Assessment (1 credit)

INCM 9603 - Essentials of Mediation (1 credit)

INCM 9604 - Non-Violent Resistance (1 credit)

INCM 9605 - College and University Teaching (CETL) (1 credit)

INCM 9606 - Security System Reform (SSR) (1 credit)

INCM 9607 - Strategy Development (1 credit)

INCM 9608 - Election and Electoral System Design (1 credit)
International Experience Internship (required) (3 hours)

INCM 9700 - International Experience Internship with International Organization
Related Studies and International Experience Requirements (10 hours minimum)

INCM 9004 - Faculty Research Colloquium

INCM 9510 - Related Study of a Selected Regional Area

INCM 9530 - Related Study of a Selected Topical Area

INCM 9550 - Related Course Directed Study
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Dissertation Research (15 hours)

INCM 9900 - Ph.D. Dissertation Research
Program Total (75 hours)
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Growth and Flexibility
Unchanged
Course Descriptions
Core Seminars
Current, approved Core Seminar Description:
The core seminars in the International Conflict Management Ph.D. program provide the
theoretical and conceptual foundations for the degree and will help students understand the
current era, one marked by the intensification of globalization, the impact of technology, and
deepening interconnection of people and institutions. Theories and Analysis in International
Conflict, International Relations: Theory, Systems and Practice, and Essentials of
International Negotiations will provide students with a thorough grounding in the fundamental
concepts of the contemporary study of international conflict and resolution. The ethical and
cultural foundations necessary for advanced research and practical application in related areas
of international conflict will be embedded in all of the core coursework. These three seminars
will be taught annually with entering students completing them in their first year.
Proposed Revision of Core Seminar Description:
The core seminars provide the theoretical and conceptual foundations for the degree. The four
core seminars Theories and Analysis in International Conflict (INCM 9001), International
Relations: Theory, Systems and Practice (INCM 9002), Intercultural Dynamics of
International Conflict Management (INCM 9006), and Economics of Conflict (INCM 9005)
provide students with a thorough grounding in the fundamental concepts of the contemporary
study of international conflict and resolution. The ethical and cultural foundations necessary
for advanced research and practical application in related areas of international conflict are
embedded in all of the core coursework. The required one-credit Faculty Research
Colloquium (INCM 9004), taught in the first semester, is designed to introduce students to
program faculty and expose them to ongoing conflict management related research at KSU;
the Dissertation Proposal Colloquium (INCM 9600) serves as a forum for students who are
near completion of their coursework to develop a draft of their dissertation proposal. The four
core seminars and the Faculty Research Colloquium are taught annually with entering
students completing them in their first year.
INCM 9001: Theories and Analysis in International Conflict Management (Required)
Prerequisites: Admission to the PhD Program
This course focuses on the theories and research in the international arena through which to
analyze conflicts. These include, but are not limited to, culture, gender, economics, ethnicity,
race, history, geography, resources, and religion. Students examine the emergence of the Conflict
Management field, as well as the historical perspectives and current theories in the field of
Conflict Management. This course provides an overview of the terminology of the field as well
as various perspectives for studying the continuum of war and peace making. Students will
examine the paradigms and worldviews through which parties view conflict and consider the
Ph.D. in International Conflict Management
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possible outcomes based on those paradigms and evaluate Conflict Management methodologies
for conducting research based on various paradigms, worldviews, and conflict situations.
Students will have the opportunity to select an area of particular interest and examine current
research and practices in that realm.
INCM 9002: International Relations: Theory, Systems, and Practice (Required)
Prerequisites: Admission to the PhD Program
This course examines the major concepts, theoretical approaches, and dilemmas inherent to the
study of international relations. In particular the course seeks to provide the basis for better
understanding globalization and its consequence within the context of various policy sub-areas
such as trade, human rights, migration, cross-border issues, and security. It also examines
evolving attitudes toward the role of the state and sovereignty within a rapidly globalizing
environment. What role does the international system have in shaping the global economy and
ensuing interactions among states, transnational actors, and civil society? This seminar will focus
on power, strategic bargaining, security, and other influences on international conflict
management in order to answer this question.
INCM 9004: Faculty Research Colloquium -1 credit (Required):
Prerequisites: Admission to the PhD Program
This course serves to better familiarize the students with the research interests of the faculty
available to them as major professors and faculty mentors. Students enroll in the Faculty
Research Colloquium during their first semester to get to know faculty available for mentoring,
learn about their backgrounds and research interests, and begin to develop ideas for studentfaculty collaborative research projects. The Faculty Research Colloquium should assist students
in identifying major professors early on in the program.
INCM 9005: Economics of Conflict (Required)
Prerequisites: INCM 9001 or INCM 9002
This course examines the links between economics as a social science and the study of conflicts.
Topics covered include: how real world conflicts have shaped economic paradigms, how real
world economics has spurred or reduced conflict, and how economic methodology can help to
understand conflict dynamics.
INCM 90069310: Intercultural Dynamics in International Conflict Management (Required)
Prerequisites: Admission to the PhD Program
This course examines the intercultural dynamics that influence the formation, implementation
and evaluation of international conflict management. This course focuses on cultural and identity
formation; intercultural communication, negotiation, and dialogue; and the theories that inform
this area of scholarship.
INCM 9600: Dissertation Proposal Seminar Colloquium -1 credit (Required):
Prerequisite: Approval of the advisor by the Instructor and Program Director
This course will guide students through the process of turning research questions they would like
to explore in their dissertation into a preliminary draft of a dissertation research prospectus. In
addition, students will critique and help to improve each other’s proposals and have the
opportunity to build dissertation support networks.
Ph.D. in International Conflict Management
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INCM 9900: PhD Dissertation Research - 1-9 credits, repeatable (Required):
Prerequisite: PhD Candidacy. INCM 9600 and INCM 9700, successful completion of
comprehensive exams. Student’s dissertation proposal must be approved before registering for
INCM 9900.
This course includes dissertation writing under the direction of the major professor (dissertation
advisor). Non-traditional format: Independent research and preparation of the doctoral
dissertation.
Core Research Methods Requirements
Current, Approved Core Research Methods Description:
Preparation in research methods will be a core component of the Ph.D. in International
Conflict Management. The program will require four to five courses in quantitative methods,
qualitative methods, research design, and international program and policy analysis and
evaluation. Graduates will be expected to read and understand a diverse set of literature and
to apply appropriate methodological approaches to conflict-related global issues. Thus, they
will be able to address problems from a sophisticated base of substantive and methodological
approaches. To ensure proficiency in research methods, each student must earn at least a B in
all required methodology coursework. The final core requirement course will be a dissertation
proposal preparation seminar. Students will complete the methods core by the end of the
second year.
Proposed Revision of Core Research Methods Description:
Preparation in research methods will be a core component of the PhD in International Conflict
Management. The program requires a minimum of four courses: Fundamentals of Research
Design (INCM 9101), Quantitative Methods (INCM 9102), Qualitative Methods (INCM
9103), and a minimum of three additional credit hours in advanced methods. This requirement
may be fulfilled by completion of one three-credit hour course (e.g., Advanced Quantitative
(INCM 9210) or Advanced Qualitative Methods (INCM 9230)) or any combination of three
one-credit hour research methods course options. Graduates will be expected to read and
understand a diverse set of literature and to apply appropriate methodological approaches to
conflict-related global issues. Thus, they will be able to address problems from a sophisticated
base of substantive and methodological approaches. To ensure proficiency in research
methods, each student must earn at least a B in all required methodology coursework.
Students will complete the methods core by the end of the second year.
INCM 9101: Fundamentals of Research Design (Required)
Prerequisites: Admission to the PhD Program
This course will focus on the fundamentals of scientific inquiry in areas of conflict including
ethics of research, integrating cultural sensitivity in all stages of the research process,
conceptualization and operationalization of research questions, data collection techniques, an
introduction to qualitative and quantitative methods and measurement, a discussion of program
evaluation research, and research proposal development.
INCM 9102: Quantitative Methods (Required)
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Prerequisites: Admission to the PhD Program INCM 9101
This course will focus on quantitative techniques including descriptive and inferential statistical
analyses such as regression, correlation, hypothesis testing, analysis of variance, and sampling
techniques. Students will apply these techniques using statistical software packages.
INCM 9103: Qualitative Methods (Required)
Prerequisites: Admission to the PhD Program INCM 9101
This course will focus on qualitative techniques including case study, participant observation,
discourse analysis, in-depth interview, and sampling techniques. Students will apply these
techniques using statistical software packages.
Each student must complete three additional credits of methodology coursework relevant to their
intended dissertation research. These additional advanced methodology credits may either be
completed through a semester-long 3-credit hour course or a combination of three one-credit
hour methodological skills courses (specific one-credit methodological skills courses to be
developed):
INCM 9210: Advanced Quantitative Methods (Elective)
Prerequisite: INCM 9102
This course will focus on the development of applied quantitative research skills using statistical
analysis software packages. Topics to be covered include structural equation modeling, path
analysis, dummy-dependent variable estimation, non-linear regression, time-series analysis, and
panel data. This course focuses on the development of applied quantitative research skills using
statistical analysis software packages. Topics covered include: structural equation modeling, path
analysis, dummy-dependent variable estimation, non-linear regression, time-series analysis, and
panel data.
INCM 9230: Advanced Qualitative Methods. (Elective)
Prerequisite: INCM 9103
This course will include advanced topics beyond those covered in INCM: Qualitative Methods
such as phenomenology, grounded theory, and content analysis. The lab component will involve
projects interpreting and applying these techniques using software for qualitative analysis (e.g.
NVIVO8) and/or practical field experience.
INCM 9250: International Program and Management Evaluation. (Elective)
Prerequisite: INCM 9101, 9102, 9103
This course will focus on developing skills and knowledge for program analysis including causal
effects of interventions and outcomes, instrument evaluation in international conflict
management areas, cost effectiveness and cost-benefit analysis, quality control, risk assessment,
and impact analysis.
INCM 9290: Special Topics in Research Methods (Elective)
Prerequisite: Approval of the Instructor INCM 9102, 9103
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This course covers topics in research methods that are of special interest to students, including
survey design, geographic information system and spatial analysis, model building simulations,
and interview design and implementation
One-credit topics in research skills (Elective)
Prerequisite: INCM 9101 and instructor’s consent
Course Listing (1 credit each) Descriptions and syllabi to be developed:
 INCM 9261: Survey Design
 INCM 9262: Interview Design and Implementation
 INCM 9263: Logistic Regression
 INCM 9264: Path and Factor Analysis
 INCM 9266: Advanced Ethnographic Methods
 INCM 9267: Feminist Methods of ICM
 INCM 9268: Geographic Information System and Spatial Analysis
 INCM 9298: Special Topics in ICM Methodology
 INCM 9699: Directed Studies in ICM Methodology
Electives (3 credits each course):
Each of the elective courses will be offered on a rotating basis of two to three years.
INCM 9320 9003: Essentials of International Negotiation: Theory and Practice (Elective)
Prerequisites: Admission to the PhD Program INCM 9001 or INCM 9002
This course covers the theory and practice of international negotiation. It examines the practice
of negotiation in actual international settings. Students will study historical negotiation processes
through the use of archival material. The cross-cultural aspects of negotiation, the differences in
worldview, and the ethical dimensions of the work are of particular importance to this body of
knowledge. Active simulations where dialogue and deliberation can be practiced will be the
hands-on part of the class work. The course contains a practicum in which a student can work on
a practical project of her/his own choosing.
INCM 9330: Foundations and Issues in International Political Economy (Elective)
Prerequisites: Admission to the PhD Program INCM 9001 or INCM 9002
This seminar introduces students to the structure, institutions, and issues in international political
economy. Particular attention is paid to global forces influencing trade and finance relations,
distributive justice, and international agreements.
INCM 9340: Transnational Civil Society and Conflict (Elective)
Prerequisites: INCM 9001 or INCM 9002
This course familiarizes students with the theory and operation of transnational civil
society (TCS). It introduces key theories of civil society campaign formation and
influence, as well as questions about TCS legitimacy, representativeness, and agency.
Students then apply these theories and address these questions by examining the impact
of international civil society on national politics in fragile, conflict, and post-conflict
states.
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INCM 9350: Peacebuilding, Peacekeeping, and Reconciliation (Elective)
Prerequisites: INCM 9001, INCM 9002, & INCM 9003 INCM 9001 or INCM 9002
This course provides an opportunity for the student to choose a historical conflict of particular
interest to him/her and examine the case in-depth, as well as develop the methodological tools to
analyze the case. The policies and logistics related to the various models of peacebuilding and
peacekeeping, both civil and military, are studied along with the examination of both internal and
external forces that drove the conflict. Various case studies, among others, could be examined
based on the interest of and experience by the student: Northern Ireland, Colombia, Sudan,
South Africa, Nicaragua, or Rwanda. Models and historical examples of forms of reconciliation
and harmony building are studied based on the historical perspective of each one. The students
will conclude with an analysis of comparative goals, strategies, assumptions, and possible
outcomes among the three approaches to peace.
INCM 9360: Gender, Conflict and Security (Elective) [syllabus and course proposal TBD]
Prerequisites: INCM 9001 or INCM 9002
Gender relations, long ignored as an important aspect of conflict situations, have been
acknowledged as a key factor shaping international conflicts. The obvious connection between
gender and conflict is that they both entail subtle and intricate workings of power relationships
that underlie our everyday. They influence each other in culturally specific ways in association
with race, ethnicity, nationality, citizenship, sexuality and class. Decoding such intersections
between gender and societal aspects of identity and power is crucial for understanding,
comprehending and managing conflicts. Gender constructions guide the ways in which conflicts
unfold. Conflicts construct, confirm and change notions of gender. This interdisciplinary seminar
will be an exciting platform to highlight innovative debates and theoretical approaches to issues
of gender, conflict and security. It will also introduce students to the state of the art research in
the above field.
INCM 9370: International Project Management (Elective)
Prerequisites: INCM 9001, INCM 9002, & INCM 9003 INCM 9001 or INCM 9002
This course provides an opportunity for the student to obtain the fundamental skills related to
international project management. Included in this skill set are examinations of working in crosscultural contexts, working with diverse groups, and conflicts within and among international
organizations. A substantial amount of time in this class is spent on developing the skills of grant
writing, fundraising, project identification, design, monitoring, implementation techniques and
evaluation research. This practicum-like team experience allows the students to envision an
international project, and write a grant that could support and provide for an evaluation of the
project.
INCM 9380: Sustainable Development (Elective)
Prerequisites: INCM 9001 or INCM 9002
This interdisciplinary course introduces students to major philosophical debates and policy
interventions in the field of development and sustainability. It raises questions about the political
& cultural assumptions undergirding conventional ways of thinking about development,
production, distribution, consumption and conflict. Through case studies and policy critiques
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students also learn the pros and cons of particular methodologies of studying and practicing
sustainable development in peace time and during conflict.
INCM 9390: International Policy Analysis (Elective) (cross-listed with PAD)
Prerequisites: INCM 9001 or INCM 9002
[course description, syllabus and course proposal TBD]
INCM 9430: Post-Agreement Reconstruction (Elective)
Prerequisites: INCM 9001, INCM 9002, & INCM 9003 INCM 9001 or INCM 9002
This course examines emerging research on the impact of peace agreements on the conflict
process. Of particular interest will be the role for development economics, including programs to
alleviate poverty like micro-credit, as well as the corruption of prospects for sustaining the
ceasefire and building peace. External and internal influences are studied, such as donor fatigue,
media attention, civic education, and the reintegration of participants of the conflict into civil
society. Students will compare conflict mitigation processes and assess their effectiveness for the
context in which they were utilized.
INCM 9451: Conflicts in Africa (Elective)
Prerequisites: INCM 9001 or INCM 9002
This course investigates the origins, causes, resolution, and consequences of conflicts in
contemporary Africa in light of their postcolonial contexts. Among others, it examines
ethnic/clan, religious, political, and environmental conflict factors, demographic pressures on
land and natural resources, discusses strategies for conflict resolution and post-conflict
reconciliation and reconstruction, and evaluates the role of pan-continental and regional
organizations, the United Nations and its agencies, Western powers and emerging Asian powers
(especially China) in African conflicts.
INCM 9452: Conflicts in the Middle East (Elective) [syllabus and course proposal TBD]
Prerequisites: INCM 9001 or INCM 9002
This course will survey conflict trends in the Middle East. Topics to be covered include: the
social, economic, and political legacy of colonialism, the Palestinian-Israeli conflict, intra-Arab
conflict, religion as a source of conflict, conflict in rentier states, climate change as threat to
peace and stability, and the nature of authoritarianism.
INCM 9453: Conflicts in Asia (Elective) [course description, syllabus and course proposal TBD]
Prerequisites: INCM 9001 or INCM 9002
INCM 9454: Conflicts in the Americas (Elective) [course description, syllabus and course
proposal TBD]
Prerequisites: INCM 9001 or INCM 9002
INCM 9455: Conflicts in Europe (Elective) [course description, syllabus and course proposal
TBD]
Prerequisites: INCM 9001 or INCM 9002
Related Studies and International Experience Requirements
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Current, Approved Related Studies Description:
The purpose of the Related Studies requirement is to establish a solid, individualized
foundation for future research, beginning with the candidate’s dissertation. Students must
complete courses in Related Studies (on a theme or topic of their own choosing) consisting of
a minimum of 10 credit hours. Students are expected to take the following:
Proposed Revision of Related Studies Description:
The purpose of the Related Studies requirement is to establish a solid, individualized
foundation for future research, beginning with the candidate’s dissertation. Students must
complete courses in Related Studies (in the form of individualized directed studies on a theme
or topic of their own choosing). Students can choose to take courses from among the
following:
 INCM 9510: Related Study of a Selected Regional Area (Elective)
Prerequisites: Admission to the PhD Program INCM 9001 or INCM 9002
This course focuses on issues, events, trends or developments important to a specific
geographic region of the world (e.g., North America, Middle America (including
Caribbean), South America, Europe, Russian Realm, North Africa and the Middle East,
Sub-Saharan Africa, East Asia, South Asia, Southeast Asia, or Pacific Realm) and may
be taught from any or any combination of disciplines (anthropology, communication,
economics, geography, history, literature, political science, etc.).
 INCM 9530: Related Study of a Selected Topical Area (Elective)
Prerequisites: Admission to the PhD Program INCM 9001 or INCM 9002
This course assists the student in acquiring specialized topical knowledge with relevance
for their dissertation. Suggested Topical Courses may be in fields such as: Economics,
Environmental Studies, Gender, Global Communication, International Development,
Peace Studies, Public Health, or Religion.
 INCM 9550: Related Course Directed Study (Required)
Prerequisites: Admission to the PhD Program INCM 9001 or INCM 9002
Students are expected to take an additional three credit hours in related study
coursework, choosing from a pool of courses (available electives, cross-listed courses,
directed study, transfer courses) selected in agreement with the instructor of record.
Some students may choose to fulfill the program requirement for international experience (i.e.,
study abroad) through the Related Studies component of their course work. Students, in
conjunction with their advisor or program director, will determine course selections in the area of
Related Studies.
One-credit hour skills-based courses:
To ensure curricular flexibility while upholding programmatic rigor, the INCM program will
offer a series of specialized one-credit hour courses (equivalent to 15-20 classroom contact
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hours). Apart from offering greater flexibility, one-credit hour courses also provide an
opportunity for trying out new topics and recruiting additional faculty to teach in the program. In
addition to the faculty research and dissertation colloquia and the methods courses outlined
above, these courses include:
INCM 9601: Case Writing and Case Teaching (Elective)
Prerequisites: Admission to the PhD Program
In this course, students are introduced to the case study methodology and learn how to design
and use case studies effectively in their professional environments. Students develop their own
idea for a case study on a topic of particular interest to them. The study includes a target
audience, a compelling story, one or more identifiable case/policy decision dilemmas, teaching
notes, and some ideas about the policy implications of the dilemmas presented in their case.
INCM 9602: Peacebuilding Assessment (Elective)
Prerequisites: INCM 9001 or INCM 9002
In this course students apply conflict management skills to the analysis of complex emergencies
and international conflict using examples from the field of peacebuilding and post-conflict
reconstruction. Through classroom discussion, exercises and role play, students develop policy
recommendations and design and plan strategies for conflict prevention and/or intervention.
INCM 9603: Essentials of Mediation (Elective)
Prerequisites: Admission to the PhD Program
This course emphasizes listening, facilitation, and collaborative problem-solving skills within a
third-party process of conflict intervention. As a future-oriented process of dialogue and
negotiation, mediation is appropriate for many, but not all, disputes; this course concludes with a
focus on the ethical dimensions of mediation practice. The fundamental skills and processes of
mediation are valuable to any professional who regularly works with organizational colleagues
or international counterparts.
INCM 9604: Non-violent Resistance (Elective)
Prerequisites: Admission to the PhD Program
This course explores the theory and practice of nonviolence. It provides an overview of the
different approaches to nonviolence found in the literature (pragmatic vs. principled) and the
theoretical concepts underlying the strategies and tactics used by scholars and nonviolent
activists, drawing particularly on Robert Helvey and Gene Sharp. In addition to the theoretical
component, the course provides some practical nonviolent skills, including sessions on
nonviolent communication and other active learning exercises exploring the challenges of
practicing nonviolence in conflict situations.
INCM 9605: College and University Teaching (CETL) (Elective)
Prerequisites: Admission to the PhD Program
This course introduces students to effective pedagogical skills and is designed to prepare future
faculty for their duties. Topics include understanding how students learn, creating active learning
environments, using formative and summative assessments, grading, handling problematic
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student behavior, responding to student diversity, designing courses and syllabi, and creating
teaching philosophies.
INCM 9606: Security System Reform (SSR) (Elective)
Prerequisites: INCM 9001 or INCM 9002
The success of post-conflict peace-building depends heavily upon reform of the security system
(SSR), which includes security and civilian actors. This course addresses the fundamental issues
in SSR, its effects, and its problems and covers a variety of topics ranging from the security
system, the security-development nexus and effects of deficiencies of the security sector on
underdevelopment and violence, principles and conceptual reference points in SSR, aspects of
political implementation in SSR, and international donors.
INCM 9607: Strategy Development (Elective)
Prerequisites: Admission to the PhD Program
This course examines the central concepts of strategy, strategy development and formulation,
and their potential applications in the field of International Conflict Management. The course
explores the process of strategy development and especially the construction of a strategic plan,
and then applies that process to cases of particular interest to students.
INCM 9608: Elections and Electoral System Design (Elective)
Prerequisites: Admission to the PhD Program
In this course students are exposed to the variety of electoral systems, the process of electoral
system design and the main statistical tools for evaluating the impact of electoral system design
on society. The coursework involves readings, seminar discussion and lab assignments.
Discussions take place both in-class and on-line to maximize participation. Students learn to
participate in design, monitoring and evaluation of electoral processes.
INCM 9609: Disarmament, Demobilization and Reintegration (DD&R) (Elective) [syllabus and
course proposal TBD]
Prerequisites: Admission to the PhD Program
DD&R is one of the major tools for establishing post-conflict peace. But does it work? This
course serves as an introduction to DD&R, and examines the parameters and reality of the theory
against several cases.
INCM 9610: Culture, Ethics and Leadership (Elective) [syllabus and course proposal TBD]
Prerequisites: Admission to the PhD Program
This course provides an understanding of different cultures in social and political contexts, which
give specific shape and direction to peoples’ different values and ethical views and practices.
Leadership involves modeling behavior that is desirable of being followed, which means such
leadership must be practiced ethically. But since what is ethical has a range of cultural variations
these variations must be understood, learned, and practiced. To accomplish this, the class will
include readings on the subjects, study of “exemplars” or cases good and bad, and individual and
group role-playing exercises.
INCM 9611: Grant Writing (Elective) [syllabus and course proposal TBD]
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Prerequisites: Admission to the PhD Program
This course will focus on the research and writing skills needed to discover funding opportunities
and prepare competitive proposals for them. Students will apply these techniques by developing
a proposal that responds to an actual call for applications. Students will write a narrative portion
that is ready for submission with a detailed outline of all other pieces that will be required, plus
an implementation timetable to meet the sponsor’s deadline. Depending on the deadline and the
level of approval required from the University, the proposal may be submitted upon completion
of the class with permission of the instructor.
INCM 9612: Game Theory (Elective) [syllabus and course proposal TBD]
Prerequisites: Admission to the PhD Program
This course will introduce the basic methodology and solution concepts involved in game theory
and examine published research in conflict management that uses game theory; including same
theoretic models of negotiations, war, brinksmanship, and other topics requested by students.
The course concludes with some simple, original game theoretic modeling of problems in which
students have interest and suggestions for how game theory might be used in a dissertation.
INCM 9690: Special Topics in ICM Skills (Elective) [course proposal TBD]
INCM 9699: Directed Studies in ICM Skills (Elective) [course proposal TBD]
Required International Experience Internship with International Organization
INCM 9700: International Experience Internship with International Organization (Required)
Prerequisites: INCM 9001, INCM 9002, & INCM 9003 and approval of Program Director Core
courses and approval of INCM International Experience Coordinator.
The international experience serves as a way to apply the theories and skills learned throughout
the program and to gain valuable field experience in a “real world” laboratory. This requirement
may be completed through an internship, directed study, study abroad or a relevant previous
experience in an international setting and may range from 3 to 9 credit hours, depending on the
nature of the experience.
This course offers an opportunity for the student to do short term work in a conflict area of
his/her choice. Students should complete a substantive project relevant to their sub-field in a
foreign country for an international, governmental, or non-governmental organization. This may
provide the student with an opportunity to work toward the program language requirement. Prior
to embarking on the internship, the program director and student must agree on requirements for
the completion of the internship. KSU faculty will facilitate these experiences through their
study abroad connections
Every student is required to undertake an international experience as part of the program. In
some instances, students will enter the program with significant prior international experience.
In such cases, the student may petition the International Experience Coordinator and the Program
Director for approval to count that experience as part of the program requirement. In all, students
have four different options for completing their international experience requirement: internship,
study abroad, research project, or academic project based on prior related experience.
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Irrespective of the nature of the experience, students will engage in reflective practice and reflect
on the ways in which theory informs practice and practice informs theory. Prior to embarking on
any international experience, students must complete the appropriate forms and reach agreement
on project requirements with the international experience coordinator, in consultation with the
program director. If the student’s project involves research or other field work involving human
subjects, students must complete the International Review Board certification self-tests available
at http://www.citiprogram.org/.
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VI INVENTORY OF FACULTY DIRECTLY INVOLVED
N/A
VII Outstanding programs of this nature at other institutions
N/A
VIII Inventory of pertinent library resources
N/A
IX Facilities
N/A
X Administration
N/A
XI Assessment
N/A
XII Accreditation
N/A
XIII Affirmative Action Impact
N/A
XIV Degree Inscription
N/A
XV Fiscal and Enrollment Impact, and Estimated Budget
N/A
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