ALTERNATIVE DISPUTE RESOLUTION
ISCOR 421
SPRING 2014
Prof. Luca Dal Pubel
Time: Tuesday from 4 to 6:40 PM
Location: PSFA-310
Contact information:
Office hours: Tuesday from 3 to 4:00 PM
Teacher availability: available to meet students individually after
class or by appointment; contact at:
1 – COURSE SUMMARY
This course provides students with basic alternative dispute resolution skills and concepts and teaches
them to use those methods for a range of real-world situations. The first part of the course includes an
overview of interest-based conflict resolution, negotiation from a problem-solving (rather than
competitive) perspective, mediation skills and techniques, and approaches for managing conflicts in
inter-personal, intra-group, and international settings. The second part offers an overview of
international conflict resolution through case study analysis and guest lectures that demonstrate
applications of international ADR work.
2 - OBJECTIVES, GOALS and OUTCOMES
The goal of this course is to provide students with opportunities to develop conflict resolution skills
related to the practice of negotiation and mediation and as well as to gain familiarity with current conflict
theory and international relations. Students will demonstrate critical thinking, problem-solving, and
knowledge of key literature and concepts in alternative dispute resolution and international conflict
resolution.
3 - PREREQUISITES
Upper division standing.
4 - METHOD
This course is taught with a combination of lectures, simulations, and participatory exercises. Active
involvement of the students is essential. Students consistently evaluate favorably participation in class
exercises and role-plays. From time to time, I will endeavor to have guest speakers make
presentations. These speakers have been selected based upon their special expertise and will give us
insights and in depth analysis of the subject matter of their presentations. I am hopeful we will have
guest speakers on the dates indicated in the syllabus, but based on the speakers’ availability, some
rearrangement of the syllabus schedule may be required.
5 - REQUIRED READINGS
1. Fisher, R., and Ury, W. (1981). Getting To Yes, Negotiating Agreement Without Giving In. (2nd
ed. pp. 186) Penguin Books.
2. Beer, E. J., and Packard, C. C. (2012). The Mediator's Handbook: Revised and Expanded Forth
Edition. (p. 208). New Society Publishers.
3. Charles, H. (2010). International conflict resolution. (2nd ed., pp. 222). New York: The
Continuum International Publishing Group.
4. Additional reading put on BLACKBOARD.
5. *Suggested Reading: Bercovitch, J. (1996). Resolving International Conflicts. The Theory and
Practice of Mediation. (p. 258). Boulder, CO: Lynne Rienner Publishers.
5 - ASSESSMENT
Students are expected to fulfill the following course assignments:
1. Participation
Active participation is essential for this course. Active participation in the course includes the student’s
full engagement in all activities, discussions, and exercises. The instructor will grade your performance
by the frequency with which you engage in discussion, ask questions, and volunteer for activities during
the course.
2. Conflict Analysis – Midterm Paper
Students are to write a three- to five-page analysis (double spaced, 12 pt. font) of two real conflicts,
one interpersonal (one - two pages) and one national or international conflict (two – three pages). The
paper should provide a brief summary of the conflict, a conflict analysis mapping key parties and their
underlying needs and interests, a description of the conflict dynamics to date, and a proposed conflict
intervention strategy. In the paper students should reference (and interrogate) relevant concepts,
theory and models from class and other outside sources.
3. Quizzes (2 given at random) on concepts and readings
4. Final Paper
This will be a research assignment regarding the significance of international conflict resolution or
application of a particular international peacebuilding issue of interest to you. The topic will be subject
to my approval. The assignment shall require a minimum of three sources and include your personal
vision and action plan for conducting, encouraging or promoting international peacebuilding.
6 – Extra Credit:
Up to 1/3 of a letter grade (Ex: A- to A) for attendance and one page reflection paper of two personal
events related to conflict or conflict resolution.
7 - EVALUATION and GRADING SYSTEM
1. Midterm 25%
2. Final 30%
3. Participation 30%
4. Quizzes 15%
The following grading system will be observed:
0 - 59 = F,
60 - 69 = D,
70 - 72 = C-, 73 - 76 = C,
80 - 82 = B-, 83 - 86 = B, 87 - 89 = B+, 90 - 92 = A-,
77 - 79 = C+,
93 - 100 = A
8 - ATTENDANCE and BEHAVIOR
This is an interactive class. Please note that:
A. More than 3 absences will result in grade deduction except for extraordinary circumstances.
B. Punctuality is appreciated. Students must arrive in class on time: any lateness, leaving class
during the lesson without notice, not showing up on time after the break, or leaving earlier, will impact
the participation grade and the Final Grade. Missing half a lesson or more will be considered as one full
absence.
C. It is the responsibility of the student to catch up on any missed work and to keep track of his or her
absences and cases of tardiness.
D. Computers may be used for taking notes during lectures. However, use of Gmail, Facebook,
Twitter, or any other social networks is not permitted. Computers will not be permitted during class
exercises. Texting and other use of phones during class time is not permitted. In case of emergency
calls, students are required to leave class.
E. Academic dishonesty: Academic dishonesty will not be tolerated. All written work must be your
original work (i.e., not previously submitted for credit in any course, either at SDSU or at any other
academic institution). Please familiarize yourself with the University Policy regarding cheating and
plagiarism at:
http://csrr.sdsu.edu/academics1.html
And also be aware of the Student Grievance procedures, available on-line at:
http://www.sa.sdsu.edu/ombuds/grievanceprocedures.html
F. Dress: This class will simulate professional ADR work. While there is no dress code, please be
conscious of how your clothing choices can influence your work.
G: Disabilities: Students with disabilities who need special accommodations in class or on tests must
take arrangements through Student Disability Services, located at Calpulli Center, Suite 3101, phone
number 619-594-6473, webpage http://www.sa.sdsu.edu/sds/ .
9) CLASS SCHEDULE
Please bear in mind that the contents of individual classes may be slightly changed throughout the course in
accordance with the overall learning process and specific needs of the students.
Class Date
Class Topic
Due at the Start of Class: readings and
assignments
Jan 28th
Introduction to class
Getting to Yes, Introduction
Feb 4th
Nature and Soucers of Conflict
Mediator’s Handbook: pp. 11-15
Social Identity and Intergroup Conflict
Additional reading provided by Instructor
Conflict Resolution and ADR Methods
Additional reading provided by Instructor
Feb 18th
Intro to Negotiation
Getting to Yes: Ch. 1, 2, 3
Feb 25th
Negotiation Theory and Practice
Getting to Yes: Ch. 4, 5, 6
Mar 4th
Intro to Mediation
Mediator’s Handobook: pp. 3-10, 16-24,
76-86
Mar 11th
The Mediation Process
Video and Practicum
Mediator’s Handbook: pp. 27-64, 89-130
Mar 18th
Conflict Resolution and International
Relations (Theory)
International Conflict Resolution: pp. 11-19,
pp. 28-49
International Mediation
*Resolving International Conflicts: pp. 1-32
Feb 11
th
Midterm Paper Due
Mar 25
th
The Yugoslavia Conflict and European *Resolving International Conflicts: pp. 171Mediation
188
Conflict Case Study: Kosovo
Speaker: Prof. Richard Bainter
Preparation materials (articles provided by
Instructor)
April 8th
Conflict Case Study: Northen Ireland
Speaker: Prof. Michael Fryer
International Conflict Resolution: pp. 78103
April 15th
Conflict Case Study: Israel – Palestine
International Conflict Resolution: pp. 104133
What Went Worng? Class discussion
nd
April 22
Reconciliation and Nation-Building
Case Study: South Africa
Movie
International Conflict Resolution: pp. 54-76
April 29th
International Negotiation Practicum
Case Scenarios (provided by Instructor)
May 6th
Debrief and Restorative Justice
Speaker: Bridget Lambert (NCRC)
Preparation materials (articles provided by
Instructor)
International Negotiation Practicum 2
Final Paper Due
May 13th
May 20
th
Grades Due