RD300:
ENVIRONMENTAL COMMUNICATION AND CONFLICT
MANAGEMENT
FALL SEMESTER 2001
Monday and Wednesday, 12:40-2:00 PM
Room 312 Ernst Bessey Hall
DESCRIPTION
The course examines the causes of environmental conflicts and approaches to their
resolution or management. The importance of concepts such as trust and procedural
justice are explored in the context of a variety of environmental conflicts including risk,
NIMBY and resource allocation problems. Students will develop analytic and practical
skills in topics including in-depth interviewing, risk communication and the design of
conflict management strategies.
RD300 is a Tier II writing course.
INSTRUCTOR
Dr. Jo Ann Beckwith
Department of Resource Development,
Room 310A Natural Resources Building
Phone: 432-7733
email: beckwi21@msu.edu
TEACHING ASSISTANT
Steve Pennington
Department of Resource Development
Room 305 Natural Resources Building
Email: pennin32@msu.edu
COURSE OBJECTIVES
During the course we will explore questions such as:
 What role do values play in environmental disputes?
 Do environmental conflicts differ from other types of conflict?
 Why do some individuals or groups respond negatively to certain risks but not to
other types of risk?
 Is the media to blame for environmental conflicts?
 What are the objectives of risk communication?
 What are the steps in a negotiation?
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
Is environmental mediation a sound alternative to litigation?
In this course the sources, characteristics and dynamics of environmental conflicts will be
examined including the role of culture, media, values, and group processes. Students will
develop skills in analyzing environmental conflicts and designing conflict management
strategies. Students will gain hands-on experience in using qualitative research skills such
as in-depth interviewing.
TIER II WRITING COURSE
RD300 meets the Tier II writing requirement of RD students. The purpose of the TIER II
writing requirement is to ensure that students demonstrate command of written, edited
English appropriate to the standards of the disciplinary and professional programs in
which they are enrolled. Students are expected to produce well-written, edited, revised
and proofread papers that communicate effectively in their field.
REQUIRED TEXTS
Budget Print & Copy course packet (972 Trowbridge Rd., E.Lansing). A copy is also on
file in the reserved readings area of the main library.
TEACHING METHODS
The course is a mixture of lectures, discussion and small group work. Workshops and
videos will be used to stimulate discussion. Students are expected to read assigned
materials in advance so that in-class discussions can be a collaborative effort.
Participation and discussion is encouraged and expected.
OFFICE HOURS
I will be available for brief discussions before and after each class. Alternatively you can
contact Steve Pennington or myself by email if you would like to arrange an appointment
time to discuss course matters.
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TENTATIVE COURSE TIMETABLE
Date
Topic
27 Aug.
29 Aug.
03 Sep.
05 Sep.
10 Sep.
Course Introduction
The nature of conflict
NO CLASS - LABOR DAY
Environmental values / worldviews.
Anthropocentrism versus Ecocentrism.
Conservation versus preservation
What is a stakeholder?
In-depth interviews
Intergenerational equity & social justice concepts
Concept of trust
Environmental justice
Environmental justice
Role of the media
NIMBY conflicts
MID-TERM EXAM
Science, Values and Risk Management
Science, Values and Risk Management
Risk communication techniques
Risk communication / strategy preparation
Risk Communication strategy preparation
Risk communication presentations
Coercion & Arbitration
Consensual approaches to decision-making
Forms of assisted negotiation
Negotiation
Negotiation
Negotiation
Turbot War - A Case Study
Collaboration in natural resource management
Simulation exercise
Review session
12 Sep.
17 Sep.
19 Sep.
24 Sep.
26 Sep.
01 Oct.
03 Oct.
08 Oct.
10 Oct.
15 Oct.
17 Oct.
22 Oct.
24 Oct.
29 Oct.
31 Oct.
05 Nov.
07 Nov.
12 Nov.
14 Nov.
19 Nov.
21 Nov.
26 Nov.
28 Nov.
03 Dec.
05 Dec.
12 Dec
In-class Activity
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Brainstorming
Kempton survey data
Work on interview questions
Practice interview
video
video
Small group work
Small group work
Small group presentations
Negotiation exercise
Video, small group work
Simulation exercise
GRADING
Final grades will be calculated as follows:
Activity
In-class Participation/Attendance
Assignment #1 Conflict analysis
Assignment #2 In-depth Interview
Assignment #3 Term Paper
Group Assignment - Risk Communication Strategy
Mid-term Exam
Final Exam
% of Grade
15%
10%
5%
20%
10%
20%
20%
100%
GRADING SCHEME
At the end of the semester, scores will be converted to standard 4-point grades. At a
minimum, students earning 90% or more will receive a 4.0 grade; those receiving 8589% a 3.5 grade; those receiving 80-84% a 3.0; 75-79% a 2.5 grade; 70-74% a 2.0 grade;
65-69% a 1.5 grade; 60-64% a 1.0 grade; less than 60% a 0.0 grade.
All students must take exams on the scheduled days unless special arrangements are
made with the instructor.
POLICY REGARDING LATE ASSIGNMENTS
Written assignments will be accepted late with penalty. Written assignments handed in
after the due date will immediately be docked 20 percent and an additional 10 percent
each subsequent day.
IN-CLASS PARTICIPATION GRADE
Your in-class participation grade (15% of final grade) will be based upon your
consistency of attendance and contribution to in-class discussion and small group
activities.
I would appreciate receiving an email in advance if you cannot attend a particular class
session. This assists us in preparing for in-class group activities.
ASSIGNMENTS
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NOTE: For detailed descriptions of assignments go to the "assignments" section of the
course website.
Written assignments will be graded on the quality of argument and composition and also
on the manner (e.g. clarity, style) in which your reports are written. All written
assignments must comply with the Style Guide for RD300.
Written Assignment #1 – Analysis of Environmental Conflicts
This writing assignment requires that you describe 3 different environmental conflicts.
Describe each of the following:
A. an environmental issue that is or has been the source of conflict at a local level.
B. an environmental issue that is or has been the source of conflict at a national level.
C. an environmental issue that is or has been the source of conflict at an international
level.
Describe each of the environmental conflicts in terms of:
 stakeholders
 location
 type of issues
 nature/source of the conflict
 how the issue is being managed
 status.
Students must document their sources of information (e.g. newspaper, magazine, internet
sites).
Length:
Value:
Due date:
3-6 pages double spaced
10 points
19 September
Written Assignment #2 - In-depth Interview
Each student will conduct and document an in-depth interview using a semi-structured
interview format. The interview topic(s) will be assigned by the instructor.
Length:
Value:
Due date:
Minimum of 3 pages double spaced.
5 points
26 September
Written Assignment #3 - Term Paper
Each student will prepare a term paper on an environmental conflict of his or her choice.
The environmental conflict must be at a state, national or international level of interest.
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The paper must not be on a topic used in any other class assignment.
Each term paper should provide:
1. A historical perspective on the conflict.
2. An analysis of the key interests and issues.
3. An analysis of the dynamics of the conflict.
4. A discussion of how the conflict in this case reflects principles of conflict
management discussed in RD300.
5. Identify the strengths and weaknesses of the conflict resolution process in this case.
How could the process have been improved?
6. What lessons can be learned from this case?
7. A list of references.
Students will be expected to demonstrate that they have explored the literature beyond
the required reading list and lectures given for RD300.
Papers will be graded on content and presentation. Papers must conform to the style
guide.
Length:
Value:
Due date:
7-12 pages double spaced.
20 points (20% of final grade)
Draft - Thursday 31 October
Final version - 21 November
Group Assignment - Risk Communication Strategy
Students will be assigned to groups. Each group will prepare a risk communication
strategy on an assigned risk issue and then present an oral presentation to the class on
their strategy. Groups will be evaluated based on content and presentation effectiveness.
Length:
Value:
Due date:
20 minutes per group
10 points (group grade)
31 October
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