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Dr. Andrea Bartoli Director, International Conflict Resolution Program [email protected] (212) 854-4449 Office hours:Wednesday 1- 3 pm Office location: 1325 IAB |
Hassana Mardam Bey International Conflict Resolution Program [email protected] (212) 854-8454 |
Class Meetings: Thursday, 2:10-4:00PM Class location: Room 413 IAB |
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Rationale | Course Description | Objectives | Format
Conflict resolution is a relatively young field of study, drawing on contributions from several disciplines. While positive, constructive approaches to resolving conflicts have been developed from a social psychology perspective (primarily through the theoretical work of Morton Deutsch), the application of these theories to the international arena has been intermittent. Political scientists (such as William Zartman) have been exploring international conflicts in their uniqueness, as well as in their comparability, and have developed theories of analysis and interventions that need to be carefully evaluated. At the juncture between theory and practice, some scholars have developed specific techniques (such as the inter-active problem solving approach of Herb Kelman), while other scholars have focused their studies on the reasons for the success or failure of conflict resolution processes (Fen Hampson). Any effort to guide students through this loosely defined field must appreciate the richness of the interdisciplinary nature of international conflict resolution. International Conflict Resolution: A Theoretical Overview aims to expose students of international conflict resolution to the different theories and approaches of the field. The structure of the presentations will allow the students to approach conflict resolution functionally. The course will address issues such as: What is conflict? Can we speak about an international conflict resolution theory? What are the tools of a conflict resolution intervention? What are the structures and the preferred strategies? How do various approaches define crucial terms such as power, neutrality, and trust? Can a conflict be transformed? What are the psychological implications of civil and ethnic conflicts? What are the specific challenges of a multiparty international mediation? How can conflict resolution incorporate justice in its international dimensions?Because of the nature of the School of International and Public Affairs, strong emphasis will be given to the policy implication of theories. Students will be expected to read their assigned texts before class and prepare three questions and/or comments for each class based on those readings (selected questions and comments will be submitted to the guest lecturers).
This course will provide a basic framework for considering the evolving field of international conflict resolution, while exposing the students to established academic contributions and challenging them. Each class is built around foundational concepts presented by a leading scholar. The first half of the class will be devoted to the lecturer’s presentation; the second to his or her analysis of the future development of the conflict resolution field. Students will be expected to develop a substantive knowledge of the works produced by the guest lecturers. By involving many of the leading practitioners in the field as presenters throughout the course, students will examine emerging trends and cutting edge issues in international conflict resolution. The participants will also be encouraged to reflect on the theory-practice nexus. The course will focus on:
Discussion-based learning activities and lectures will be the format of the course. Learning activities will include discussion sessions with special guests from academic settings. Some of the classes will feature guest lectures presenting or addressing the class via video-conferencing.
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