Introduction to Conflict Studies Syllabus SYG2311 Class 9602, Fall 2016

Introduction to Conflict Studies Syllabus SYG2311 Class 9602, Fall 2016 Course Information Introduction to Conflict Studies - SYG2311 Class 9602 Date: August 22 to December 10, 2016 This course will explore the dynamics of conflict from a variety of frames. Students will be provided with valuable insight about conflict that will help lead to an understanding regarding the conflicts they are likely to face in life, at school or work, in society as well as those they observe in national headlines. An introduction to the dispute resolution practices of mediation, facilitation and negotiation will be conducted. The examination of how one's gender and cultural perspective may influence the approach and outcome of the conflict will be discussed. Current trends and issues within the field of conflict management and resolution will be reviewed. The course will engage students in the theory and application of addressing conflict management and resolution on an individual, interpersonal and international perspective. This course partially satisfies the writing requirement of S.B.E. 6A-10.030. Pre-reqs: Prerequisite: Eligibility to enroll in ENC 1101 OR test scores that indicate ENC 1101 eligibility OR completion of appropriate college developmental courses for ENC 1101 with grades of C or higher OR completion of EAP coursework for ENC 1101 eligibility with grades of C or higher. Additional Class Information: Online class. Computer & Internet access required. Log in to Canvas as soon as the term begins to access your course: https://online.seminolestate.edu Students who do not log into their course by the end of add/drop may be withdrawn from the class. Credits: 3 Instructor Information Yolanda Williams, Ph.D. Email: williamy@seminolestate.edu Communicating with the Instructor: 1

You may contact me at any time via the Canvas email. If I do not respond within 48 hours, please send another message. Instructor Biography I am Dr. Yolanda Williams, I am delighted to be here and make your acquaintance. As I was trying to determine what information would be pertinent enough to share with you, I tried to recall the information that I appreciated knowing about my instructors and then I realized that was just too much information. So, fortunately some of my incredibly astute colleagues helped me to whittle down my introduction. Let s see, I ll start with my employment background. I have more than 15 years of experience in the human resource field, training, development, employment services, and equal opportunity and diversity initiatives. I served in the Army as a communications officer with an Air Defense Unit for six years. My teaching experiences includes: Organizational Behavior and Management for Barry University and Teaching Diverse Populations for Seminole State College of Florida, Facilitation, Interpersonal Conflict Management, and Capstone Graduate Courses for Sullivan University. Ok, the information that you really want to know what qualifies me to teach this course? Well, I earned my bachelor s degree in public relations and advertising from the University of West Florida. A master s degree in human resource development was completed at Webster University, and I received a Ph.D. in conflict analysis and resolution from Nova Southeastern University. My doctoral program was conducted via the on-line format; therefore, I know firsthand what it s like to pursue educational opportunities using distance learning. My on-line experience was an exciting one and my hope is that you will be able to echo the same sentiment at the conclusion of this course. Additionally, not only did I develop and teach the Introduction to Conflict Studies Course, I also developed this course as well. At the end of each term, I would always have students to ask What courses could they take next? Peace Studies was an obvious response. Whew! I hope that brief introduction provides you with enough information to get a sense of who I am. I am certain I will be sharing more about my experiences and philosophy over time. Again, I look forward to working with you. Let s have a great Semester! Best wishes, 2

Dr. Yolanda Williams You have not lived a perfect day unless you do something for someone who will never be able to repay you Ruth Smeltzer Instructional Mode DL Online An online course is delivered entirely over the Internet and fosters remote interaction among students and instructors. To learn more about Seminole State's online courses, visit elearning Additional Class Information: Online class. Computer & Internet access required. Log in to Canvas as soon as the term begins to access your course: https://online.seminolestate.edu Students who do not log into their course by the end of add/drop may be withdrawn from the class. elearning Information To succeed in an online course, you need to be: motivated self-directed willing to work on your own Online courses are not for everyone. They are neither easier nor more difficult than on-campus courses, but they do require more dedication and selfdiscipline from the student. If you like to interact face-to-face with a professor and classmates, or if you have difficulty managing your time, this might not be the best course delivery mode for you. However, if you can read and understand technical information, follow instructions as given, and solve computer problems on your own without asking for much help, online instruction should work well for you. Good time management skills, selfdiscipline, and motivation are required to successfully complete an online course. 3

Textbook Information Required Textbook Personal Conflict Management Author: Mccorkle ISBN: 9780205499885 Publisher: Taylor Edition: 10 OE Buy: $95.95 New $71.95 Used Rent: $86.35 New $40.30 Used E-book: $95.95 E-book rental: $48.00 The Textbook for this course is: McCorkle & Reese (2010). Personal Conflict Management: Theory & Practice. 10th edition. A textbook is required for success in this class. Measurable Course Objectives Measurable Course Objectives are outcomes students are expected to achieve by the end of the course. 4

Define conflict. Understand the nature of conflict. Explore the positive sides of conflict. Identify the major causes of conflict. Investigate the underlying motivational elements of conflict. Assess the topics of workplace and school violence and bullying. Devise strategies that minimize the destructive consequences of conflict. Describe the process of managing and resolving conflict. Comprehend personal conflict styles or tactics. Acquire skills in helping those involved in conflict to move from positions to addressing underlying needs and interests. Collegewide Student Learning Outcomes The Collegewide Student Learning Outcomes assessed and reinforced in this course include the following: Communication Critical Thinking Scientific and Quantitative Reasoning Information Literacy Global Sociocultural Responsibility Attendance Policy The College recognizes the correlation between attendance and both student retention and achievement. Per College Policy 3.060 Students are expected to attend all classes, actively participate and complete all assigned course work for all courses for which they are registered. For online classes, attendance is determined by consistently logging in and accessing the course content and completing courses in accordance with the syllabus. Simply logging in to an online class does NOT count as attendance. Students must engage in an academically-related activity. In an on-line format it is critical that students participate in forums, when required, and submit assignments. If a number of assignments have not been submitted over a period of time and contact has not been made with the instructor, the assumption will be made that the student is no longer active in the course. Students maybe withdrawn from the course if more than 10% of the class is missed. 5

Academic Integrity As members of the Seminole State College of Florida community, students are expected to be honest in all of their academic coursework and activities. Academic dishonesty, such as cheating of any kind on examinations, course assignments or projects, plagiarism, misrepresentation and the unauthorized possession of examinations or other course-related materials, is prohibited. Plagiarism is unacceptable to the college community. Academic work that is submitted by students is assumed to be the result of their own thought, research or self-expression. When students borrow ideas, wording or organization from another source, they are expected to acknowledge that fact in an appropriate manner. Plagiarism is the deliberate use and appropriation of another's work without identifying the source and trying to pass-off such work as the student's own. Any student who fails to give full credit for ideas or materials taken from another has plagiarized. Students who share their work for the purpose of cheating on class assignments or tests are subject to the same penalties as the student who commits the act of cheating. When cheating or plagiarism has occurred, instructors may take academic action that ranges from denial of credit for the assignment or a grade of "F" on a specific assignment, examination or project, to the assignment of a grade of "F" for the course. Students may also be subject to further sanctions imposed by the judicial officer, such as disciplinary probation, suspension or dismissal from the College. Cheating and plagiarism will not be tolerated; disciplinary action will be taken. Copying from someone else s work is cheating, and so is allowing someone to copy your work. Portraying someone else s ideas or words as your own is plagiarism. Not giving credit for the source of the idea, even if you reworded the work, is also plagiarism. All material not originally yours, that you refer to in any assignment, MUST be appropriately referenced. Plagiarism is a very serious infraction. Withdrawal Policy A student desiring to withdraw from a course after the add/drop period should initiate withdrawal procedures with an instructor or counselor. Withdrawals are not official until the withdrawal form is completed and given to the Office of 6

Enrollment Services and Registrar. Withdrawal deadlines are published in the official College Catalog Academic Calendar. www.seminolestate.edu/catalog/#calendar Final Withdrawl Dates: See the Seminole State Website for specific dates. It is the student's responsibility to ensure that you have been withdrawn from the course. This becomes particularly important if you only participate during the first two weeks of the course. If you, personally, do not withdraw by the final date you will receive an "F" in the course. I will not withdraw students for course failures or for non-participation. Accommodation Statement Seminole State College abides by Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), which stipulates that no student shall be denied the benefits of an education 'solely by reason of a handicap.' Disabilities covered by law include, but are not limited to psychiatric impairments, learning disabilities and hearing, sight or mobility impairments. If you have a disability that may have some impact on your work in this class and for which you may require accommodations you must contact the Disability Support Services Office (DSS) to facilitate the accommodation process. Campus locations and phone numbers for DSS are: Sanford/Lake Mary Campus, Room A-101, 407.708.2109 Altamonte Campus, Room ALT 107, 407.404.6005 Heathrow Campus, Room HEA 115, 407.708.4440 Oviedo Campus, Room OVF 102-D, 407.971.5114 If you feel you need support, please contact the individuals listed above. College Emergency Information In case of emergency conditions (such as tropical storms, hurricanes, power outages, etc), verify the college is open and classes are being held by calling 407.708.2290 or 407.708.4722. The Seminole State homepage will also feature updated announcements (www.seminolestate.edu). 7

Seminole State College also offers enrolled students a mobile app called LifeLine Response. The app allows the College to send email alerts and push notifications about potentially dangerous situations on campus and supplements emergency communications that are already in place. Students can also use the app for their own safety when traveling outside of the College. Students can download the app through the Google Play Store or Apple App Store and register using their Seminole State email address. For more information, visit www.seminolestate.edu/lifeline. FERPA The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) affords students certain rights with respect to their education records. Students have the right to have some control over the disclosure of information from the records. It is Seminole State Colleges policy to comply with the requirements of FERPA and to prevent improper disclosure of personally identifiable information from the records. For more details on FERPA, please refer to the FERPA information on the Seminole State website College Communication Student Email Office 365 All official e-mail from the College is sent to your Seminole State Office 365 student e-mail address. When contacting the college students should use their student email accounts to ensure that communication is delivered to the appropriate party. Be sure to check your account regularly for information important to your academic and financial records. To access your student email account, visit www.seminolestate.edu/student-email/ for instructions. Canvas Messages Students currently enrolled in online or hybrid courses should use the Inbox link within their Canvas course to communicate with the professor. It is important for students to check the inbox regularly for important communication from the instructor. Seminole State Text Sign up for Seminole State Text and you will receive messages pertaining to registration dates, tuition deadlines, financial aid, emergency campus closings and changes to your student record or classes. To sign up to receive text messages, visit www.seminolestate.edu/text/ 8

Student Code of Conduct It is the responsibility of a student to observe campus rules and regulations and to help maintain appropriate conditions in the classroom, on the campus, and in the community. The Student Code of Conduct is a statement of Seminole State s expectations regarding student standards of conduct, both academic and nonacademic. It is the student s responsibility to read the Code of Conduct and follow its expectations. The Student Code of Conduct can be found at https://www.seminolestate.edu/policies-procedures/policies/student/3.090 A Tobacco-Free College To promote the health and wellness of the Seminole State College community, the use if tobacco of any kind and in any form is prohibited on all College-owned and/or operated facilities. This includes tobacco use in personal vehicles while on College property. The College Tobacco-Free Policy can be found at www.seminolestate.edu/tobaccofree/ URL of Online Syllabus Online version: https://portal.seminolestate.edu/ed-services/oasis/syllabus/2167/9602/syg2311 PDF version: https://portal.seminolestate.edu/ed-services/oasis/syllabus/pdf/2167/9602/ SYG2311 How This Course is Taught I employ non-traditional means to assess your knowledge. Each assignment should be considered an examination. In the past, students have felt that I placed to much weight on the "Assignments" not understanding that these assignments are equivalent to tests.therefore, this term there will be three Quizzes, and 7 Assignments, 2 Graded Discussion Forums, and a Final. This course will involve lecture, and discussion. One of the goals is to work as a learning community. Opportunities may be provided for simulation exercises, small group interaction and classroom lecture. Additional dimensions may be added through video, field assignments, and perhaps a group project. Each one of us brings to the classroom environment valuable and varied experiences regarding the analysis and management of conflict. I expect our 9

time together to be chalked with shared learning experiences. In order to create a safe environment conducive for personal sharing it is essential to establish ground rules. I like to refer to these participation guidelines as Rules of Engagement. I offer up the following, but am very open to including recommendations from the class. Actively participate by logging on regularly, being prepared when the week begins, and submit quality work and thought-provoking questions and responses in a timely manner. Every voice is vital in the learning process. Respect your classmates and the instructor. Please be mindful that we are on-line and so much gets lost because we cannot read body language, or hear the tone of voice. Let s communicate with one another in this on-line platform in the same manner that we would face-to-face. Remember this is shared learning opportunity; therefore, I urge you to respectfully challenge each other by asking profound questions, but let s do so without assailing others. This is a course on conflict analysis and management and it is imperative that we practice what we preach. Let s agree to disagree. The Vegas Rule will be invoked. Meaning, the personal information shared in the course will remain in the course. Have fun! Take full advantage of the discussion board forum. Since we are unable to meet in person, we have to utilize this medium as our classroom discussion. For some, this will be a tremendous paradigm shift. Contrary to popular belief, the discussion board in not used merely as a way to keep you busy. This is the first term I will be utilizing the "Like" to provide additional credit points on the Discussion Forum. If this is your first on-line class it is important to note that often times it may feel like on-line teaching moves pretty rapidly and it may be taxing just trying to keep up, but I assure you of two things. First, if you do the work you will learn and absorb more than you may realize and next if at any time you begin to feel overwhelmed, please contact me immediately. I am here to help! I would like to begin and end the term with the same number of students. 10

Class Assignments Assignments: These are the course requirements. Class Participation: It is imperative for students to log on, post, and respond to the postings of your classmates. You are expected to have completed the reading assignments in advance and to participate in the class discussions and exercises. Be prepared to actively discuss the reading materials assigned. Appropriate on-line etiquette is expected. Students are to be courteous in your dialogue with classmates and the instructor. This will be a shared learning experience. Therefore, you are invited to share your learning experiences with each other, and enter into respectful dialogue together. A big challenge is to strike a healthy balance between letting others be heard, and being heard ourselves. It is expected that you will provide a minimum of two thought provoking posts during the weeks the discussion forums are used. You will not want to post at the last minute. You want feedback on your posts and your classmates do as well. There will be two graded Discussion Forums this term. When posting to the forum, I expect for you to demonstrate your understanding of the concepts being explored during the class. Responses should be thoughtful, insightful, challenging, and reflective. When you are responding to the postings of your classmates, a thorough response is expected. Great job! or I agree will not garner participation points. Evaluations: There will be quizzes this term. There will also be an examination covering interpersonal and intergroup conflict and intervention themes. Reaction Paper: This is a one-page paper. The following elements are expected to be included into the document: A summary Note 1 or 2 major points about the reading Describe the points and lessons learned Provide 1 or 2 real world examples What did the information make you think about? Were you moved by the information? Why or why not? 11

Conclusion There should be at least five fully developed paragraphs to earn a successful grade. Reflections: Determine which one of the themes discussed this term was the most significant to your understanding of conflict (explored during the term) and one concept that was least significant. Support your response and explain why you feel the concept is significant. There is no right or wrong answer. The submission should be no more than two-pages in length, but the expectation is a fully developed response. Journal Response: Each week you will record at least three profound concepts from the chapter readings or lecture. The expectation is that you write the concept, a definition, and provide an example. Additionally, you will also include one A'ha for the week. An A'ha is a thought, word, or concept that illuminated for you during the week. Perhaps, you've changed the way that you previously perceived the concept based upon the lecture, chapter reading, or discussion forum. You will want to keep up with this assignment and not attempt to create all of the journal entries the evening before it is due. Forgiveness Letter: You will write a letter requesting the forgiveness of someone you feel deserves it, or you will write a letter to a person you feel owes you a letter of apology explaining why it is important for your well-being in order to maintain, restore, or release the relationship. Research Project: Each student will be provided with four or five conflict themes. You will select the theme you want to explore, and prepare a power point presentation that will be posted for the sharing of information and discussion.only themes provided can be used. Conflict Style Assessment: Use the Putnam/Wilson Conflict Behavior Scale to write a description of your conflict style in personal and public settings. You may want to ask two friends or family members to complete the scale as well. Your paper should include the following as a minimum: 12

Differences between your own and other s perceptions What your style triggers in others Positive and negative features of your style How flexible you are in choice of style Where you learned your style Is there a difference between your initial thought and the results This paper should be two pages in length. Final Exam - You will be required to employ your understanding of conflict studies, conflict management or resolution via video. You will be asked to select your own movie and provide a conflict critique of the movie. Points to be earned: Final Media Analysis Quiz Reaction Paper Forgiveness Letter Conflict Style Assessment Course Reflection Journal Submission Canvas Quiz Virtual Meet & Greet Research Presentation Graded Forums 200 pts. 75 pts (25 each quizz) 50 pts. 50 pts. 100 pts. 50 pts. 100 pts. 20 pts. 5 pts. 50 pts. 50 pts. (25 pts each) 750 Total Points Academic Writing Format: 13

Clear Purpose: All academic work should have an easily-identifiable purpose. In the introduction to every written assignment be sure to present a purpose statement so that what you are setting out to do and how it will be done, can be clearly and easily identified. All assignments must be submitted in hard copy, typed, double-spaced, with 1-inch margins. Proofread carefully spellcheckers can t catch everything, and you don t want poor grammar to get in the way of a good paper. Papers should be constructed in 12 pt. font, double spaced, and in proper paragraph form. All research papers for this course must follow the MLA (Modern Language Association) in-text citation/document format. It s your responsibility to familiarize yourself with this. You will find the following website helpful: http://owl.english.purdue.edu/owl/resource/747/01/ Due Dates: Assignments are due as scheduled. There will always be seven (7) days to complete the assignments; unless otherwise noted. There will be a 15 minute grace period. If the submission is beyond the 15 minute limit, please do not e-mail it to me without receiving permission first. Late/missed assignments will not be accepted. Although, the professor retains the right to adjust as necessary. Schedule/Calendar Schedule/Calendar Introduction to Conflict Studies Assignments: Week 1: Introduction to Conflict & Major Approaches Readings: Chapter 1 & 2 Assignment Canvas Quiz Virtual Meet & Greet Week 2: Causes of Conflict Readings: Chapter 4 14

Week 3: Conflict, Communication & Emotions Readings: Graded Discussion Board Post Week 4: Interpersonal Conflict Readings: Quiz #1 Week 5: Intergroup Conflict... Bullying Readings: w/ videos Chapter 10 Week 6: Intergroup Conflict... Workplace/School Violence Readings: Chapter 14 Quiz #2 Reaction Paper #1 Week 7 Research Project: Graded Discussion Board Forum Week 8: Reading Week Week 9: Listening Readings: Chapter 6 Week 10: Mediation Chapter 8 15

Week 11: Negotiation Chapter 11 Quiz #2 Graded Discussion Board Week 12: Forgiveness Chapter 12 Forgiveness Letter Journal Submissions Due Week 13: Psychodynamics Readings: Chapter 7 Assignment: Complete Conflict Style Assessment Week 14/15: Final Analysis Readings: Chapters: 12, 13, & 15 Assignment: You will submit a 3-page paper on a movie employing the concepts, language, and themes explored during the term. Week 16: Reflections Assignment: Provide course reflections in a one-page document. Course Wrap Up 16

Late Assignments and Make-up Exams Late Assignments and Make-up Exams Due Dates: Assignments are due as scheduled. You will be given 7 days to complete the assignment; unless otherwise noted. There is a 15 minute grace period to submit papers. Please do not e-mail late papers unless there has been prior approval.this term, I am trying to be firm and not accept late papers. Although, the professor retains the right to adjust as necessary. Religious Holy Day Statement: Students who observe religious holy days during the semester that might cause them to miss tests, class discussions, or paper submission deadlines may reschedule this work if the student notifies the instructor no later than 10 days prior to the holiday. A religious holy day means a holy day observed by a religion whose places of worship are exempt from property taxation under the appropriate tax code. Grade Scale and Evaluation Methods Grades: Grades will be assigned based on class performance and participation, reflection papers, conflict assessments, weekly submissions, the conflict style assessment assignment, and the final project. Each assignment has a point value. The instructor retains the right to adjust the number of assignments assigned during the term. If by chance, adjustments are made the total point value will be adjusted accordingly. A B C D F = 90-100 points = 80-89 points = 70-79 points = 60-69 points = 68 points and below 17

Class Participation Attendance/Participation: Attendance is very important in this class. It is expected that you will log on several times each week. Three excused absences will be allowed, after that each unexcused absence will result in the loss of five points from the total possible points. Grades of incomplete for the course will only be given in cases of personal or immediate family crisis. Excessive absences will adversely impact the student s final grade. Syllabus Disclaimer Changes In this Document: The instructor reserves the right to change the requirements, assignments, or any other aspect of this document during the course. Students will be notified of these changes via the Announcement Tool in Canvas. 18