Course Description This course will allow the learner to deal with conflicts more effectively. Conflict resolution is an increasingly essential skill needed by every person and every group, regardless of one''s age, social role, profession, cultural background, or beliefs. The learning process will also involve understanding the essential steps to conflict management including preserving relationships at work, at home, and in the community. The learner will also understand that conflict is an outgrowth of diversity and difference, and that conflicts are not always negative. Learning Outcomes & Competencies University Outcomes - Express and interpret ideas clearly, using a variety of written, oral and/or visual forms - Integrate one''s own ideas with those of others to address an issue. - Articulate and evaluate the reasons and justifications that support particular values Major Outcomes * Discuss the relationship that exists between the political arena and public administration. * Explain and employ the ethics associated with public administration. * Provide effective leadership in the administration of public affairs. * Appraise the significant causes of expansion within the public sector and the resulting proliferation of laws, rules, regulations, and problems associated with effective change in that environment. * Communicate effectively and express complex ideas, both orally and in writing. Course Outcomes At the conclusion of this course, the learner should be able to: 1) Discuss the different approaches to Conflict Management 2) Apply these approaches to the study of conflicts involving injustices 3) Analyze seemingly un-resolvable conflicts 4) Outline the conflict partnership process 5) Differentiate the ingredients of conflict 6) Break down how to deal with people who only see things their way 7) Compare and contrast the essential steps to conflict resolution Assignment 1: SEE DUE DATE BELOW Chapter 2 discusses five popular but ineffective approaches to conflict resolution. What are they? In a three to five page paper, provide your insights. Cite at least 3 primary sources (no Wikipedia). Assignment 2: SEE DUE DATE BELOW Chapter 3 of the text discusses the ingredients of conflict. What are the ingredients? Do you agree with the author. Feel free to be critical! In a 3 to 5 page paper, provide your insights. Cite at least 3 primary sources (no Wikipedia). Assignment 3: SEE DUE DATE BELOW Part II of the text identifies the eight essential steps to conflict resolution. In a three to five page paper, identify all eight ingredients and provide your insights. I expect you to be critical! If you don''t agree with the author, say so, but support your position. Cite at least 3 primary sources (no Wikipedia). Assignment 4: SEE DUE DATE BELOW Known as "the wild card assignment," this academic exercise requires that you select a topic from the readings that is of particular interest to you. In a 3 to5-page paper, elaborate on your choice and make a convincing argument as to its importance with regard to this general topic. This is an opportunity for you to take an active part in the learning process and to show that you are as adept at assignment selection as your instructor. Good luck. Readings & Resources The Eight Essential Steps to Conflict Resolution. 1992. Weeks, Dudley. Penguin Putnam Inc. To locate this book, go to the following URL: http://www.amazon.com/Eight-Essential-Steps-Conflict-Resolution/dp/08747 77518 In the interest of cost-savings, I encourage each student to purchase used books. This text is available at approximately $10.17 new. Used versions are as low as $5.00. Additional Resources for Research Crucial Confrontations. 2005. Patterson, Grenny, McMillan, Switzler. McGraw Hill, ISBN 0-07-144652-4 Influence. 2001. Cialdini. Allyn and Bacon Inc. ISBN 0-321-01147-3 Getting Past No. 1991. Ury. Bantam Books. ISBN 0-553-37131-2 Negotiate This! 2003. Cohen. Warner Business Books. ISBN 0-446-69644-7