Instructor: Warren R. Johnson
Mail: 
E-mail: wjohnson@faculty.ed.umuc.edu
 

INTRODUCTION.  The Dynamics of Social Conflict is a 6-credit multidisciplinary course that applies sociological theories of conflict to the domains of family psychology, the world of work, anthropology, and international relations. Students explore conflict between dyads, within groups, between groups, and at national and international levels. Spousal relationships, the workplace, community relations, national issues, and ongoing international struggles become laboratories to learn that conflict is necessary for social congress. Classical sociological theory is incorporated with more current developments and research to further an understanding that conflict becomes more complex as social levels increase in members, numbers of interest groups, ideologies, and power. Analysis will also focus on conflict resolution and management with emphases on the practices of bargaining, negotiation, and mediation.

IMPORTANT DATES.  Classes will be held every fourth Saturday (see your education center schedule). Your 15-page research papers should be post marked no later than the Monday following class.

COURSE OUTLINE.  As well as indicating the topics we will be discussing at each meeting the outline below provides a structural framework to integrate the various perspectives on social conflict provided by the course materials. Please do not forget that your attendance is required at the first and last class meetings.

Part I. Introductory comments--Encounters with conflict at intrapersonal, interpersonal, intergroup, intragroup, national and international levels of human organization.