COMS 459: Communication in Conflict Management
Prerequisites: COMS 130, COMS 330, or permission of the instructor
Credit hours (3)
This course addresses the nature of conflict between people as it is manifested in
communicative interaction in varied contexts, within individuals, between individuals,
between groups, and between organizational and social entities. It deals with both
competitive and, especially, cooperative communication genre as well as strategies
of conflict intervention and mediation.
Detailed Description of Course
The course deals with the study of inherent sources of conflict between people in
terms of generic differences and problems of identity. Conflict is understood to be
both situationally positive (in the tradition of the value of discussion and debate)
and situationally negative (in the way of dysfunctional or destructive communication)
along the entire spectrum of human struggle. Conflict and harmony are treated as on-going
oppositional forces of human conduct, and yet, they are necessarily inherent to the
processes of communicative interaction.
Conflict is explored in terms of all of the various levels of any individual's communication
with his/herself and others. Further, emphases are given to the nature of communication
and conflict in the interpersonal configuration. Conflict in group interactions is
given special attention in terms of the development of group consensus building and
the development of communication strategies for developing and maintaining group cohesion.
Inter-group conflict as well as the nature of various forms of team competitions is
also studied. Conflict management, mediation, and resolution strategies are central
course concepts and practices.
Detailed Description of Conduct of Course
Students study written materials on the course topics. They become involved in exercises
which illustrate the course concepts and processes. Case studies of conflict are considered.
Experiences with conflict and communication are provided with simulations, role-plays,
and creative enactments concerned with problem solving through communication interaction.
Students are not merely tested on the course content, but are experientially involved.
Lectures, discussions, debates, and the creative resolution of problematic conflicts
are central to the course conduct. Further, students will independently study particular
concepts, theories, or conflict resolution strategies in the way of term projects.
Opportunities will be provided for observing or participating in the field study of
groups and organizations involved in attempting to use communication strategies to
discover sources of conflict as well as attempting to resolve dysfunctional conflicts.
Students will be offered some opportunities to practice skills of dispute mediation
and resolution.
Goals and Objectives of the Course
Students completing the course will be able to:
1) Understand the bases of conflict and cooperation as communication variables.
2) Understand and appreciate the positive values of conflictual communication
in their own lives as it relates to their own
identities and personal goals.
3) Develop communication skills and strategies to be more proficient in resolving
personal and interpersonal conflict.
4) Recognize and comprehend when assessment, intervention, and mediation are necessary
to conflict resolution.
5) Identify and be able to use various strategies and schematics of conflict resolution
techniques.
Assessment Measures
1) Tests of course content.
2) Demonstration of concepts and processes in course exercises.
3) Class participation which demonstrates the acquisition of concepts and processes
of sources of conflict, conflict
intervention, and conflict resolution.
4) Class participation which demonstrates the ability to use conflictual communication
for solving problems of
communication.
5) Participation in case studies and field experiences which demonstrate the understanding
and use of course concepts
and processes of communication.
Other Course Information
None
Review and Approval
April 19, 2016
September 2001