COMS 560 Communication and Conflict

Analysis of theories and research of the role of communication in conflict in interpersonal, group, organizational, and societal contexts.

For information regarding prerequisites for this course, please refer to the Academic Course Catalog.

Course Guide

View this course’s outcomes, policies, schedule, and more.*

*The information contained in our Course Guides is provided as a sample. Specific course curriculum and requirements for each course are provided by individual instructors each semester. Students should not use Course Guides to find and complete assignments, class prerequisites, or order books.


Knowing that certain techniques of communication will produce certain responses, and knowing how to apply them in appropriate contexts will allow you to be more productive in personal, academic, and professional life. Knowing strategies and models of conflict resolution to use in contexts that involve political, religious, cultural and professional challenges provide a base for further study in business, leadership, cross-cultural relations, counseling, and personal conflict resolution.


Textbook readings

No details available.

Additional readings, videos, and conflict-related artifacts as required for specific assignments / modules.

No details available.

Course Requirements Checklist

After reading the Syllabus and Student Expectations, complete the related checklist found in the Course Overview.

Discussions (5)

Create a 400-word thread that addresses the prompt. The thread is due by the end of the day on Thursday of the assigned module: week. Students will reply to 2 classmates’ threads by the end of Sunday of the same module: week. Replies must be at least 250 words.

NOTE: The first Discussion found in Module 1: Week 1 of the course requires a video submission. Use of Kaltura as the recording and submission tool is preferred.

Conflict Brief Assignments (3)

Prepare a brief—the marketplace equivalent of a research project—that engages theory and application regarding specific aspects of conflict management. Each brief is based on a different challenge and must be 1,000 words. Briefs are audience-specific, and encourage integrated connections to course content in applied contexts.


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