Communication and Conflict – COMS 560

Course Description

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.

Rationale

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.

Measurable Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of this course, you will be able to:

1. Identify and explain biblical reasons for understanding and applying communication in conflicting situations in order to promote unity and solvency.
2. Synthesize conflict-related ideas in order to better assess how to respond and advance healthy conflict resolution in a variety of contexts.
3. Identify issues that contribute positively and negatively to conflict resolution.
4. Apply methods of conflict management to better address issues for this historical moment .

Course Assignment

Textbook readings

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

Course Requirements Checklist

After reading the Syllabus and Student Expectations, complete the related checklist found in Module/Week 1.

Discussion Board Forums (DBF) (4) 

Create a 400-word thread that addresses each unique DBF assignment. The thread is due by the end of the day on Thursday of the assigned module/week. Students will write a 200-word reply to at least one classmate’s thread by the end of Sunday of the same module/week.

NOTE: The first DBF found in week one of the course requires a video submission. Use of Kaltura as the recording and submission tool is preferred.

Reading Quizzes (4)

Complete assigned readings and answer questions based on the content of each chapter for that week. Quizzes are open-note and timed.

Conflict Briefs (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 at least 750 words. Briefs are audience-specific, and encourage integrated connections to course content in applied contexts.