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Southern Methodist University

5228 Tennyson Parkway, Plano TX 75024-3547

COURSE SYLLABUS

Psychology of Conflict

HDDR 6319 & HDCN 6382

Fall Term 2008

August 11 – October 17

This course syllabus is intended as a set of guidelines for (Course). Both Southern Methodist University and your instructor reserve the right to make modifications in content, schedule, and requirements as necessary to promote the best education possible within prevailing conditions affecting this course.

Tony Picchioni, PhD, L.P.C., L.M.F.T.

Chair, Department of Human Development, SMU

tpicchio@smu.edu or apicch2266@aol.com (preferred)

972.473.3408 office (preferred) Speak slowly, concisely, be brief

972.781.2629 (home) 972.473.3441 (SMU main office fax)

Office: SMU-in-Legacy, Building 3, 234

Office Hours: Call for appointment

“Ultimately, the only power to which man should aspire is that which he exercises over himself.” - Elie Wiesel

Retain for personal files. This syllabus may be needed for future course reference.

Course Information

Course title: Psychology of Conflict

Course number: HDDR 6319 & HDCN 6382

Credit hours: 3

Class meeting time: Tuesdays 6:00-10:15PM

Course description: This course will examine the psychological dynamics associated with the process and consequences of conflict. We will ask how people understand, explain, and respond to the various conflicts that comprise their reality: internal, inter-personal, and inter-group struggles. Cognitive, affective, and motivational processes will be presented and discussed in the context of different philosophical and scientific explanations. We will explore the moral, political, and cultural dimensions of conflict as they shape the identity of individuals and groups.

Course prerequisites: None.

Pre-assignment: See pre-assignment section and complete prior to first class meeting

Required and Recommended Textbooks and Materials

Interpersonal Conflict (7^th Ed.) – Wilmot & Hocker ISBN-13: 9780073135540

Styles Profile - $20 pick up and pay first class meeting

Conflict Resolution Tool - $7.50 pick up and pay first class meeting

Personal Power Profile - $7.50 pick up and pay first class meeting

Recommended but not Required Text:

Mistakes Were Made, But Not By Me – Tavris & Aronson ISBN-13: 9780151010981

Social Intelligence – Goleman ISBN-13: 9780553384499

Mirroring People Mirroring People : The New Science of How We Connect with Others - Iacoboni

ISBN-13: 9780374210175

Extra credit will be given if students choose to read and write a brief reflection paper (see Dr. Picchioni for details).

Pre-assignment Section

Wilmot - Hocker Chapters 1&2

My Approach

My philosophy is to create a shared learning experience with mutuality of learning among all course participants. I envision a class as a forum for sharing experience, trying new ideas, self-reflection and applying theories while cultivating our capacity to learn. This approach is known to be the most effective approach to adult learning. It will be a forum where we learn about counseling through readings, exercises, role plays, reflection and integration.

Welcome to this exploration of the psychology of conflict. We begin with Parker J. Palmer’s observation (1999): “Good teaching isn’t about technique. I’ve asked students around the country to describe their good teachers to me. Some of them describe people who lecture all the time, some of them describe people who do little more than facilitate group processes, and others describe everything in between. But all of them describe people who have some sort of connective capacity, who connect themselves to their students, their students to each other, and everyone to the subject being studies.” In this spirit of connection, we begin. - Dr. Picchioni

Course Objectives

1. Students will learn concepts and dimensions of conflict, including their own style

2. Students will learn to diagnose, analyze, and be strategic in the response to conflict

3. Students will learn to synthesize material, discuss theories, and show mastery of concepts

4. Students will learn to distinguish between constructive and destructive conflict

5. Students will come to identify the elements that make up intractable conflict

Specific Course Learning Outcomes

1. Students will identify their own conflict style including strengths and weaknesses

2. Students will have tools and knowledge to diagnose, analyze and be strategic in response to conflict

3. Students will gain insight to their own and others’ perceptions on conflict

4. Students will acquire tools/techniques to manage conflict

5. Students will apply knowledge, insight, and tools/techniques in group discussions and assigned papers

Assignments

Week 1	Wilmot - Hocker Chapters 1&2,
Week 2	Wilmot - Hocker Chapter 3,
Week 3	Wilmot - Hocker Chapter 4,
Week 4	Wilmot - Hocker Chapter 5,
Week 5	Wilmot - Hocker Chapter 6,
Week 6	Short Paper, Wilmot - Hocker Chapter 7,
Week 7	Wilmot - Hocker Chapter 8,
Week 8	Wilmot - Hocker Chapter 9,
Week 9	Major Paper, Wilmot - Hocker Chapter 10,
Week 10	Circle Discussion Paper, Wilmot - Hocker Chapter 11,

1. Short Paper – 20%

Using the tool “Measuring Your Conflict Style” in Wilmot - Hocker (chapter 5, pages 132-133), write a description of your conflict style in personal and/or public settings. Use as data what others say about your style and what you think about your style. Give the “Measuring Your Conflict Style” to three people who know you well to account for your own and others’ perceptions of your style. Interview one other person who knows your style through personal experience. Your paper must address the following issues:

a. Positive and negative features of your style

b. How flexible you are in choice of style

c. Where you learned your style

d. Differences between your own (self-reflection ) and others’ (external) perception of your style

e. What your style triggers in others

The paper is to be 5 typed double-spaced pages and is due on the 6^th class session.

2. Major Paper – 60%

Using the Wilmot - Hocker “Conflict Assessment Guide” (page 204) write a paper focusing on a personal conflict; the conflict can be past or ongoing. The paper will be returned provided a self-addressed stamped envelope accompanies the paper when the paper is submitted. The purposes of this assignment:

a. Self-reflection and personal growth

b. Use of key conflict analytical concepts

c. Draw from the material in the texts and class notes

The paper is to be 10 typed double-spaced pages and is due on the 9^th class session.

3. Circle Discussion – 20%

· Self-select teams of no more than 5 students

· Meet a minimum of 5 times/one hour each

· Discuss the class material and relate to your personal and public lives

· As a group type a single insight paper of no more than 3 double- spaced pages of group insight and possible action

The paper is due on the 10^th class session.

Grading Scale

Late Paper (Assignment) Policy: Late papers accepted only by pre-arrangement with the instructor

Student Responsibilities: Be prepared, attend class and engage in class discussions and activities. Turn in all assignments on time.

Class Decorum: Be respectful. Be punctual, as class will begin on time. Breaks will be given; students must return promptly. Attendance is mandatory; roll will be taken. Beepers and cell phones must be turned off during class. Be prepared to participate. Conflict Management/Dispute Resolution and Counseling are interactive professions. Professional respect and courtesy are expected at all times. Do not engage in side-discussions during class as this distracts the instructor and fellow students.

HONOR CODE

Students are reminded of the SMU Honor Code as referenced in the Student Hand Book. Intellectual integrity and academic honesty are both the foundation and the goals of this program. Please reference and review the university policies on the responsibilities, policies, and penalties regarding academic honesty. http://www.smu.edu/studentlife/PCL_05_HC.asp

NOTIFICATION OF ABSENCE DUE TO RELIGIOUS HOLY DAY(S)

Students who will be absent from class for the observance of a religious holiday must notify the instructor in advance. Please refer to the Student Obligations section of the university catalog for more explanation. You are required to complete any assignments or take any examinations missed as a result of the absence within the time frame specified by your instructor.

DISABILITIES ACCOMIDATIONS

Students needing academic accommodations for a disability must contact Ms. Rebecca Marin, Coordinator of Services for Students with Disabilities (214-768-4557) to verify the disability and establish eligibility for accommodations. They should then schedule an appointment with the professor to make appropriate arrangements.

ADD /DROP POLICY

If you are unable to complete this course, you must officially withdraw by Friday, August 15, 2008. Last day to Add/Drop regular courses without a grade record or Billing. Withdrawing is a formal procedure which you must initiate; your instructor cannot do it for you.

FINANCIAL AID STATEMENT

Students who are receiving any form of financial aid should check with the Financial Aid Office prior to withdrawing from classes. Withdrawals may affect your eligibility to receive further aid and could cause you to be in a position of repayment for the current semester. Students who fail to attend or participate are also subject to this policy.

To apply for financial aid at SMU, students must complete FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) on the web at http://www.fafsa.ed.gov .

Statement on Confidentiality and Emotional Safety:

In order to provide a safe learning environment for students in the class and to protect the confidentiality of practice clients and class members, students will discuss case material and other’ personal information, reactions etc. only while in class or privately with other current class members It is the responsibility of each class member to treat classmates with respect and integrity, thus providing emotional safety for each other during class activities. Failure to do so can result in termination from the department.

SMU Policy

Refer to the www.smu.edu or the Dispute Resolution and Conflict Management Program office in Suite 3-118 for questions or information regarding SMU policies and procedures.