Conflict and Culture

Student Learning Outcomes, Goals, Objectives:

Students successfully completing this course will be able to:

• Examine multiple dimensions of diversity and culture and their influence on people's perceptions and definitions of conflict.
• Compare and contrast the ways various conflict theories integrate diversity and cultural issues.
• Identify the principles and foundations of Indigenous systems of conflict transformation.
• Engage culturally relevant listening, facilitation, and transformational practice skills.
• Assess the history and methods of colonization, cultural dominance, and oppression.
• Explore personal cultural beliefs and worldview.

Global Engagement Learning Goal

• Develop the capacity in a global society for engaging in free and open inquiry that fosters mutual respect across multiple cultures and perspectives.

Course Grading Information:

Activity/Performance Measure	Percentage/Points
Course Attendance & Participation	26 points
Reflection Paper	10 points
Periodic Knowledge Quizzes	30 points
Essay	25 points
Assigned Group Roles Summary	2 points
Group Synthesis Presentation	7 points

Standard Grading Scale Matrix

Percentage	Letter Grade
94 – 100%	A
90 – 93%	A-
87 – 89%	B+
83 – 86%	B
80 – 82%	B-
77 – 79%	C+
73 – 76%	C
70 – 72%	C-
67 – 69%	D+
63–66%	D / D- / F
60–62% / Below 60%	D / D- / F

Attendance/Participation:

Regular participation and engagement are required and make up a significant portion of the course grade. You will receive two points for each of the first 13 classes attended. You must be present in the final class to receive credit for the group project. The course depends on each student’s active, responsible presence. To excel, please be sure to:

Attend each class session and consistently arrive on time.

Demonstrate deep, critical engagement with all assigned reading materials.

Proactively raise and answer questions related to course issues and core themes.

Share relevant structural ideas, feelings, experiences, and observations with the instructor and classmates.

Synthesize complex ideas derived from readings and integrate them into class interactions.

Provide constructive, real-time feedback on the collective learning process.

Help your peers actively develop and unpack their own views and conceptual frameworks.

Complete readings, canvas discussions, papers, projects, and other secondary assignments strictly on time.

Course Materials Purchased by the Students:

• Avruch, K. (1998). Culture and conflict resolution. United States Institute of Peace Press.
• Lederach, J. P. (1997). Building peace: Sustainable reconciliation in divided societies. United States Institute of Peace Press.