ICM 6023 - Impact of Culture and Gender on Negotiation and Mediation (3)

This course is designed to offer a social science based examination into conflict, its cultural origins and the differences by which conflict is processed from a cultural perspective. Identity based (language, ethnicity, nationality and religion) conflict increases as the diversity of culture increases and the resolution of culture based conflict becomes more difficult. The purpose of this course is to the give the student a framework with which to approach culture based conflict and skills to apply to its successful resolution. First, we will investigate the nature of culture based conflict from a social science perspective. Second, we will examine conflict resolution skills in the context of the cultures in which they work most effectively. Third, we will examine the obstacles to applying conflict resolution skills to culturally diverse disputants. Finally, the course will demonstrate how an analytical framework will assist in developing appropriate approaches and protocols to culture intensive conflict settings.

Prerequisite: ICM 5023 or consent of ICM director.