The overall purpose of the course is to examine conflict in everyday life with a particular focus on the role that communication plays in the development and management of conflict situations. The course examines the dynamics of everyday conflicts across a variety of settings, from interpersonal relationships to the workplace. We will draw on the readings, the conflict management literature, our own experiences, and case studies discussed in class to examine the nature and development of conflicts, learn the principles of conflict, and learn the techniques for productive conflict management.
Dudley Cahn and Ruth Abigail, Managing Conflict Through Communication, 5th ed (2014).
Digital ISBN: 9780205914852
Hard Copy ISBN: 9780205862139
(The link above will take you to the publisher's website, but of course you are free to borrow/purchase/rent the book from anywhere)
Zimbardo, P. (2007). The Lucifer effect: Understanding how good people turn evil. New York: Random House.
Tavris, C., & Aaronson, E. (2007). Mistakes were made (but not by me): Why we justify foolish beliefs, bad decisions, and hurtful acts. New York: Harcourt.
Gladwell, M. (2019). Talking to strangers: What we should know about the people we don't know. Little, Brown, and Company.
Miller, R. (2015). Conflict communication: A new paradigm in conscious communications. YMAA Publication Center.
Dr. Corrie Boudreaux
cmboudreaux @ utep.edu
Cotton 307A
By May, I want you to...
Understand and appreciate the role of communication in conflict and conflict management processes.
Analyze the components of conflict that lead to constructive or destructive communication patterns.
Appreciate the many variables to consider in the selection of strategies, methods, and responses that are appropriate to a given conflict situation.
Understand and make recommendations for effective conflict management communication and strategies in various contexts of interest.