SPEECH COMMUNICATION 420
COMMUNICATION AND CONFLICT
INSTRUCTOR: DR. ROY AMBRESTER
OFFICE: 104 MCCLUNG TOWER
PHONE: 974-7070 or 691-8061
TEXT: COMMUNICATING THROUGH CONFLICT: AN INTERPERSONAL
PERSPECTIVE, AMBRESTER
COURSE CONTENT: Analysis of conflict through a communication
perspective. Conflict occurs on many levels, arenas, and settings in the
lives of all individuals. Beginning at the level of intrapersonal communication,
we will examine conflict and conflictual patterns occurring in friendships,
families, intimate relationships, and organizations. Using a combination
of communication and conflict theory, conflict situations, and classroom
discussions, the student will develop the ability to write thorough conflict
assessments, employ fair-fighting techniques, and understand the process
of mediating and negotiating disputes.
UNIT I
- Discussion: The Nature of Conflict
- Reading: Chapter 1, pp. 4-28
- Activity: Administration and Assessment of Kiersey-Bates
- Assignment: Journal entry concerning "trigger mechanisms"
and family conflict
UNIT II
- Discussion: Inner Dynamics and Personality Types
- Reading: Chapter 2, pp. 35-65
- Activity: Viewing CCR Videotape
- Assignment: Journal entry concerning introjected values and conflict
patterns
UNIT III
- Discussion: Systems, Climate and Conflict
- Reading: Chapter 3, pp. 70-94
- Activity: Creation of "friends"
- Exercise: Role-play of friendship conflict and application of CCR
- Assignment: Assessment of friendship conflict
UNIT IV
- Discussion: Mediation and Family Conflict
- Reading: Chapter 7, pp. 199-216
- Activity: Creation of mock families
- Exercise: Role-play family conflicts with mediation
- Assignment: Assessment of family conflict
UNIT V
- Discussion: Styles in Conflict
- Reading: Chapter 4, pp. 99-122
- Activity: Assessing personal styles
- Exercise: Evaluating the advantages and disadvantages of styles
- Assignment: Style Assessment
UNIT VI
- Discussion: Rhetorical Strategies and Tactics
- Reading: Chapter 5, pp. 128-158
- Activity: Viewing the play "Grown-Ups"
- Exercise: Evaluating the styles, tactics, roles, etc. in the play
- Assignment: Assessment of conflict
UNIT VII
- Discussion: Power and Conflict
- Reading: Chapter 6, pp. 166-184
- Activity: "Star Power"
- Exercise: Discussion of Power
- Assignment: Negotiation in relationships
UNIT VIII
- Discussion: Changing Patterns in Interpersonal Conflict
- Reading: Chapter 7, pp. 192-199
- Activity: Mediation
- Assignment: Assessment of family or group conflict in relationships
UNIT IX
- Discussion: Conflict Resolution: Negotiation and Assessment
- Reading: Chapter 8, pp. 219-229
- Activity: Negotiation session
- Assignment: Final paper due
Comprehensive Final Examination - Wednesday, August 12, 11:45-1:15
p.m.
Course Requirements:
- Mediation or CCR paper - 5-10 pages
- Negotiation paper - 5-10 pages
- Conflict assessment paper - 20 typed pages
- All reading assignments must be completed on time
Grade Percentages:
- Conflict assessment - 25%
- Mediation or CCR paper - 17.5%
- Negotiation paper - 17.5%
- Participation - 20%
- Examinations - 20%