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COMS 607 Conflict in the Workplace Spring 2006 Professors: Drs. Joe Cardot and Paul Lakey Sherrod 128 E-mail addresses: cardotj@acu.edu, lakeyp@acu.edu Phone: 325.674.2136 Fax: 325.674.6966 Meeting Times: Note the start times! This class is a short course which will meet on two weekends (January 19-21, February 9-11) to complete 40 hours of class time. Class will meet on each weekend 6-10 p.m. on Thursday evening, and 9-6 on Friday and Saturday. Variations in schedule will be announced in class. University: To educate students for Christian service and leadership throughout the world. Certificate in Conflict Mediation: To equip and support Christians for leadership and service in peacemaking in their churches, families, and professions. Communication Department: To educate students for Christian service and leadership throughout the world by developing communication skills through analyzing, managing, changing, and advocating ideas, people, organizations, and cultures. Prerequisites: Students should have completed an undergraduate degree and have an interest in developing their abilities as mediators in religious and secular settings. Prior courses or study in conflict management will be advantageous. Course Description and Course Goal: Conflict in the Workplace is designed for those preparing to be professionals in the field of conflict mediation. The graduate-level seminar provides opportunities to develop skills in identifying the signs and root causes of friction, anger, violence, and conflict in the work environment. We believe that conflict itself inherently is neither good nor bad. God has created us as unique individuals–individuals who will often have differing opinions, desires and perspectives. These differences can and will result in conflict. We see conflict as an opportunity to demonstrate God’s power to unify and reconcile. A Christian perspective recognizes the power of sin and desire in conflict (James 4: 1-2). Our goal is to grapple with the difference a Christian world view can make in the midst of interpersonal and workplace conflict. We believe a proactive systemic approach to conflict can result in more productive conflict management. Analysis of case studies provides the framework for understanding organizational alternative dispute resolution systems. The student who completes the course will be competent to identify and analyze the signs and root causes of interpersonal anger and conflict in the organizational environment. The student will, additionally, be able to collaborate effectively in developing policies and programs that address organizational distress due to conflict, stress, anger, and violence in the workplace. Texts: Lipsky, David, B., Seeber, Ronald L., & Fincher, Richard D. (2003). Emerging Systems for Managing Workplace Conflict. Jossey-Bass. McClure, L.F. (2000). Anger & Conflict in the Workplace: Spot the Signs, Avoid the Trauma. Impact Publications. Slaikeu, K.A., & Hasson, R.H. (1998). Controlling the costs of conflict: How to design a system for your organization. Jossey-Bass.
Class Policies: 1. Because of the essential skill development nature of this course, attendance is expected at all class meetings. In the event an absence is necessary, work equivalent to the classroom work missed will be required in order to receive credit for work missed. If you must miss more than four hours class time, you need to take the class at another time as you will be dropped. 2. All papers should be typed and reflect appropriate writing skills (organization, paragraph and sentence structure, grammar, and spelling). You can provide excellent content and fail an assignment on writing. Use APA style with citations. Papers should be turned in on time or you can expect a minimum of a letter grade reduction for tardiness. 3. Any student needing accommodations for a physical disability should contact the professor at the start of the course. Teaching Methods: This class is designed to build analytic ability and to develop communication competence in conflict situations related to the work environment. We will do active learning through discussion, case analysis, presentations and self assessments. It is very important that you complete assigned readings by the due date. Class activities will be based on the readings. Grading: (points are approximate) Assignments Points Case studies (approx. 3) 150 Presentations (McClure, Slaikeu) 100 Tests over readings (2) 200 ADR system development 150 Total 600 The final course grade will be based on the following scale: 540 - 600 points A 480 - 539 B 420 - 479 C 360 - 419 D under 360 F Course Schedule: First week January 19-21 Expect a test at the beginning of class on January 19 over: Slaikeu & Harrison, Controlling the Costs of conflict: How to design a system for your organization. Lipsky, et al, Emerging Systems (Part One: chapters 1-4) You will make a team presentation and/or facilitate discussion on Slaikeu & Hasson Friday afternoon to Saturday. Second week Februrary 9-11 Expect a test at the beginning of class on February 9 over: McClure, Anger & Conflict in the Workplace: Spot the Signs, Avoid the Trauma. Lipsky, et al, Emerging Systems (Part Two: chapters 5-8) You will make a team presentation and/or facilitate discussion over McClure Friday afternoon to Saturday. You may take the tests “open or closed book.” To earn an “A” grade on the tests, you must take them “closed book.” The highest grade you can earn using the “open book” option is a “C+” grade (79%). You will have one hour to complete the exam; make sure you’re prepared or you won’t have time to complete an open book exam if you are not familiar with the texts. You can make an “A” in the course with “Cs” on the exams. However, all your other grades must be solid “As.”
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