This concentration prepares students to analyze conflict interaction and explore various methods of formal and informal conflict intervention in interpersonal, workplace, legal, political, religious and intercultural contexts. Included among the conflict intervention processes studied are family therapy, community dialogue, negotiation, and mediation. A concentration in conflict analysis and intervention can prepare students for careers in human services, human resources, government, peace building, conflict intervention and humanitarian agencies, and dispute resolution. It is also useful for students who wish to pursue the study of law or careers in business management, diplomacy or international relations.

      In addition to the 12 hours of required communication studies courses, students studying conflict analysis and intervention must complete the following 18 hours from among the depth requirements. Additionally, students are encouraged to enroll in an internship during their junior or senior year.

(Check catalogue for Summer offerings)

Course requirements:

SCOM 331 Communication and Conflict (Both Spring & Fall)
This is thought of as the introductory course. It gives students the opportunity to study theory, develop and
apply a broad range of skills.

SCOM 332  Mediation (Spring only)
A more focused course. Students may have the opportunity for mediation training and certification, and will
analyze specific case studies.

SCOM 334 Alternative Dispute Resolution (Fall only)
A variety of modes and approaches to dispute resolution, giving students a solid grounding in the field as a basis
for further study and career progress

SCOM 385  Qualitative Communication Research Methods (Both S & F)
Since the study of conflct is intended to lead students to develop interventions and applications that are
intended to improve the quality of life and generate greater understanding of the human condition, a solid
grounding of rigor in the exanding field of qualitative research is important

SCOM 432  Senior Seminar in Conflict Analysis and Intervention (Spring only)
This course is open to all students with Junior and Senior standing, (priority given to SCOM students). 
Students will bring their special areas of interest into a gereral capstone experience, and develop
and complete a reserch project of their choice.

In addition students will choose one from the following:

COM/ANTH 305.  Language and Culture (Check catalogue)

SCOM 333. Negotiation  (Check catalogue)

SCOM 349.  Ethnographic Approaches to Communication Studies.(Fall)

SCOM 354. Communication, Environment & Environmentalism (Spring)

SCOM 371. Talking Through Tough Cases: Ethical Principles and Practices.  (Fall)

SCOM 395.  Study Abroad In Northern Ireland Seminar. (Check catalogue)

SCOM 431. Legal Communication (Spring)

SCOM 440. Family Communication. (Check catologue)

TOTAL HOURS = 30

Other electives may be deemed acceptable after consultation with the concentration director