Psychology of Conflict and CR

3 Credits · Level: Graduate, Undergraduate

This course examines the neurobiology of stress, trauma, and resilience and applies this science to conflict resolution, so that students can understand how their body and mind are wired to perceive information and make decisions while challenged or threatened. We will also examine the neurobiological mechanisms of our social wiring, and their implications for stress/emotion contagion and conflict. After exploring these topics at the individual and interpersonal (dyadic) levels, we will move “outwards” to apply these topics to human groups. We will explore how stress and trauma can exacerbate conflict, impede conflict termination, and undermine actions taken in the post-conflict period. Students will participate in a group project to explore these dynamics in a case study throughout the semester. This course alternates between periods of intellectual learning and discussion, periods of experiential engagement with mind-body practices, and reflective discussion about those practices. Thus, this course has a large component of direct experiential practice. Students will be asked to complete 30 minutes of mind fitness exercises every day. Students are also required to attend a half-day intensive practicum on a Saturday.