University Catalog 2006-2007

University Catalog > Institute for Conflict Analysis and Resolution

Institute for Conflict Analysis and Resolution

Phone: 703-993-1300
Web: icar.gmu.edu
Location: Arlington Campus

Faculty

Professors: Avruch, Cheldelin, Gopin, Rouhana, Rubenstein, Sandole

Associate professors: Cobb, Jeong, Hirsch, Lyons, Rothbart

Assistant professors: Goodale, Paczynska, Nan, Warfield

Research professors: Korostelina, Sluzki

Affiliate faculty: Dale

Administration

Sara Cobb, Director

Kevin Avruch, Associate Director

Susan Allen Nan, Certificate Program Director

Course Work

The Institute for Conflict Analysis and Resolution (ICAR) offers all course work designated CONF in the “Course Descriptions” chapter of this catalog.

Undergraduate Program

Phone: 703-993-4165

E-mail: ugradcar@gmu.edu

Location: Fairfax Campus

Susan Hirsch, Undergraduate Program Director

All Conflict Analysis and Resolution (CAR) students take a series of core courses that address theories of conflict, methods of conflict analysis, and identity conflicts that provide training in conflict resolution skills. Following the core courses, students take a series of bridge courses that cover conflict resolution in the areas of interpersonal conflict, group and community conflict, and international conflict. After selecting an area of conflict as a concentration, students choose courses from a variety of units across the university that relate to their concentration, including anthropology, communication, economics, government, sociology, philosophy, psychology, and New Century College. The major also requires 3 credits of field experience, which can take the form of an internship, service learning, or study abroad through the Center for Global Education. The BA, BS, and minor in conflict analysis and resolution are jointly awarded by the Institute for Conflict Analysis and Resolution (ICAR) and the College of Liberal Arts and Human Sciences (LAHS). Students in this program are considered students in both ICAR and LAHS.

Advising

All majors and minors are strongly encouraged to meet regularly with an academic advisor who will help students develop and follow a coherent plan of study and complete the degree in a timely manner. The CAR program is designed for students to develop concentrations that are relevant to their educational and career goals.

Conflict Analysis and Resolution, BA

In addition to satisfying the university-wide general education requirements and requirements for the BA degree within LAHS, students majoring in CAR must complete a total of 39 credits. They include 15 credits in required core courses CONF 101, 300, 301, 302, and 490; 9 credits of required bridge courses CONF 320, 330, and 340; and 3 credits of field experience approved by an advisor. Field experience can take the form of an internship, service learning, or study abroad. Students register for internship and service learning credits through New Century College, and should speak with an advisor there before registering. More information is available at www.ncc.gmu.edu. Students interested in study abroad should register through the Center for Global Education. Prior approval by the major advisor is required for study abroad.

Additionally, students also need 12 credits of concentration courses at the interpersonal, community/organizational, or international level. Students should choose classes that pertain to their concentration and are listed as approved. Approved courses include offerings in anthropology, communication, government, philosophy, sociology, and psychology, among others within LAHS. For the full listing of approved courses, go to icar.gmu.edu/undergrad/undergrad.htm. Students are encouraged to check special topics courses of interest each semester, and to think creatively about the applicability of courses that support learning in their chosen concentration.

Writing-Intensive Requirement

The university requires all students to complete at least one course designated as writing intensive in their major at the 300-level or above. CONF 302 has been designated as writing intensive.

Conflict Analysis and Resolution, BS

In addition to satisfying the university-wide general education requirements, CAR majors must complete a total of 54 credits for the BS degree. They include 15 credits in required core courses CONF 101, 300, 301, 302, and 490; 9 credits of required bridge courses CONF 320, 330, and 340; and 3 credits of field experience approved by an advisor. Field experience can take the form of an internship, service learning, or study abroad. Students register for internship and service learning credits through New Century College, and should speak with an advisor there before registering. More information is available at www.ncc.gmu.edu. Students interested in study abroad should register through the Center for Global Education. Prior approval by the major advisor is required for study abroad.

Additionally, students need 12 credits of concentration courses at the interpersonal, community and organizational, or international level. Students should choose classes that pertain to their concentration and are listed as approved. Approved courses include offerings in anthropology, communication, government, philosophy, sociology, and psychology, among others within LAHS. For the full listing of approved courses, go to icar.gmu.edu/undergrad/undergrad.htm. Students are encouraged to check special topics courses of interest each semester, and to think creatively about the applicability of courses that support learning in their chosen concentration.

Students also need 6 credits of research methods courses including STAT 250 and one other research methods course approved by the department (see adviser for the list of approved courses); 3 credits of non-Western culture chosen from the LAHS list (cannot also count for global understanding); and 6 credits of major electives chosen from any CAR concentration list or independent study options.

Writing-Intensive Requirement

All Mason students are required to complete at least one course designated as writing intensive in their major at the 300-level or above. CONF 302 has been designated as writing intensive.

Conflict Analysis and Resolution, Minor

Students are required to take a total of 18 credits: 6 credits in required core courses CONF 101 and 300; 3 credits in the bridge course (CONF 320, 330, or 340) that corresponds to their chosen concentration; and 9 credits from the list of courses approved for the concentration. Students will choose classes that pertain to their concentration and are listed as approved. Approved courses include offerings in anthropology, communication, government, philosophy, sociology, and psychology, among others within LAHS. The full listing of approved courses can be found at icar.gmu.edu/undergrad. Students are encouraged to check special topics courses of interest each semester, and to think creatively about the applicability of courses that might support learning in their chosen concentration.

Students are required to achieve a minimum 2.00 GPA in courses applied to a minor. At least 8 credits of the minor must be applied only to the CAR minor, and may not be used to fulfill requirements of the student’s major, major concentration, or another minor.

Students may also elect to fulfill this requirement by taking any other 300- or 400-level conflict course.

Graduate Programs

Conflict Analysis and Resolution, MS

This two-year professional program prepares students for practice and further academic work by integrating conflict analysis and resolution theory, research, and practical technique. Students study the theory, methods, and ethical perspectives of the field, and apply this knowledge in laboratory simulations and workshops, internships, and field practica. Graduates work in a variety of settings where conflict resolution is useful, and where interest groups are in conflict with current and emergent public policy. Examples are businesses, unions, government agencies, religious groups, court systems, educational institutions, community centers, international relief and development organizations, and consulting firms.

Admission Requirements

In addition to meeting all admission requirements for graduate study, applicants must submit all undergraduate and graduate transcripts; three letters of recommendation, one of which should be from a faculty member in the applicant’s undergraduate or graduate major field; and a 750- to 1,000-word essay on goals and reasons for seeking admission to the program. GRE or other standardized test scores are not required, but may be submitted. The TOEFL is required for foreign students. For more information, see the “Admission of International Students” section in the Admission chapter of this catalog.

Background courses in social sciences, as well as prior work experience, are desirable. Prior graduate academic work is evaluated on an individual basis for possible transfer credit and fulfillment of program requirements. However, Mason usually does not permit any reduction in the total credits required for the degree. Although students may enroll on a full- or part-time basis, entry into the program is in the fall semester only.

Degree Requirements

A total of 41 credits are required: 15 in required core courses, 20 elective credits, and 6 integrative credits (students can choose from a defined list). Mason requires all students to complete the master’s degree within six years of their official admission date.

Because the choice of electives can vary significantly according to individual goals or needs, each student should develop a plan of study that should be discussed once each semester with the advisor and updated as appropriate.

Required Courses

Students take 15 credits of required course work. The semester in which courses are generally offered is indicated in parentheses.

Elective Courses

Students take 20 credits of elective course work. CONF 695, 795, and 697, and appropriate graduate courses from other Mason departments or consortium universities, may also apply as electives.

Integrative Courses

Students must complete 6 credits of integrative work, choosing one of the following options:

* CONF 798 Master’s Thesis Proposal (1 credit) is prerequisite for CONF 799.

Directed Readings

Only two directed readings (CONF 697) may be applied toward requirements for the master’s degree.

Field Opportunities

The internship program is intended to provide students with opportunities to use and develop conflict resolution skills, integrate theory and practice of conflict analysis and resolution, and network with professionals in the field to enhance employment opportunities. Experience does not necessarily have to be explicitly “hands on.” CONF 694 requires at least 160 hours of supervised work on a project toward the analysis or resolution of conflict. Such work must be spelled out in a memorandum of agreement to be signed before the internship begins by the student, site supervisor, and internship coordinator.

The Applied Practice and Theory (APT) program is a 6-credit course running yearlong. It is designed to take the concepts presented in class and practiced in labs into real situations with conflict and consequences. Students work in teams integrating research and practice with theory devel-opment and applied ethics.

Conflict Analysis and Resolution, PhD

The doctoral program, the first of its kind in the United States, provides advanced study for students in the fields of conflict and conflict resolution. Students are prepared for careers as researchers, theoreticians, and teachers in higher education; and as policy administrators, analysts, and consultants in both the public and private sectors.

The program stresses a close link between knowledge of theory and process in the resolution of conflict. For this, training in the methods of research and analysis is emphasized. In addition, students are expected to obtain a background in a substantive area of conflict, usually related to the topic of the dissertation.

Admission Requirements

In addition to the requirements listed for applicants to the MS program, requirements for the PhD program include a written sample of work that shows the applicant’s potential for completing dissertation research in a doctoral program. Although students may enroll on a full- or part‑time basis, entry into the program is in the fall semester only. A master’s degree is required for admission to the PhD program.

Degree Requirements

A total of 57 credits are required.

Required Core Doctoral Courses

Students take 24 credits of required course work; each course is 3 credits.

Elective Courses

A total of 21 elective credits must be completed prior to comprehensive exams from any appropriate graduate courses. The intent is to allow students to have maximum flexibility in the selection of courses to build skills and knowledge needed in dissertation work.

Directed Readings

Only two directed readings (CONF 897) can be applied toward doctoral elective requirements.

Dissertation Units

A total of 12 combined dissertation proposal/research credits are required.

* CONF 811 has a prerequisite, “demonstrated competence in social statistics.” This means that entering students may be required to take an advanced course in statistics, STAT 510 (fall) or STAT 550 (spring), before registering for CONF 811. However, the course is not counted toward the total credits needed for the degree.

** All CONF 998 courses are graded In Progress (IP) until completion of the proposal. At that time, an appropriate grade is issued.

*** All CONF 999 courses are graded In Progress (IP) until the dissertation defense is successfully completed. At that time, an appropriate grade is issued.

Credit for Prior Study

Students who have earned an MS in conflict analysis and resolution from Mason may have the course total required for a doctoral degree reduced by 15 credits. The actual number of the credit reduction is determined in consultation with the student’s advisor and the program coordinator after a review of courses taken.

Students entering with graduate credit or degrees (MA, MS or JD) may have the required course load reduced by up to 15 credits. The actual number of applied credits is determined in consultation with the student’s advisor and the program coordinator after a review of courses taken.

Foreign Language Requirement

Every doctoral student must show competence in a foreign language (that is, a language other than their native tongue) before advancing to candidacy. Dissertations may not begin without evidence of meeting this requirement. International students may use English as their foreign language, and the TOEFL as a demonstration of competency. The Department of Modern and Classical Languages has ruled that neither American Sign Language nor computer languages can be used to fulfill this requirement. All students, regardless of how recently language courses have been taken, are required to fulfill the same standard before advancing to candidacy.

Competence in a foreign language must be shown by taking a placement test at Mason’s Language Laboratory. The test has oral and written components. If the test is passed at a level greater than 300, which indicates the end of intermediate and beginning of advanced competency, the Department of Modern and Classical Languages will issue a certificate of proficiency.

The Department of Modern and Classical Languages conducts tests from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday through Friday on a first-come, first-served basis. Check with the doctoral program coordinator for more details, such as how to obtain tapes for language practice.

If the student desires testing in a language that Mason does not offer, the test can be taken at an outside organization, embassy, church, or other entity. However, the student must submit a letter to Mason certifying that the test was passed at a high intermediate/low advanced level. The student may submit for approval the names and qualifications of those capable of administering such a test.

After students pass their comprehensive exam and before they register for CONF 999, they should notify the PhD coordinator about which language they have selected to satisfy the foreign language requirement.

Advancement to PhD Candidacy

After completing course work (except dissertation) listed on the Program of Studies and passing written comprehensive exams, students are advanced to candidacy. A candidate is permitted five years from the advancement date to complete the dissertation.

Graduate Certificates

Four graduate certificate programs are administered exclusively by the Institute for Conflict Analysis and Resolution. They are Conflict Analysis and Resolution Advanced Skills; Conflict Analysis and Resolution for Collaborative Leadership in Community Planning; Conflict Analysis and Resolution for Prevention, Reconstruction, and Stabilization Contexts; and World Religions, Diplomacy, and Conflict Resolution.

Each of these one-year, 15-credit programs is specifically tailored to provide students with practical knowledge of conflict analysis and resolution relevant to their focused areas of work. Designed for midcareer professionals studying in a cohort environment, the certificate programs integrate conflict analysis and resolution theory, research, and practical technique. These programs utilize intensive course sessions, lecture, seminar, and applied mentored learning in real and simulated situations to prepare students to utilize conflict analysis and resolution approaches in their work in a variety of fields.

Admission Requirements

In addition to meeting all admission requirements for graduate study, applicants must submit an undergraduate transcript showing completion of an undergraduate degree or equivalent; and a CV or resume indicating relevant work experience.

Additionally, prior work experience with areas related to the chosen graduate certificate is desirable. GRE or other standardized test scores are not required, but may be submitted. The TOEFL is required for foreign students. For more information, see the “Admission of International Students” section in the Admission chapter of this catalog. Students are strongly encouraged to participate fully in the cohort learning experience by enrolling in the fall semester, taking two courses in the fall and two in the spring, and completing their certificates with the final course in the summer.

Degree Requirements

15 credits are required for each graduate certificate degree. Each degree consists of three courses (9 credits) required of all certificate programs. The semester in which the courses are generally offered is indicated in parentheses:

Each certificate requires one core course (3 credits), corresponding with the certificate title:

Elective Courses

In addition, each student may choose one elective. Students may select their elective course from the following courses:

Application of any other course toward fulfillment of the elective requirement must be approved by the director of certificates.

Certificate in Conflict Resolution for Health Professionals

For more information, see the College of Health and Human Services chapter.