This course examines power imbalances in interpersonal relationships and the violence that often results, whether in a verbal, physical, psychological, or institutional form. It also looks at some of the ways these power imbalances are developed, focusing particularly on gender. This course also explores how personal transformation can be effected, and looks at questions of justice, equality, and fairness. Students can expect to read a number of interesting and timely books, several of which are bestsellers. Expect to participate in lively and thought-provoking discussions and presentations.
Ethnic conflicts are on the rise across the globe, disrupting the lives of millions each year.
Closer to home, cultural diversity in school and workforce populations has increased conflict as different cultural world views clash. The management of conflict is also constructed culturally. Every culture constructs its own distinctive understandings of the social functions of conflict and has its own approach to the role of third parties and to a host of other conflict intervention strategies. Cross cultural conflict management therefore occurs in some pretty choppy waters with waves large enough to swamp even the best-intentioned efforts. Culture will be treated broadly here, including gender, race, ethnicity, generation, class and sexual orientation.