The objective of the course is to enhance knowledge and analytical skills of students to interpret conflict in various social settings and understand appropriate intervention methods. They complement existing teaching programs of New Century College which stress an experiential and integrative learning process. The courses sponsored by ICAR are well connected to other courses in New Century College which deal with race, class, gender, the impact of social and economic forces on community relations, community building, global culture, and so forth. The ICAR program complements other existing liberal arts programs at George Mason University. This particular program is intended to integrate a variety of themes taught in other courses which deal with conflict.
Students can deepen their knowledge by taking courses in other programs.
At the same time, with these core courses, students may develop specific areas of inquiry and practice, including interpersonal and intergroup conflict, organizational conflict, environmental conflict, public policy, and international conflict. Collaboration will be initiated with relevant programs on campus to select possible elective courses. These programs include, but are not limited to Communication, Cultural Studies, History, Philosophy, Psychology, Sociology, Government and Public Policy, Management, Urban and Suburban Studies, and Women's Studies. There is great demand for expertise in conflict management, transformation, and resolution at community, social, and international levels. Society has begun to recognize the critical need for professional third party intervention in both public and private sectors.