Faculty Booklet - The University of the West Indies, St. Augustine ...

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P O S T G R A D U A T E R E G U L A T I O N S & S Y L L A B U S E S 2 0 1 2 - 2 0 1 3
THE FACULTY OF SOCIAL SCIENCES
M.SC. MEDIATION STUDIES
COUrSE SYLLABI/DESCrIPTIONS
(The content of these syllabi may be altered to reflect changes
in the discipline)
SEMESTER 1
COURSE CODE: SOWK 6104
COURSE TITLE: COMMUNICATION, CULTURE AND CONFLICT
NO. OF CREDITS : 4 CREDITS
COURSE DESCRIPTION: This course will provide an overview
of communication theory as it relates to issues of culture and
conflict and conflict management. This course will examine
the principal theoretical communication concepts involved
in conflict and conflict management and the impact of these
concepts on the quality of decisions arrived at and the feelings
people develop toward each other as a result of conflict. The
course will also examine the nature and meaning of conflict,
conflict management techniques, and the assessment of
conflict situations from a cross-cultural perspective. It will
explore various models for training third parties to function
effectively in handling disputes where cultural differences are a
significant factor. The concepts will be applied through various
methods to determine the applicability of conflict management
to mediation. The course will be taught in an interactive format
utilising lectures, observation, class discussions, role plays and
experiential exercises. Particular attention will be paid to issues
relating to culture, gender and race relations.
At the conclusion of this course, students should be able to:
• Identify appropriate and effective communication skills to
manage conflict
• Demonstrate appropriate and effective communication
skills in managing conflict
• evaluate the effectiveness of various conflict behaviours
(productive or destructive) and justify evaluations;
• illustrate by way of examples in group presentations,
behaviours that results in productive/destructive conflict
interactions;
• identify any special communication skills necessary to
counteract destructive conflict interaction; and
• identify the role and demands of any gender and
cultural influences on conflict management and conflict
resolution.
Assignments
Assignments would be at the lecturer’s discretion but should
include a Personal Conflict /Conflict Resolution Journal in which
each student would be required to keep a journal of examples
of conflicts they have personally experienced, and others they
have observed - between their friends, with their family, within
the community and internationally, during the course and over
the semester. Any attempt at conflict resolution should of course
be included, together with reflective observations/accounts of
the conflict and / or conflict resolution. Students should analyse
a prescribed number of conflict /conflict resolution situations.
Methodology
The course utilises lectures, discussions, small group work
and discussion, videos and simulations. Attendance and class
participation are essential.
Course Assessment
Attendance at all lectures and class participation are essential.
Coursework 50%
Final exams 50% of course grade
SEMESTEr 1
COUrSE CODE: SOCI 6005 (SY61C)
COUrSE TITLE: CArIBBEAN SOCIAL ISSUES
NO. OF CrEDITS: 3
INSTrUCTIONS: This course will be delivered on a lecture/
discussion basis, where classes take the form of open sharing
of information and discussion of topics. Students are expected
to research topics for discussion, to make presentations and to
participate in the classroom discussions.
Overview and Objective of the Course:
The purpose of this course is to provide a comprehensive
approach to the principles of sociology in attempting to
understand Caribbean social problems from their historical and
contemporary perspectives.
Evaluation
All assessment will be done on the basis of essays. Students will
be asked to present a topic that will be discussed during each
lecture session. Coursework in this programme will take the
form of group-based assignments, which will be submitted in
accordance with the deadlines agreed upon during the course
of the semester.
Coursework and final examination essays will be assessed on
the following basis: -
• Knowledge - 50%. This represents the demonstration of
familiarity with the appropriate conceptual, theoretical,
historical and contemporary information and positions
presented in the suggested readings.
• Analysis - 40%. This represents the application of the
information presented and the conclusions drawn from the
issues discussed and presenting solutions to the problems
posed in an insightful, critical and logical manner.
• Expression - 10%. This represents the ability to write in
accordance with acceptable grammatical standards, and
a demonstrated familiarity with the vocabulary of the
discipline.
Methodology
The course will be delivered through lectures and discussions
and will take the form of open sharing of information and
discussion of topics. Students are expected to research topics for
discussion, to make presentations and participate in classroom
discussion.
grading
Coursework : 25%
Final examination : 75%