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UST433/PDD572 UST 433/PDD 527 
Course Syllabus Syllabus

(any changes will be announced in class)


Objectives COURSE OBJECTIVES


This course views conflict as an ever-present component of any decision-making environment, including Planning, Public Administration and Non-Profit Management. It offers tools for:
understanding the nature of conflict and of individual and joint decision making processes;
devising individual and group strategies that minimize the destructive consequences of conflict; and,
identifying and negotiating solutions satisfactory to all involved.

Some negotiation and conflict-related concepts and processes are general and context-free, while others are specific to the planning, policy, administration or non-profit fields. Some simulation games will illustrate context-free decision patterns (for example, the Prisoners' Dilemma, the Battle of Sexes, the Game of Chicken) while some will exemplify conflict and choice patterns specific to public sector decision making (for example, making budgeting decisions or negotiating public-private cost-sharing arrangements). Games and cases, and students' reaction to them, form the basis for class discussions about the nature of various decision mechanisms and the role of perceptions in managing conflicts.
Students will acquire the ability to analyze decision situations, understand the stakes of all involved, identify sources of conflict, devise and implement negotiation strategies that recognize when cooperation is beneficial.


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Method COURSE STRUCTURE

The course consists of:
  • lectures on individual/joint decision processes, negotiations, and conflict management strategies;
  • class discussions and student presentations on assigned conflict management topics;
  • simulation games illustrating various aspects of negotiation and conflict management;
  • discussions of game outcomes in terms of formal decision making models and negotiation theory.

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Important!

  • Students are expected to: attend all classes; participate actively in discussions, asking clarifying questions; read text assignments and identify topics that need clarification; raise questions to ensure thorough understanding and ability to use the information in contexts outside the classroom.
  • Homework/paper outputs should be: TYPED and handed in ON TIME. Communication skills complement analytic ones, so pay attention to completeness, clarity, and aspect of written work. Grading is based on sound analysis, and on effective communication of results.
  • Prepare for class sessions: read text and identify topics that need clarification. Feel free to raise questions.
  • Prepare for class discussions of games: keep notes on your own behavior, feelings, choices and rationales, as well as notes on your partners' and opponents' behavior. (Make journal entries during games, or take some time after class to record your thoughts and perceptions.)




Evaluation EVALUATION

The final grade will be a composite of grades for:
  • periodic assignments (with class presentations)
  • games participation, discussions, class presentations
  • midterm 1 (usually 5th week, class time)
  • midterm 2 (usually 10th week, class time)
  • final paper (due last week of class) theory.
  • 10%
  • 25%
  • 15%
  • 20%
  • 30%

    No extra credit beyond the list above.
  • Late homeworks/papers will not be accepted. Periodic assignments include class presentations.
  • Avoid falling behind in reading.
  • Participation in Game II (see schedule below) is absolutely necessary because it is the basis for the final paper and cannot be made up.
  • Attendance at all exams is required. Makeups will be given only in extreme and documented circumstances (proof required; vacation arrangements are not emergencies) and with advance notice. The student must schedule the make-up exam within 7 days of the in-class exam. Make-ups are different in content, length and format from in-class exams. Except in these rare circumstances, students earn a score of zero on missed exams (and both are needed to pass the class).



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