Every day conflict destroys families, organizations, and nations. Yet, some amount of disagreement is an inevitable part of our social lives and is required for both wise personal decision-making and even the functioning of democracy. In this course, we will work to understand the dynamics of interpersonal disagreement, how it turns into conflict, and what to do about it. Based on academic insights from psychology, economics, and decision science as well as practical insights from expert mediators, this course will offer students both a better understanding of the psychology of disagreement and conflict, as well as practical tools for managing such situations. At the conclusion of the course, students will have learned frameworks and concepts for thinking and communicating about conflict and have advanced their skills around disagreeing constructively both in their personal and professional relationships.
The course will take place over two consecutive weekends in Spring I: January 31-February 2, and February 7-9, 2025. The class will meet 1:30-5:30 on Fridays and 10-6 on Saturdays and Sundays, with several breaks for movement and meals. The pedagogy will feature a mix of lecture, discussions, small group activities and simulations to give students the opportunity to both learn evidence-based insights from the social sciences and apply them to their own behavior. Given the interactive and discussion-based nature of the course, attendance at all sessions is mandatory.
