This class will train each student to be a mediating presence in interpersonal and community conflicts. The instructor will teach conflict transformation ideology and tools for conflict analysis to build student’s capacity to understand and respond to conflict in ways which advance justice. In conflict transformation-inspired mediation, the primary goal is to improve the relationships between the parties to allow them to chart their own solutions. Students will learn the five-stage mediation process so that they could conduct a complete formal mediation. However, the emphasis will be on understanding the goals and practices of each stage so that they can informally and effectively intervene in the conflicts in their own lives and their own communities. The class will use case studies to build skills in conflict analysis. Students will also practice skills through partner exercises and small group mediation role plays. Students will also be asked to use the skills outside the classroom, and reflect on those experiences verbally or in writing.

Course fulfills the following curricular requirements:
MAP – Core course
MAIRS- Ministerial Studies: Arts of Ministry
MAC – Chaplaincy Elective