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Conflict Studies

Conflicts are generic to the human condition and the management of disputes is a sign of human civilization. In this learning circle, students and professors explore the causes of, solutions for and management of:

Furthermore, academic field study during port calls provides an invaluable learning opportunity for students to reflect outside the classroom, in a context that resonates long after their voyage concludes.

  • Cross-border conflicts (international relations)
  • Intra-state conflicts (comparative politics)
  • Conflicts between groups (sociology)
  • Conflicts between individuals (alternatives to litigation)

 

 

 

Subjects

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Themes

The following themes play a prominent role in the subjects offered:

  • The individual and human rights in conflict resolution
  • Society, community and family in conflict resolution
  • Power within the framework of conflict resolution and developing an appreciation of the proper and improper uses of power
  • Simulations as learning tools
  • Multilateral institutions and international regimes and their role in conflict resolution

 

 

 

Learning Outcomes

The core learning outcomes for this learning circle are to enhance students’ ability to:

  • Understand the complexity and difficulty of managing and resolving deep-seated disputes
  • Develop trans-cultural understanding within the international legal environment
  • Distinguish between win-win solutions and zero-sum solutions
  • Appreciate the complexities of universal values versus particularistic communitarianism
  • Appreciate trans-disciplinary approaches
  • Develop the skills and strategies with which to manage intractable conflicts

 

Fields of Study commonly associated with the Conflict Studies Learning Circle

  • Ethics
  • History
  • Intercultural Studies
  • International Relations
  • International Studies
  • Peace Studies
  • Political Science
  • War Studies

 

Student Diversity

 

One of the most distinctive aspects of The Scholar Ship program is the cultural diversity of its student body. Our inaugural voyage in September 2007 had students from 35 countries!

 

 

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Transfer of Credit

 

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Faculty Profile

 

David C. McGaffey
Ph.D. Academic Teaching Staff

Dr. McGaffey has a multi-faceted professional career, having 25 years experience in Diplomatic Service as a U.S. Foreign Service Officer and 12 years thereafter as a professor at the university level . He is fluent in or familiar with countless languages, including Persian (Farsi & Dar), Portuguese, French, Italian, Turkish, Spanish, and Visayan.