Shifting to Interests and Beyond

In this course, you will define and analyze the concept of interests in today's context of social complexity and diversity. You explore in depth the role that positions and interests play in motivating behaviour in conflict. You will interpret "surface" vs. "deep" interests, and learn how to probe positions and surface interests for deeper motivations of behaviour, for both yourself and for others in conflict. You will discern categories of interests related to the substantive (content), procedural, relational and psychological aspects of conflict, and recognize situations where an interest "frame" may be too restrictive to facilitate understanding, such as clashes of identity or values. You will explore common cognitive biases that blind us to deeper interests, and enhance skills aimed at eliciting underlying interests, illuminating blocks, establishing positive outcomes, and generating a wider range of options for resolution.



Online registration in this course is open to students enrolled in a program through the Centre for Conflict Resolution. Students who would like to complete this course without enrolling in a program can make this request by contacting the Program Area