Division of Law, Policy and Conflict Resolution Studies

Tackling the Problems of a Diverse Society

Master's Course

Division of Law, Policy and Conflict Resolution Studies

Tackling the Problems of a Diverse Society

Admission Policy

The Division of Law, Policy and Conflict Resolution Studies provides a broad-yet-deep education in legal, political, economic, and negotiation and conflict resolution approaches to tackling the various issues facing modern society, specifically resolving real-world conflicts based on individual, group, generational, racial, and national differences. The program strives to train highly specialized professionals who can bring their practical skills to bear in handling these problems and issues, as well as researchers who can deepen and progress fundamental research in each of these areas of study.
The courses in this major cover not only the standard courtroom-based, legal approaches taught in traditional conflict resolution curricula, but also extrajudicial conflict resolution systems such as Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR), negotiation- and dialogue-based resolution, sociology of conflict resolution, social welfare, and other holistic approaches. This curriculum trains professionals with the theoretical knowledge and analytical abilities required to understand the relevant social phenomena and resolve conflicts that occur at each level of society. Candidates can select from among three different courses of study, depending on their overall educational and career plans.

Courses

Law, Policy and Conflict Resolution Research Course

This course is intended for those who wish to become researchers in the field of law, public policy, or conflict resolution studies. Candidates will learn a wide variety of fundamental research skills to allow them to excel on the international stage in these fields.

Law and Public Policy Practice Course

This course is intended for those who wish to become national or local public servants or obtain the equivalent government work certifications. It is also a suitable course of study for those currently pursuing an undergraduate degree hoping to further their knowledge in order to gain employment with private firms or organizations, and those currently in the labor force who wish to resume their education while working in order to improve their skill set.
This curriculum trains professionals with the theoretical knowledge and analytical abilities required to interpret and analyze laws and public policies and their structure, as well as the various socio-political problems endemic in modern society and the theoretical approaches to solve them. Candidates will develop the skills to apply this knowledge to technical, planning, and operational work in their careers.

Conflict Resolution Practice Course

This course is intended for those who wish to join the professional world and work for national or local governments or private firms and become specialists in guiding conflict resolution, consensus building, and cooperation (such as facilitators or mediators) as well as those who wish to enhance their ongoing careers by learning the aforementioned skills.
This curriculum trains conflict resolution professionals who see confrontation, disputes, or schisms within organizations and communities as opportunities for those groups to improve their situation, and who can lead the conflicting parties to resolve their issues constructively and achieve positive change.