Foundations of Conflict Resolution

Conflict is unavoidable in any close relationship or working group. The skill is not avoiding it but engaging with it well. Sound practice rests on understanding the dynamics of conflict, the principles of de-escalation, and the structures that move disagreements toward shared decisions. This foundational course provides that base. By the end of this course you will be able to describe common patterns of interpersonal conflict, recognize the role of emotion and threat in escalation, identify the principles of de-escalation, and understand the structure of productive conflict conversations. What you will learn: - The dynamics of conflict including position, interest, and underlying need - The role of perceived threat and the physiology of escalation - The principles of de-escalation including timing, presence, and tone - The difference between positional and interest-based negotiation - The structure of a productive conflict conversation - The role of repair after conflict - Common patterns that derail conflict including avoidance, attack, and chronic resentment The course uses readings, case examples, and reflection prompts. Each module ends with applied exercises you can use in your own conversations. This course is written for adults at any stage who want to handle conflict better in personal and working relationships. By the end you will have replaced reactive conflict patterns with a clearer understanding of dynamics and a structured approach to engaging with disagreements.