Theories of conflict

HAMLINE UNIVERSITY SCHOOL BUSINESS THEORIES OF CONFLICT

Professor Fox

Final paper Due October 25 at 11:59pm uploaded to Blackboard

This final assignment is not a reflective essay, but an analytical paper. I want you to conduct an in-depth analysis of the film 12 Angry Men. This analysis must include all of the following sections (using headings to correspond to the outline below – I have included an appendix to illustrate the structure. Failure to use proper headings will lower your grade).

Section 1: Select three (3) different theories that we have studied in class with which to analyze the film. Using the hand-out “Where Do the Theories Go?,” I want you to select at least one theory from the Individualist Orientation category and one theory from the Constructionist Orientation category. You may select the third theory from either of these categories, or from the Social Structural Orientation category.

In section one, provide a thorough and accurate description (not a brief summary) of each of the three theories you will use, demonstrating your clear understanding of the theory and its underlying perspective. I expect you will quote or otherwise cite from readings as appropriate, using correct citation format. This is your opportunity to demonstrate the sophistication with which you understand the three theories you have selected.

Section 2: Select two scenes or interactions from the film to analyze. Give me a very

brief description of the scenes or interactions so I will know what you are focusing on in the film (I’m very familiar with the movie, so a brief description will be sufficient). Carefully and closely analyze the scenes or interactions by applying each of the three theories you have selected, where possible, identifying what insights each of the theories reveals about the conflict or the parties. To be clear, I want you to apply all three theories to the each of the two scenes or interactions. If the first scene or interaction you choose fits best with one (or two) of your selected theories, be sure to select your second scene or interaction to best highlight the other of your selected theories. However, I still want you to apply all three theories to each scene or interaction.

In section two, am looking for precision of analysis. Be careful here NOT to speculate or draw conclusions that go beyond the actual data present in the movie. Be careful not to over generalize from your data. If you find yourself making assumptions about the scene or interaction, name your assumptions. Then, identify what specific questions or further inquiry you would want to make (if you could), from the perspective of your selected theory, to verify your assumptions (and how that inquiry is consistent with the theory you are using). This is your opportunity to demonstrate your ability to correctly apply multiple theories to the same data and to identify relevant insights, based on each theory.

Section 3: Discuss the usefulness and limitations of each of the theories you employed. Focus on whether and how each of your selected theories gives you a different and deeper understanding of the conflict you are analyzing. Draw any appropriate conclusions about the use of theory to understand conflict. This is your opportunity to demonstrate your understanding of how different theories reveal different (more and less) useful understanding about conflict.

Alternate Final Paper option Case analysis: NOTE: If you elect this option, you must obtain my prior

approval. As an alternative to analyzing the film 12 Angry Men, you may prefer to analyze a real conflict situation of your choosing. Follow the same instructions and structure as provided for 12 Angry Men, except that you will include a brief description of the conflict situation or context you are analyzing (since I will not be familiar with the case you choose). Take great care not to choose a topic where you “have skin in the game” so as to bias your analysis. If you do choose a case analysis, include a paragraph where you discuss your own relation to the conflict and how you will maintain a level of self-awareness so as not to taint your analysis.

Technical Information for the paper:

• Length: 12 to 15 pages (not including cover page or bibliography) • Use a cover page that includes your student exam number (do not use your name) • Include a bibliography of citations, using proper citation form • Use section headings corresponding to the sections described above (Section 1; Section 2;

and Section 3). • Double-space, using 12-point New Times Roman type face with one inch margins all

around • Indent new paragraphs

When and Where Due The final paper is due no later than 11:59pm, October 25, 2016. Submit your paper by uploading it to the Blackboard “Drop-box”. I strongly suggest you upload it early (computer clocks can differ) and double-check that your papers have been successfully uploaded before the deadline.

Appendix Structure of Final Paper

Be sure to include your name

Section 1 1a - [name the specific individualist theory here. Then provide your thorough and accurate description of the theory]: 1b - [name the specific constructionist theory here. Then provide your thorough and accurate description of the theory]: 1c – [name the specific third theory here. Then provide your thorough and accurate description of the theory]:

Section 2

First scene: [Briefly describe the first scene or interaction you will be analyzing] 2a – [conduct your analysis of the first scene by applying the specific individualist theory] 2b – [conduct your analysis of the first scene by applying the specific constructionist theory] 2c – [conduct your analysis of the first scene by applying the specific third choice theory] Second scene: [Briefly describe the second scene or interaction you will be analyzing] 2d – [conduct your analysis of the second scene by applying the specific individualist theory] 2e – [conduct your analysis of the second scene by applying the specific constructionist theory] 2f – [conduct your analysis of the second scene by applying the specific third choice theory]

Section 3 3a – [discuss the usefulness and limitations of the specific individualist theory you selected and applied] 3b – [discuss the usefulness and limitations of the specific constructionist theory you selected and applied] 3c – [discuss the usefulness and limitations of the specific third theory you selected and applied]

Bibliography