Social Justice and Conflict Resolution i

NECR 5270 is a three-credit summer practicum course designed to expose students to the role of social justice in conflict resolution analysis and practice, using New York City as our laboratory. Each summer, we will focus on a single, challenging question facing NYC at the intersection of conflict resolution and social justice, including how to respond to gang violence, how to address inequality, how to manage immigration and more. Within the chosen topic, we will explore the historical and theoretical intersections between the fields of social justice and conflict resolution, drawing on our conflict analysis and resolution skills to explore concrete policy options and community strategies. The course builds on the historical connection between conflict resolution and social justice, particularly as it emerged during the civil rights movement, where nonviolent resistance and negotiation were used to challenge systemic oppression. It also draws on the foundational work of Morton Deutsch at Columbia University, whose research on cooperation, competition, and social justice highlights how power imbalances can perpetuate conflict. Through critical dialogue, case study analysis, and practitioner-led workshops, students will develop culturally sensitive, sustainable, and community-centered.

We will focusing on needs-based strategies for addressing gang violence in New York City, while critically examining the role of bias in our work as conflict resolution scholars and practitioners. Students will analyze the social, economic, and psychological factors that drive individuals toward gang involvement, and learn about gang structures and the role of gang rivalries in driving crime. In addition to classroom learning, students will participate in fieldwork designed to expose them to experts, policymakers, activists, and practitioners working directly on issues related to gang violence in New York City. These immersive experiences will offer opportunities to engage with real-world challenges while critically reflecting on how biases—both personal and systemic—affect the implementation of violence prevention strategies and conflict resolution efforts. Fieldwork activities may include visits to local violence prevention programs, meetings with law enforcement officials focused on reducing bias in community engagement, and discussions with activists leading restorative justice initiatives. By integrating theoretical knowledge with practical experiences, students will be equipped to design innovative, needs