The Graduate School of Social Sciences has made a substantial investment to develop a Conflict Analysis and Resolution Program that is designed to provide graduate level education for Turkish and foreign students. The Program prepares the academically oriented student for PhD studies in related fields and, consistent with the philosophy and mission of the University, aims to take a regional lead in providing support for peacemaking and conflict prevention schemes on the ground.
Initiated in Fall 2000, the master’s program in Conflict Analysis and Resolution has the following goals and objectives:
* Presenting students with an analytical perspective that will enable them to define objective parameters as well as the perceptual and psychological context of conflicts
* Equipping students with theoretical understanding and practical skills in conflict resolution so as to assist them in managing conflict situations creatively and constructively. Various approaches to conflict resolution and conflict management techniques are introduced, such as negotiation, mediation, problem solving techniques, and track two diplomacy
* Encouraging students to apply their conflict resolution background to policy issues related to disputes in or among governments, organizations, civil societies, or corporations.
* The international dimension of the program considers the changing nature of diplomacy in the post-Cold War era.
In this context, the Program treats different frameworks of conflict resolution as a tool to study and generate alternative foreign policy options. The Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences is determined to pursue these objectives in an effective way through building international institutional networks as well as strategic alliances with universities and NGOs.