Post a theory of how conflict arises. Your initial post will include at leastthe following:

• Definition ofthe theory
• Description of its practical applications
• Description of its limitations
• Description ofits explanatory power

Submit a theory that has not been posted.

The theories can come from the course text or from any empirical source. Non-empirical or non-peer reviewed references will not be accepted.

Please post your theory to the appropriate topic category within the discussion board:

• Topic 1: Interpersonal Conflict
• Topic 2: Group Dynamics
• Topic 3: Systemic Issues or Macro Conflict Issues (i.e., organizational structure, cross culture conflict, conflict caused by imperialism, power on a macro scale, etc.)

This is a conflict resolution course, and we are going to use this opportunity to engage in constructive conflict. Theconcern is not the resolution, but the process. You are required to post a minimum of twosubstantial response posts. The substantial posts mustinclude the following:

1. A direct challenge to a peer's initial post. The challenge can consist of:

• Explaining why the theory is weak and heavily limited
• Demonstrate that there is a better theory out there in the literature to explain the same phenomenon
• Illustrate how the theory does not apply in the real world
• Get creative in your challenges

1. Empirical support and justification

• Do not simply say a post is bad. Articulate why it is bad or why the theory is not a good theory
• Even if you agree with the theory, play devil's advocate and argue the other side!

1. Provide an alternative solution

• Describe an alternative solution to explain the social phenomenon
• Class, this is the beauty of a theory! As long as you accurately describe what the theory is and explain it... I will be grading you on your ability to justify your arguments with empirical support