Intro to Conflict
Resolution
MID-TERM EXAM
WINTER 2025
Instructions:
This is a mid-term exam that will assess your critical reflection on the material covered
so far. The exam is open-book, and you have one week to complete it. Expectations for
your answers are high. While memorization is not encouraged, you are expected to
synthesize the readings and demonstrate your understanding in writing. Clear language,
clean grammar, and accurate citations are essential. You must adhere to APA, MLA,
Chicago, or another accepted citation style. There are numerous internet resources and
manuals available at the PSU library. Typos and citation errors will affect your exam
grade. Plagiarism and the use of AI-generated content are prohibited. Please take a
look at the lecture notes for guidance on plagiarism. This exam can earn you a
maximum of 250 points toward your final 1000 class points.
Out of the ten questions, answer only five. You can receive up to 50 points per question.
There is no extra credit for answering additional questions; I will assess exactly 5
answers per student. Although specific guidelines for answer length are not usually
provided, thorough responses typically range from 350-400 words. Such responses
demonstrate a comprehensive understanding of the literature, provide examples, and
may include outside sources.
Do not attach files. Enter your responses into the text box. I will not grade exams
submitted as files.
Your answers will be graded using a standard A-F letter grade scale. Full points will be
awarded for exceptional answers that exhibit depth, integration of course material,
critical reflection, accurate citations, and exemplary writing. For instance, receiving 42.5
points indicates a good answer, while 37.5 points signify a satisfactory answer. I will use
a grading rubric that considers depth, integration of course material and themes,
inclusion of course or outside sources, and critical reflection. Good luck! I look forward
to reviewing your answers!
QUESTIONS:
1. Discuss the case “San Francisco Bank” (download file here: san francisco
bank.pdf
2. Download san francisco bank.pdf
3. ) in the context of de-escalation processes in conflict. Reference the readings
(hint: Kriesberg).
4. Put yourself in the shoes of the third-party, Richard, in the case “Food
Distribution Company.” (download file here: food distribution company.pdf
5. Download food distribution company.pdf
6. ) Discuss alternative approaches, citing readings and lecture notes.
7. Find 5 current images online that subtly or covertly contain elements of
prejudice and dehumanization. Briefly describe them and offer
countermeasures.
8. Summarize the main points of Chapter 3 in Kriesberg’s work on the
emergence of conflicts. Critically reflect on the author’s arguments in your
own words.
9. Evaluate the article “6 Habits of Highly Empathetic People
10. Links to an external site.
11. ” from Yes! Magazine and its relevance to constructive conflict resolution.
Integrate ideas from readings and lecture notes into your discussion.
12. Define the notion of structural violence as discussed by Galtung (1969; see
syllabus for article information), and relate it to a social phenomenon within
the United States.
13. Using Naomi Shihab Nye’s poem “Gate A-4” as a reference, analyze how the
theme of empathy and cultural understanding is portrayed in the poem. How
does the poem illustrate the potential for human connection and solidarity
across cultural divides, particularly in times of adversity? Additionally, reflect
on how the poem’s message resonates with the broader context of conflict
resolution and intercultural communication. You can find the poem with an
online search.
14. Reflect on the treatment of ethnic minorities as examples of structural
violence in the United States (see lecture notes on structural violence). How
do these examples illustrate the hidden forms of discrimination that persist
despite apparent progress? Discuss potential strategies for addressing these
forms of structural violence through conflict management.
15. Describe the roles of mediators as discussed in Chapter 8 of Kriesberg’s
work. Explain the importance of understanding mediator roles in various
conflict contexts.
16. After being part of a peace delegation to Iran I wrote the op-ed commentary
“Iranians are not our enemies” (
17. Links to an external site.
18. ). The organization I work for issued a statement on the recent protests in Iran
(
-2022-2023/
19. Links to an external site.
20. ). Discuss the article and statement by connecting it to at least two concepts
covered in the course so far. Note: You will not be given or deducted credit for
agreeing or disagreeing with my op-ed or the statement of my organization.
Here are the grading rubrics for the open-book essay exam:
50 pts: Excellent!
Rated with full score for reasons including: Exceeds expectations;
demonstrates substantial depth; showcases strong integration of course
themes and materials; effectively incorporates outside sources; displays
critical reflection.
47.5 pts: Very Good!
Rated with this score for reasons including: Demonstrates good depth;
exhibits solid integration of course themes and materials; effectively
integrates outside sources; displays critical reflection.
45 pts: Good!
Rated with this score for reasons including: Shows good depth with potential
for further elaboration; demonstrates notable integration of course themes
and materials; reflects critically on the topic.
42.5 pts: Overall Good!
Rated with this score for reasons including: Demonstrates sufficient depth
with potential for further elaboration; exhibits notable integration of course
themes and materials; engages in critical reflection.
40 pts: Leaning Toward Good
Rated with this score for reasons including (but not limited to): Heading in the
right direction; lacks depth; connection to course material needs
strengthening; limited integration of course material.
37.5 pts: Not Quite There
Rated with this score for reasons including (but not limited to): Not meeting
expectations for a one-week open book exam; indicates the right direction but
lacks depth or strong connection to course material.
25 pts: Partial Credit
Answer does not fully meet exam expectations but warrants partial credit
based on effort and relevance.
- Intro to Conflict Resolution
- MID-TERM EXAM WINTER 2025
- Instructions:
- QUESTIONS:
