Objectives: In response to the call of Pope Leo XIV to actively promote peace in a world marked by persistent conflict in personal, professional, and societal spheres, this course provides a comprehensive exploration of conflict management within organizational and immediate social contexts. It is designed to deepen students’ understanding of conflict dynamics while strengthening their practical competencies in problem solving, negotiation, peace building communication, and third-party intervention, particularly in corporate, nonprofit, and pastoral settings.

Contents: The course integrates theoretical knowledge with practical application through the analysis of real-world cases and benchmark experiences in organizational conflict. Students are encouraged to reflect critically on their own conflict styles and to develop context-sensitive strategies for fostering constructive dialogue and sustainable peace. In particular the following topics are covered: Problem solving competencies; Foundations of conflict theory and conflict dynamics; Conflict perception, framing, and escalation processes; Communication and peacebuilding dialogue; Negotiation theory, strategies, and phases; Mediation and third-party intervention; Organizational conflict and leadership challenges; Conflict in nonprofit and Church-related contexts; Ethical and normative frameworks (Catholic Social Teaching); Case studies and applied conflict management.

Methodology: The course will consist of lectures delivered by the professor, drawing on assigned readings prepared in advance by the participants, as well as group discussions based on case studies prepared by the students. Participants are required to complete all assigned readings prior to each session and are expected to engage actively in class discussions.