ELECTIVE COURSE 206 - Conflict & Difficult Conversations

Theme

Navigating Discomfort With Courage

Purpose

Conflict is a natural part of life and relationships.

However, many people were never taught how to navigate conflict in healthy ways.

Some avoid difficult conversations altogether. Others become defensive, reactive, or overwhelmed when conflict arises.

This Conflict & Difficult Conversations Electiveย is designed to help students develop the skills necessary to approach conflict with greater awareness, emotional regulation, communication, and confidence.

Students will learn how to navigate disagreement, express concerns constructively, manage emotional reactions, and engage in conversations that support understanding rather than division.

Conflict does not have to destroy connection.

Conflict can create clarity.

Clarity creates understanding.

Understanding creates growth.

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๐Ÿ”ฅ WEEK 1 โ€” CONFLICT AWARENESS

Focus Question

How do I typically respond to conflict?

Topics Explored

  • Conflict Styles

  • Avoidance

  • Defensiveness

  • Emotional Reactions

  • Communication Patterns

  • Triggers

  • Self-Awareness

Weekly Theme

Understanding Your Conflict Patterns

Objective

Students explore their relationship with conflict and identify patterns that influence how they respond during disagreement.

The focus is on increasing awareness without judgment.

Reflection Prompt

How do I typically respond when conflict arises?

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๐Ÿ›ก๏ธ WEEK 2 โ€” EMOTIONAL REGULATION

Focus Question

Can I remain grounded during difficult conversations?

Topics Explored

  • Emotional Regulation

  • Triggers

  • Nervous System Awareness

  • Reactivity

  • Self-Control

  • Grounding

  • Emotional Responsibility

Weekly Theme

Responding Instead of Reacting

Objective

Students develop greater awareness of emotional triggers and learn strategies for remaining grounded during challenging interactions.

The focus is on reducing reactivity and increasing intentional responses.

Reflection Prompt

What situations make it difficult for me to remain calm?

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๐Ÿ—ฃ๏ธ WEEK 3 โ€” DIFFICULT CONVERSATIONS

Focus Question

What conversations am I avoiding?

Topics Explored

  • Courageous Conversations

  • Honesty

  • Boundaries

  • Accountability

  • Expression

  • Vulnerability

  • Communication Skills

Weekly Theme

Speaking What Needs To Be Said

Objective

Students identify conversations that have been avoided and explore healthier approaches to addressing them.

The focus is on communicating honestly while maintaining respect.

Reflection Prompt

What conversation would bring relief if it were finally addressed?

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๐Ÿค WEEK 4 โ€” RESOLUTION & UNDERSTANDING

Focus Question

What outcome am I truly seeking?

Topics Explored

  • Resolution

  • Understanding

  • Compromise

  • Repair

  • Listening

  • Mutual Respect

  • Relationship Growth

Weekly Theme

Moving Toward Understanding

Objective

Students explore the difference between winning an argument and creating understanding.

The focus is on developing conflict resolution skills that strengthen relationships rather than damage them.

Reflection Prompt

Am I seeking understanding or simply trying to be right?

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๐ŸŽ“ FINAL EXAM

Course Question

Can I Address Conflict Without Abandoning My Truth or My Peace?

Purpose of the Final Exam

The final examination evaluates the student's ability to navigate conflict with awareness, honesty, emotional regulation, and respect.

Students are invited to reflect upon:

  • Their conflict patterns

  • Their emotional responses

  • Their communication skills

  • Their ability to move toward resolution

The goal is not avoiding conflict.

The goal is navigating conflict skillfully.

Students are encouraged to consider:

Can I remain grounded, honest, and respectful even when conversations become difficult?

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๐ŸŒŸ COURSE OUTCOMES

By the completion of Elective Course 206, students should be able to:

โœ” Identify personal conflict patterns

โœ” Recognize emotional triggers

โœ” Improve emotional regulation

โœ” Communicate more effectively during disagreement

โœ” Address difficult conversations with greater confidence

โœ” Strengthen active listening skills

โœ” Reduce avoidance and defensiveness

โœ” Develop healthier conflict resolution skills

โœ” Navigate disagreement without abandoning personal truth

โธป

๐Ÿ“– COURSE COMPLETION STATEMENT

Conflict is not the problem.

How conflict is handled often determines the outcome.

When awareness replaces avoidance, and communication replaces defensiveness, difficult conversations become opportunities for growth.

Healthy conflict creates stronger relationships, clearer boundaries, and deeper understanding.

Courageous conversations often become the doorway to healing.