Through discussion, simulations, and roleplay, this course focuses on the structure and goals of the mediation process and on the skills and techniques mediators use to aid parties in overcoming barriers to dispute resolution. The course also examines the underlying negotiation orientations and strategies that mediators may confront and employ; the roles of attorneys and clients; dealing with difficult people and power imbalances; cultural, race, and social identity considerations; and ethical issues for lawyers and mediators. In addition, special attention is devoted to the art of successful representation of clients in mediation.

Group meetings are ubiquitous in the legal and business world yet rarely is much thought given to the nuts and bolts of how to conduct meetings most effectively. With training and preparation, leaders and participants can dramatically improve group dynamics and decision-making. Facilitation is the art of guiding a group to define its purposes, encourage productive interaction, and achieve its goals. The fundamental theory of group facilitation is that every person in a group is a valuable participant whose voice should be heard and who can play a role in building toward more creative, robust and reliable decision-making. This course will explore the theoretical underpinnings of this model of facilitation through lecture, structured role plays, exercises and group discussions. Students will also learn practical facilitation skills: ascertaining a group’s purpose; structuring a meeting process to meet those ends; encouraging story-telling and dialogue; building consensus; and managing conflict. A blend of philosophy and how to, the course is suitable for anyone interested in meetings and group dynamics. Course meets in-person.

This interdisciplinary course introduces students to important theoretical perspectives on our understanding of conflict and conflict response. Specifically, students explore the biological/physiological, psychodynamic, social psychological, communication, and sociological/political perspectives on conflict by reading and discussing major theoretical works within each perspective. Emphasis is on comparing and distinguishing key dimensions of these theories, such as the nature and sources of conflict, conflict escalation, conflict response, and the nature of the third party role. Classes follow an interactive format. Using case studies, exercises, and group discussion to draw upon personal experiences, including those involving race and social identity, the course explores the usefulness of each perspective to understand the experience of conflict.

This course examines the skills, constraints, and dynamics of the negotiation process. A theoretical framework for understanding negotiation practice in a variety of contexts will be developed through readings, highly interactive exercises, and role-plays. The course addresses fundamental skills such as systematic preparation management of the negotiation process, and identification of optimal agreements. Ethical constraints of negotiation also are considered. Course content is drawn from the fields of law, psychology, business, and communication.

This is a challenging, high-energy course in basic divorce mediation skills and practice development. Along with the basic content areas of divorce settlement—property division, parenting, child and spousal support, divorce tax issues—the course also addresses the role of consultants and lawyers, conflict theory, psychological issues, power balancing, domestic abuse, drafting agreements, and mediation ethics. Although designed with the law student and family lawyer in mind, the course also is an ideal training and specialization opportunity for therapists and other social service professionals. This course emphasizes experiential learning with the opportunity for individual feedback from experienced coaches.