Synchronous On-Line ________________________________
Negotiation
August 17 – December 15, 2025 | 3 law school credits
Faculty: Sharon Press, Professor of Law, Director, Dispute Resolution Institute, Mitchell Hamline School of Law
This course will focus on developing skills through simulated negotiations, case studies, exercises and class discussion, with readings that emphasize practical application. The goals of the negotiation course include the following: 1) providing students with hands-on experience and practice in negotiating deals and resolving disputes; 2) sharing with students proven models and frameworks for effective negotiations; 3) exposing students to a variety of negotiation contexts and approaches; 4) acquainting students with the ethical and legal issues surrounding negotiation practice and implementation; and 5) giving students a broader perspective on a lawyer’s role beyond the adversarial method to resolving conflict.
Theories of Conflict
August 17 – October 11, 2025| 2 law school credits
Faculty: Ken Fox, Professor, Hamline University, Senior Fellow, Dispute Resolution Institute
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 understanding the experience of conflict.
On Campus ________________________________________
Mediation
Fridays 9-11:55 am | August 17-November 21, 2025 | 3 law school credits
Faculty: Sharon Press, Professor of Law, Director, Dispute Resolution Institute, Mitchell Hamline School of Law
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.