Through discussions, simulations and case studies, the course focuses on the skills a mediator must have to facilitate a constructive resolution of conflict. TOP Negotiation and Settlement Advocacy Negotiation and Settlement Advocacy examines the dynamics, constraints and skills needed in the negotiation process. It focuses equally on using negotiation in business planning and in dispute resolution. Theories of negotiation are examined through current literature and specific techniques are taught through simulation exercises. The course content is drawn from the fields of law, psychology, business and communication.
Students learn about theories of negotiation and themselves as negotiators.
TOP Social Psychology of Conflict Social conflict begins when there are incompatible goals, that is, when one party wants something that another party resists doing or giving. Conflict can range from interpersonal conflict to group, organizational or society conflict. Conflict can have both positive and negative consequences. Writings on negotiation and dispute resolution can be divided into prescriptive and descriptive orientations. The prescriptive orientation provides specific guidelines or advice on exactly how to negotiate.