LAW 563LEC - Alternative Dispute Resolution in the Community

Classes will meet asynchronously and require regular separate postings and interaction online each week, with required weekly on-line real-time collaborations with colleagues. For those who qualify, there will be the possibility of assisting with real-time mediation sessions for the community. Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) is an essential part of the justice system. In this innovative course, you will study the mechanics of community-based ADR, and have a chance to conduct supervised community civil dispute resolution sessions, including mediation and restorative circles, in a range of civil cases. You will learn conflict analysis and communication skills, understand positions and interests, party BATNAs or WATNAs (Best/Worst Alternatives to a Negotiated Agreement), and barriers to agreements. You will learn how to balance power among disputing parties, recognize poor communication patterns, conduct effective caucuses, and use a range of tools to work through a stalemate. You will also learn about restorative practices (RP), exploring how RP can strengthen relationships between individuals as well as build social connections within communities. You will directly implement portions of the restorative continuum, including learning to run restorative circles. You will address the limitations of ADR and RP, including whether a dispute is appropriate for ADR or RP, as well as the ethical issues that may arise. As you expand your skill set, you will be engaged in simulations, and may be offered the opportunity to conduct supervised online ADR for community residents involved in a dispute. This course is discussion and experience-oriented, and emphasizes practical application of the concepts learned. This course will satisfy your experiential requirements. Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) is an essential part of the justice system. In this innovative course, you will study the mechanics of community-based ADR, and have a chance to conduct supervised community civil dispute resolution sessions, including mediation and restorative circles, in a range of civil cases. You will learn conflict analysis and communication skills, understand positions and interests, party BATNAs or WATNAs (Best/Worst Alternatives to a Negotiated Agreement), and barriers to agreements. You will learn how to balance power among disputing parties, recognize poor communication patterns, conduct effective caucuses, and use a range of tools to work through a stalemate. You will also learn about restorative practices (RP), exploring how RP can strengthen relationships between individuals as well as build social connections within communities. You will directly implement portions of the restorative continuum, including learning to run restorative circles. You will address the limitations of ADR and RP, including whether a dispute is appropriate for ADR or RP, as well as the ethical issues that may arise. As you expand your skill set, you will be engaged in simulations, and may be offered the opportunity to conduct supervised online ADR for community residents involved in a dispute. This course is discussion and experience-oriented, and emphasizes practical application of the concepts learned. This course will satisfy your experiential requirements.

Credits: 2-3