Description
Mediation is one of the essential alternative dispute resolution mechanisms in conflict resolution. This course introduces the concept, principles, and practice of mediation as a conflict resolution tool. It provides a historical understanding of mediation, how it differs from other alternative dispute resolution mechanisms and how practitioners use it in various types of conflicts (workplace, interpersonal, intragroup, intergroup, and international conflicts). The course also has a required internship component that allows students to observe actual mediations in person, and to utilize their knowledge and skills acquired through the class meetings by gaining mediation experience themselves. The course will enable students to understand and practice mediation in diverse conflict scenarios. It will use academic articles, book chapters, case studies and scenarios, and simulations to explore the concept and principles of mediation and the factors that enable its use as a suitable conflict resolution mechanism for various conflicts.