Conflict Management

Foundation course in the field of dispute resolution. Includes negotiation, mediation, and arbitration. Examines the nature of disputes and the multiple arenas in which conflict occurs. Also provides an overview of professional opportunities in dispute resolution studies. (3 Lec.)

Techniques necessary to break impasse and reach agreement. Includes methods for creating an atmosphere that fosters negotiation, conducting difficult conversations; and mediating "win-win" situations. (3 Lec.)

The process of mediation, its history and development, and theories of conflict resolution and negotiation. Fulfills the requirements of Senate Bill 1436 for mediation training in Texas. Includes methods for successful third-party neutrality. (3 Lec.)

Examines the issues involved in a divorce and meets the Texas training requirement in divorce mediation. Includes child custody, support, and property. (3 Lec.)

Specific skills necessary for managing and preventing workplace disputes. (3 Lec.)

Capstone experience that examines the process of becoming a professional conflict specialist in multiple settings. Includes consulting and working with advocates, corporations, organizations, communities, and nations on both specific and broad conflict issues. (3 Lec.)

Skills and techniques required by Mediators. Includes planning, precautionary, and troubleshooting methods required in practice. (3 Lec.)

Examines current trends and issues in the field of conflict resolution and conflict management. Introduces methods for understanding and effectively responding to contemporary changes and challenges. (3 Lec.)

Special characteristics of conflict based on religious, ethnic, national, or racial identity. Emphasizes cross-cultural negotiations and mediations. (3 Lec.)

Surveys the Texas Family Code with particular emphasis on adoption, divorce, paternity, custody, and child care. (3 Lec.)

Practical, general workplace training supported by an individualized learning plan developed by the employer, college, and student. (112 Ext.)

This particular process in the field of Dispute Resolution teaches neutral third parties the discipline to hear and render decisions. Arbitration is intended to avoid the formalities, delay, expense, and uncertainty involved in ordinary litigation. (3 Lec.)

A study of ethical and legal issues and principles of professional ethical practice in the mediation and conflict management field. Topics include ethics, standards of conduct, confidentiality, impartiality, self-determination, and unauthorized practice of law. (3 Lec.)

Theory and techniques of negotiation. Includes analysis of the negotiation process from various perspectives. Emphasizes the preparatory activities and stages of negotiation, including reaching and implementing an agreement. (3 Lec.)

This course is designed to impart fundamental knowledge about the litigation process and teach practical skills professionals need to effectively participate in mediations, arbitrations, negotiations, and dispute resolution system design. The focus will be on Texas Civil Procedure, legal reasoning and research, torts, contracts, criminal, and constitutional law. Students will receive a primer on materials and tools used by judges and lawyers to interpret the law so they can evaluate the merits of a legal dispute and better serve parties involved in litigation. (3 Lec.)

Repeated organizational disputes lead to inefficiencies and a higher level of discord in many types of organizations including the workplace, homeowner associations, religious organizations, educational institutions, government, and many others. This course helps students learn effective dispute resolution strategies and skills to design systems that offer constructive approaches to managing organizational conflicts and using them to maximize creativity organizational development. Students will examine existing dispute resolution systems, identify important decision points, create new dispute resolution systems, or improve existing systems. Lecture, case studies, and experiential activities will expose the student to opportunities for designing dispute resolution systems. (3 Lec.)

Online activity, cross boundary transactions, and the increased use of technology have created a new forum for conflict and new needs for dispute resolution professionals. This course examines the development of online dispute resolution, the challenges it poses to neutrals and system designers, and looks at the major providers, administrative agencies, and international organizations currently involved. Lecture, research, and the use of online tools will introduce students to available resources to aid the dispute resolution professional. Students will be introduced to state of the art online tools, conduct cross-boundary negotiations, and draft settlement agreements using available technology. (3 Lec.)

Students obtain field experience conducting mediations and dealing effectively with conflict management situations. They practice in-takes, role-play, develop marketing strategies, as well as other practical skills necessary to become a successful mediator and conflict resolver. (3 Ext.)