Course Overview
Using the INACCORD Conflict Analysis® model, the class employs directive, facilitative, and relational methods to create a deeply rewarding learning experience. Role-play, mentoring, and other active learning strategies bring to life theory, case studies, and the field of human relations to equip students with the foundation and actionable ability to mediate, negotiate, and conquer conflict in almost any situation. Students learn how disputes, power, gender, and culture inform alternative dispute resolution (ADR) interventions and prepare them to analyze unique conflict styles and the wide varieties of human interaction and personalities.
Students learn the Touchstone Skills of questioning, reflecting, and reframing to become skilled communicators. Students will learn the ability to handle emotions and develop a complete mediation skillset, including the art of negotiation, timing, use of caucuses, and other techniques to deal with impasses. It also covers the standards and ethics of this growing profession for generalist practice.
Prerequisites
None.
Required Knowledge
Ability to analyze complex situations or scenarios and to communicate comprehensive understanding of those situations or scenarios.
Course Outcomes
- Examine the InAccord Conflict Analysis® model and research methodology.
- Explore conflict theory and examine personal approaches to conflict.
- Analyze the spectrum of alternative dispute resolution (ADR) and the concept of justice.
- Apply the InAccord survey instruments appropriately.
- Articulate the four stages and three phases of the InAccord model.
- Distinguish between relational and directive approaches in the InAccord model.
- Analyze and discuss the evaluation underlying the use of the survey instruments.
- Examine and apply the Touchstone Skills of communication.
- Analyze the steps involved in creating a durable Memorandum of Agreement (MOA).
- Apply graduate level analytic, collaborative, and communication skills.
Materials
Ries, S., & Harter, S. (2012).In justice, InAccord. Bradenton, FL: Booklocker.com. Inc. ISBN: 978-1-62141- 741-5.
Ries, S., & Murphy, G. (2013). Touchstone skills for authentic communication. Bradenton, FL: Booklocker.com, Inc.
Grading
Mediators With Borders Grading Policy
| Available Grades |
|---|
| A = 90-100% |
| B = 80-89% |
| C = 70-79% |
| D = 60-69% |
| F= Below 60% |
Course Requirements
Course Activities:
Before beginning your course work, be sure to review the policies of Mediators Without Borders in the Getting Started Lesson. If you have any questions regarding these guidelines, please feel free to direct them to your instructor.
Reaction Papers—80%
Each paper is worth 20% of your total grade. These papers are responsive writing exercises designed to test skills learned in each module. For more details, please go to the course environment, and review the grading criteria.
Participation in Weekly Online Discussions—20%
Each required discussion is worth 5% of your final grade. A series of discussion questions will be posted during the course. By registering for a web-based course, you have made a commitment to participate regularly with your instructor in online discussions. Because this is a self-paced course, you are not required to interact with other students. However, your posts will be available to all students and you and they may comment and you may interact as you would like. We strongly encourage you to take advantage of interactions with others, knowing that you will all be interacting at different times throughout the course.
To lessen the risk of losing your work, do not write major discussion postings directly into a discussion posting. Instead, compose and check your work in other software (such as Microsoft Word) and then paste your text into the new posting.
FORMATTING AND STYLE FOR WRITTEN ASSIGNMENTS:
All paper assignments in this course require the American Psychological Association (APA) style for formatting and references. You should be prepared to learn the necessary elements of APA style, and the course provides tools and guidelines to this end.
Unless otherwise specified, online discussion postings and responses do not require APA formatting or formal citations and references. You should always clearly state the basis, in the course material or your own research, for what you write in discussion postings.
COURSE ATTENDANCE AND PARTICIPATION:
Course attendance and participation are required. Your activity will be tracked within the campus and available to your instructor. If you appear inactive for any length of time, it is your responsibility to inform your instructor as to the reasons for your absence so he or she can assist you in getting back on track.
Instructor Participation
Your instructor will:
- Post a welcome message within 48 hours of your enrollment being received by Mediators Without Borders.
- Schedule real-time office hours or by individual appointment.
- Will communicate with you through the campus communication tools, including internal course messaging, as well as by email.
- Respond to your communications within two business days.
- Provide you with formative feedback midway through the course based on work submitted to that point.
- Grade all formative assignments within 4 business days in 8-week courses, and will grade final summative work within 5 business days after the end of the term.
Policies
You are responsible for being familiar with all the policies that are related to your activity in this course. Complete information on these policies can be found in the Getting Started Lesson at the beginning of the course modules.
Course Schedule
This course is entirely self-paced and must be complete within 6 months of starting.
|
Module and Title |
Course Module Matrix Required Reading |
Writing and Discussion Assignments |
|---|---|---|
|
Getting Started |
Student Introduction |
|
|
Module 1: Justice and Alternative Dispute Resolution |
Ries, S., & Harter, S. (2012). In justice, InAccord. Bradenton, FL: Booklocker.com, Inc. Introduction |
Optional:
M1D: The Concept of Justice Required: |
|
Module 2: Overview of InAccord Conflict Analysis Model |
Ries, S., & Harter, S. (2012). In justice, InAccord. Bradenton, FL: Booklocker.com, Inc. Chapter 3: Transparency, Empowerment, and Systemic Change |
Required: M2D: The Role of Emotions No Journal or Paper this week |
|
Module 3: Phases and Stages of theInAccordConflict Analysis Model |
Ries, S., & Harter, S. (2012). In justice, InAccord. Bradenton, FL: Booklocker.com, Inc. Chapter 5: The InAccord Mediator |
Optional: Required: |
|
Module 4: The Touchstone Skills: Part 1 |
Ries, S., & Murphy, G. (2013). Touchstone skills for authentic communication. Bradenton, FL: Booklocker.com, Inc. Introduction through Chapter 3 |
Required: M4D: Filling Survey Forms and Self-reflection No Journal or Paper this week |
|
Module 5: The Touchstone Skills: Part II |
Ries, S., & Murphy, G. (2013). Touchstone skills for authentic communication. Bradenton, FL: Booklocker.com, Inc. Chapter 4: Gaining Perspective, Compassion, and Empathy Chapter 5: Transparency and Authenticity |
Required No Journal or Paper this week |
|
Module 6: Crafting the Memorandum of Agreement |
Ries, S., & Harter, S. (2012). In justice, InAccord. Bradenton, FL: Booklocker.com, Inc. Chapter 6: Facilitation of the InAccord Phases and Stages |
Optional Discussion: Necessary Elements of the MOA M6A: Required Paper: Elements of an MOA |
|
Module 7: Special Issues in Mediation |
Ries, S., & Murphy, G. (2013). Touchstone skills for authentic communication. Bradenton, FL: Booklocker.com, Inc. Chapter 6: Bridging Cultural Divides Along the Pathway Suggested Reading: Tannen, D. (1990). You just don’t understand: Women and men in conversation. New York, NY: Harper Collins Publishers, Inc. |
Required: No Journal or Paper this week |
|
Module 8: Legal Processes and Ethics |
The Uniform Mediation Act The Model Standards of Conduct for Mediators (September, 2005). Model standards of conduct for mediators. [PDF File Size 48.6 KB] Retrieved from http://www.americanbar.org/content/dam/aba/migrated/ dispute/documents/model_standards_conduct_april2007.authcheckdam.pdf |
Optional: No Discussion this weekRequired: M8A Reaction Paper: Ethics |
Grade Weights
|
Activity/Assessment |
% of final grade |
|---|---|
|
Reaction Papers and Journals (4 Total) |
80% |
|
Discussions (4 Total) |
20% |
|
Total |
100% |
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