Participants will learn negotiation skills and how to select the most cost-effective and least intrusive ADR method to achieve the most positive result for both parties. Students will understand the processes and methods of ADR techniques; learn the proper application and limits of ADR techniques; appreciate the ethical considerations involved in ADR; and develop a basic ability to apply ADR methods.

Participants will demonstrate the following skills through successful completion of all required coursework and assignments:

• Comprehension of the functions of Alternative Dispute Resolution and its purpose
• Compare and contrast the differences between Alternative Dispute Resolution and Litigation
• Examine the different approaches in Negotiations
• Explain the functions of a mediator
• Demonstrate problem-solving techniques for mediation
• Discuss the process of the Summary Jury Trial
• List the advantages and disadvantages of the Summary Jury Trial
• Explain the process of the Mini-Trial
• List the advantages and disadvantages of Mediation-Arbitration
• Discuss the process of Private Judging
• List the advantages and disadvantages of Private Judging
• Explain Early Neutral Evaluation and Private Neutral Fact-Finding
• List the advantages and disadvantages of Private Neutral Fact-Finding
• Discuss the “Principle of Exclusivity” and the role of the union as a bargaining representative

This is an intensive course. You will be expected to spend an average of at least 12 hours per lesson reading and completing writing assignments. Please note that extensions will not be granted for this text-only course. This course is the equivalent of at least 50 course contact hours. 70% is the minimum passing score on all tests and assignments for this course.

Required textbooks for this course:

• Alternative Dispute Resolution in a Nutshell, most recent edition, by Jacqueline M. Nolan-Haley, and may be purchased from The Center for Legal Studies Online Store.

For more information, call The Center for Legal Studies at 800-522-7737, or visit our Online Store to order.

Highly Recommended Legal Resources:

• Oran’s Dictionary of the Law, 4th Edition, by Daniel Oran. Clifton Park: Delmar Cengage Learning

Assignments:

For each lesson’s topic you will submit a 50-point short answer/essay assignment covering the topics in the lesson’s reading.

Exams:

You will complete two exams. Each is worth 100 points. The Mid-term exam is due with your Lesson Four assignments; the Final exam is due with your Lesson Six assignments.

Reflection Assignments:

You will also submit your responses to six reflection assignments. These assignments make up your class participation grade. All lesson objectives, assignments, and tests can be found in the Lesson Material packet.

Your grade will be based on your completion of six writing assignments, two exams, and class participation.

Your final grade will be figured as follows:

• The six writing assignments are worth 50 points each and comprise 40% of your grade.
• The two exams are worth 100 points and comprise 40% of your grade.
• Your participation in class participation assignments comprises 20% of your grade.

• Students have 30 days from the date they register for the text-only format course to return all materials and drop the class to receive a refund less a $50 non-refundable administrative fee. All materials including printed packets and handouts, must be received by CLS in new condition no less than 30 days from the date of purchase. No items will be accepted after 30 days.
• If students drop after 30 days from their registration date no refund will be issued.