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.

EXPECTATIONS:

This is an accelerated course. You will be expected to spend an average of at least 8 hours per week reading and completing writing assignments. Please note that, barring extenuating circumstances, extensions will not be granted for this online 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.

TEXT: The required text for this course is Alternative Dispute Resolution in a Nutshell, by Jacqueline M. Nolan-Haley, ISBN 0-314-23888-3, and may be purchased for approximately $30 from The Center for Legal Studies. Call 1-800-522-7737 or email info@legalstudies.com to order.

WEEKLY TOPICS:

Week One: ADR: HISTORY, ORIGINS AND GROWTH
Week Two: THE ART OF NEGOTIATION
Week Three: THE MEDIATION PROCESS
Week Four: ARBITRATION
Weeks Five: OTHER FORMS OF ADR
Week Six: LABOR RELATIONS AND COLLECTIVE BARGAINING

ASSIGNMENTS: For each weekly topic you will submit a 50-point short answer/essay assignment covering the topics in your weekly reading. These assignments are due by 5:00 p.m. each Monday, and are submitted using the Private Mail tool.

TESTS: You will complete two exams. Each is worth 100 points. The first exam is due by 5:00 p.m. on the Monday of the fourth week of class; the last exam is due by 5:00 p.m. on the last Monday of class. You will submit your exams using the Private Mail tool.

BULLETIN BOARD ASSIGNMENTS: You will also post your responses to six class participation assignments. These assignments will be submitted using the Bulletin Board tool and make up your class participation grade. All weekly objectives, assignments, and tests can be found in the Lesson Material tool.

GRADING
Your grade will be based on your completion of six Private Mail assignments, two tests, and class participation. The tests and Private Mail assignments are submitted using the Private Mail tool. You will have the opportunity to engage in "class participation" by using the Bulletin Board tool to respond to the bulletin board assignments throughout the course. Also, participating in the bulletin board assignments will enhance your understanding of the reading material.

Your final grade will be figured as follows:

• The six 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.

WITHDRAWAL POLICY
Students may drop the course with a full tuition refund if written notice is sent to The Center for Legal Studies by email info@legalstudies.com by the Wednesday before class begins. Students may drop the course with a 50% tuition refund if written notice is sent to The Center for Legal Studies by email info@legalstudies.com anytime from the Thursday before the course begins until the first Thursday of class. After the first Thursday of class no refunds will be issued.