Art of Negotiation and Mediation
F05, F07
Daniel Michaelson
In a democracy, citizens are called on to participate in political processes. Negotiation and mediation are essential to this participation. This introductory course includes 20 hours of training, which certifies students to participate in Bridges, the Bennington College Conflict Resolution Program. On some Thursdays, field trips are made to superior court to observe court processes and small claims court mediation sessions. Through role-plays and exercises, students practice neutrality and facilitate conflict resolution through fundamentals of the mediation process developed by the Friends Conflict Resolution Programs. Students also learn the basics of positional bargaining and collaborative negotiation with "Getting to Yes." This is a course for students who want to investigate their own attitudes toward conflict and to negotiate more effectively. Students participate in the 20-hour training, write several short papers, complete a midterm paper on how another culture resolves conflict, and develop a major written and oral final project.