Students work individually with the co-ordinator on selected modules. However there will be scheduled classes to address compulsory modules and, students will have the opportunity to share knowledge developed in discretionary modules with others in the course.
The frequency of class meetings depends on the number of students enrolled. However, as a general guide the group is likely to meet every second week during the academic term.
This is an advanced course in mediation as a generic dispute resolution process, but with a focus on resolution of workplace conflict. Enrolment presupposes an interest and studies in one or more of the disciplines that might equip the student with some of the negotiation and communication skills and knowledge that are central to understanding and practicing mediation. The course will mix scholarly and practical orientations, and to some extent is able to be tailored to the interests of individual students.
In broad terms, the objectives of the course are to promote a theoretical and conceptual understanding of mediation and alternative dispute resolution procedures, and to introduce students to the approaches, styles, strategies, tactics and ethics of mediation.
This course will be structured into modules to accommodate the particular interests of students within the broader field of mediation, while also ensuring that all students study the basics of mediation theory and practice. It can be expected, then, that the paper will be a combination of compulsory study modules and discretionary modules designed by the student in consultation with the coordinator. Assessment will be tailored to the nature of the modules chosen, and some level of creativity is encouraged, but assignments can be expected to include essays, research reports, case studies and the practical exercises. Students will be required to make oral reports to the group on some of all of their assignments. Assessment will be entirely internal.