Mediation and Conflict Management | Harvard University

This highly-interactive, online course is designed to raise your awareness of your own approach to conflict, introduce a range of theories about mediation and participatory processes, and improve your conflict management skills. While we will discuss a wide range of dispute resolution processes that involve third parties, we will focus on mediation.

Each class moves back and forth between theory and skills practice, using theory to improve real world effectiveness, and using experience to improve understanding of theory. Students will participate in multiple mediation simulations designed to enhance skills, demonstrate concepts, and provide opportunities to experiment. When role playing, students are strategically grouped based on experience level to maximize learning for everyone, from complete novices to experienced conflict management professionals.

The well-tested syllabus includes a wide range of guest experts and enough flexibility to respond to student-generated topics of interest. Core content often includes: Mediation Styles; Diagnosing Conversation; Ethical Dilemmas; Dealing with Difficult Behavior; Mediation in Litigation Contexts; Managing Conflict in the Workplace; and Mediating Complex Public Policy Disputes.

The course runs for 2 hours per week for 10 weeks.