This course has three specific objectives: 1. To better understand the mediation process and its effectiveness in improving interpersonal communication, building consensus in organizational decision-making and settling disputes, 2. To expand one’s own repertoire of negotiation skills and strategies based upon interest-based negotiation principles and techniques, 3. To develop entry level and advanced skills as a mediation practitioner with orientation to all phases of the mediation process. These objectives will be achieved through a combination of lectures, guest speakers, participant analysis and discussions, and a variety of simulation exercises that will allow participants to play the roles of disputant, attorney, and mediator.