Students will have an opportunity to gain and apply theoretical knowledge, awareness, understanding, practical skills and strategies to effectively facilitate cross-cultural and intercultural dispute resolution. This course surveys the various impacts of cultural differences, stereotypes, and attributes on key dispute resolution processes and conflict in general. It will follow a three-step approach to understanding the influence of culture on decision-making, including, but not limited to: awareness and knowledge of one’s own culture; knowledge and understanding of another party’s culture; and knowledge of the impact of either/both on the desired goal/outcome of the dispute.Through an overview of cultural values and structures, students will have the opportunity to explore their own cultural identity as well as learn from other cultural perspectives, including exploring cultural values and biases that may produce prejudice and discrimination. This course raises awareness of the issues related to biases, prejudices, and direct and indirect institutional discrimination often impacted in negotiation, mediation, and arbitration.
