SOWK 551 - Fundamentals of Mediation and Conflict Resolution

This interactive, comprehensive course combines both the historical and theoretical background, as well as the core skill sets necessary for the practice of professional alternative dispute resolution (ADR); specifically, basic mediation.

Students are guided through Moore's stages of mediation and will learn how these stages can be applied to actual case studies. Students will explore their own unique styles of engaging, avoiding or otherwise dealing with conflict, and are encouraged to examine how their own experiences can affect their role as an impartial mediator. There will be instruction, role plays, and discussion about the many different factors that influence conflict and its expression, such as culture, gender, age, etc.

Students will be guided through the essential skills and strategies needed to execute successful ADR/mediation practices. Coursework covers both tangible and more subtle skill sets (i.e. reframing inflammatory statements and body language interpretation, respectively). There will be an overview of the evolving code of ethical standards and business practices mediators must stay current on to meet the needs of an ever-changing society.

Successful students will leave the course with a deeper understanding of the nature of interpersonal conflict and communication, ethical standards, and will be able to apply a range of practical skills and strategies to their future experiences within the ADR/mediation field.

This course can be applied towards:

• Mediation Certificate

Textbooks and Materials

Required

• Nonviolent Communication: A Language of Life (2005)
  Rosenberg, M.
  Not available at the CSU Bookstore
• The Mediation Process: Practical Strategies for Resolving Conflict (2003)
  Moore, C.
  Not available at the CSU Bookstore
• The Mediator's Handbook, 3rd Ed. (1997)
  Beer, J. & Stief, E.
  Not available at the CSU Bookstore

Students may also wish to purchase two optional (but recommended) books: “Getting to Yes: Negotiating Agreement Without Giving In” (1991) by R. Fischer, W. Ury, and B. Patton and “The Dynamics of Conflict Resolution: A Practitioner’s Guide” (2000) by B. Mayer.

Students must have all required course materials by the start of class. All books can be purchased through Amazon.com or a bookstore of choice. Books are not available through the CSU bookstore.

Instructors

Stan Scott
(970) 472-6333
stan@talkinabox.com

Stan is principal partner in CIVICUS Associates an organization that blends mediation, consulting, training, coaching, facilitation, community involvement, and conflict and change management skills to co-create with clients interventions that improve working relationships while discovering more effective ways of doing business.

Stan has received numerous training in conflict resolution including Conflict Resolution (Mediation, Multiparty Dispute Resolution, Victim-Offender Mediation, and Restorative Justice); Group Facilitation (Future Search, ICA Technology of Participation -Guided Dialogue, Action Planning, Strategic Planning, Large Group Intervention and Planning Processes); Coaching (Coaches Training Institute); Citizen Participation; and Train-the-Trainer.

Holly Panetta
(970) 215-5974
holly.panetta@ymail.com

Holly Panetta is an attorney and mediator currently working as Director for the State of Colorado Office of Dispute Resolution. Prior to joining the State office, Ms. Panetta operated in private practice offering Mediation and Child and Family Investigation Services in northern Colorado. As a contract mediator through the state Office of Dispute Resolution, Ms. Panetta mediated more than 300 court-ordered cases per year. These cases included Domestic Relations, Parental Responsibilities, Child Support Enforcement and Dependency and Neglect. She also served as a court-appointed investigator for high conflict divorce and parental responsibility cases.

Prior to opening a solo practice, Ms. Panetta worked as a litigation associate for Henderson, Taylor & Rapp, a law firm in Greeley specializing in family and criminal law. She also served as a Family Court Facilitator in the Colorado Courts.

Ms. Panetta attended law school at the University of Denver and received her Juris Doctor in 2003. She also has a Bachelor of Arts in Journalism from Colorado State University and is a candidate for a Master’s of Science in Human Development and Family Studies.