Cross-Cultural Dispute Resolution

3 units

Disputes and dispute resolution frequently involve cross-cultural conflict. Effective dispute resolution methods involve additional elements than those used in intra-culture adjudicatory and consensual dispute resolution processes. Through a harmonic integration of legal, sociological, psychological, and neurological concepts and findings, this course is designed to equip students with valuable tools that will allow them to choose suitable dispute resolution methods and strategies for resolving cross-cultural controversies and managing legal conflicts involving individuals from diverse cultures and backgrounds, including but not limited to gender, religion, national origin, and race. The course is designed to enhance negotiation and dispute resolution skills by increasing cultural intelligence (CQ) and bias awareness for lawyers and other professionals who will be involved in diverse conflict resolution scenarios, whether as parties, business representatives, attorneys, negotiators, facilitators, or adjudicators. The course includes assigned readings, simulations, and a project related to cross-cultural dispute resolution. [BCCCR Requirement: this course contains 5 or more hours of BCCCR instruction.]