This survey course will introduce students to the fundamentals of alternative dispute resolution theory and practice in the U.S. The course will analyze and compare a range of dispute resolution processes (such as negotiation, mediation, arbitration, dialogue and meeting facilitation, victim-offender dialogues, circles, ombuds, public dispute systems, on-line dispute resolution, mini-trials, and other mixed processes) and applications to specific types of problems and disputes (such as consumer, criminal, labor and employment, family and youth, restorative justice, environmental, public disputes, multi-party, cross-cultural and international) and the concept of Catholic social justice as an ultimate goal.
Semester Offered