Course Title: Understanding Conflict and Mediation

Part A: Course Overview

Course Title: Understanding Conflict and Mediation

Credit Points: 12.00

Terms

Course Code

Campus

Career

School

Learning Mode

Teaching Period(s)

HWSS2157

City Campus

Undergraduate

365H Global, Urban and Social Studies

Face-to-Face

 Sem 2 2007,
Sem 2 2010,
Sem 1 2011,
Sem 1 2012,
Sem 1 2013,
Sem 1 2017,
Sem 1 2018,
Sem 1 2019,
Sem 1 2020,
Sem 1 2021,
Sem 1 2023

Course Coordinator: Dr Rajesh Sharma

Course Coordinator Phone: +61 3 9925 2855

Course Coordinator Email: rajesh.sharma@rmit.edu.au

Course Coordinator Location: 37.4

Course Coordinator Availability: By appointment


Pre-requisite Courses and Assumed Knowledge and Capabilities

Required Prior Study

You should have satisfactorily completed HWSS1144 Alternative Dispute Resolution before you commence this course. Alternatively, you may be able to demonstrate the required skills and knowledge before you start this course. Contact your course coordinator if you think you may be eligible for recognition of prior learning.


Course Description

This course considers the issue of conflict resolution and mediation in our courts and our community. Through an engagement with theory and practical workshops the course assists you to understand conflict resolution and mediation at an advanced level. A social constructionist perspective is used to develop your ability to critique western concepts of conflict resolution. You are asked to engage in depth with the most common method of dealing with formal conflict in our society mediation. You will research and consider relevant legislation and case law dealing with the practice of mediation. You will also critique a number of different models of mediation practice, including the problem-solving, storytelling, narrative and transformative models. Additionally, you will develop skills in the practice of these different models of mediation and deal with ethical dilemmas related to the practice of mediation. 


Objectives/Learning Outcomes/Capability Development

Program Learning Outcomes 

In course you will develop the following program learning outcomes:  

  1. Apply a body of professional, theoretical and practical knowledge relevant to the socio-legal field and primary dispute resolution processes
  2. Contextualise specific social-legal and conflict resolution based knowledge according to socially and culturally diverse environments 
  3. Effectively use a range of communication and conflict management skills to work productively in culturally diverse contexts 


Course Learning Outcomes 

Upon successful completion of this course, you will be able to: 

  1. Explain the theory of conflict resolution
  2. Critique the practice of conflict resolution, including mediation, in Australia
  3. Identify laws relating to the practice of mediation 
  4. Critique and apply different models of mediation, including the problem-solving, storytelling, narrative and transformative models of mediation
  5. Explain issues relating to vulnerable groups in society, including issues arising regarding gender, class, race, ethnicity, indigenous and disability and the practice of mediation
  6. Evaluate a range of possible reform options and identify and reflect upon ethical dilemmas that may present in dispute resolution practice
  7. Demonstrate creative initiative in formulating solutions to community and legal problems 


Overview of Learning Activities

This course is delivered through a blend of learning activities, which include interactive workshop activities, role plays, problem solving, guest speakers, presentations, videos, online media and activities and student lead discussions. 


Overview of Learning Resources

 

There may be a prescribed text for this course. 

You will be given access to a wide range of resources through the Canvas student portal, myRMIT, and RMIT Library resources. You will have the opportunity to contribute collectively to class resources by sharing your own research findings and sources with your peers. 

RMIT will provide you with resources and tools for learning in this course through our online systems. 

There are services available to support your learning through the University Library. The Library provides guides on academic referencing and subject specialist help as well as a range of study support services. For further information, please visit the Library page on the RMIT University website and the myRMIT student portal. 


Overview of Assessment

You will be assessed on how well you meet the course’s learning outcomes and on your development against the program learning outcomes. 

Assessment Tasks 

    Assessment Task 1: Statement, 20%, CLO1, CLO3 and CLO4 

    Assessment Task 2: Scenario, 40%, CLO1, CLO3, CLO4 and CLO7 

    Assessment Task 3: Essay, 40%, CLO1, CLO2, CLO5 and CLO6 

Feedback will be given on all assessment tasks. 

If you have a long- term medical condition and/or disability it may be possible to negotiate to vary aspects of the learning or assessment methods. You can contact the program coordinator or Equitable Learning Services if you would like to find out more. 

Your course assessment conforms to RMIT assessment principles, regulations, policies, procedures and instructions.