Conflict Management Specialist Certificate

Course Descriptions

DRCM 1370 or 1070 Introduction to Conflict Dynamics (3 cr.hrs.)
The foundation course in the field of dispute resolution that includes negotiation, mediation, and arbitration.  It examines the nature of disputes and the multiple arenas in which conflict occurs.  This course provides an overview of professional opportunities in dispute resolution studies.  (3 Lec.)

DRCM 1371 or 1071 Introduction to Negotiation (3 cr.hrs.)
Teaches the techniques necessary to break impasse and get an agreement.  Skills include how to create an atmosphere that fosters negotiation, how to conduct difficult conversation and how to mediate “win-win” situations. (3 Lec.)

DRCM 1372 or 1072 Introduction to Mediation (3 cr.hrs.)
Defines the process of mediation, its history and development, and theories of conflict resolution and negotiation.  This course fulfills the requirements of Senate Bill 1436 for mediation training in Texas.  Students also learn how to be successful third party neutrals.  (3 Lec.)

DRCM 1373 or 1073 Introduction to Divorce Mediation (3 cr.hrs.)
Examines the issues involved in a divorce and meets the Texas training requirement in divorce mediation.  Topics include child custody, support, and property. (3 Lec.)

DRCM 1374 or 1074 Introduction to Cross-Cultural Dispute Resolution (3 cr.hrs.)
Surveys the special characteristics of conflict based on religious, ethnic, national, or racial identity.  Particular emphasis is placed on cross-cultural negotiations and mediations. (3 Lec.)

DRCM 1375 or 1075  Current Issues and Trends  (3 cr.hrs.)
This course examines current trends and issues in the field of conflict resolution and conflict management and aims to help students and practitioners to understand and effectively respond to contemporary changes and challenges.  This course may be repeated if topics and learning outcomes vary.  (3 Lec.)

DRCM 2179 or 2079 Internship-Conflict Management (1 cr. hr.)
Students obtain field experience conducting mediations, and dealing effectively with conflict management situations.  They practice in-takes, role-play, develop marketing strategies, as well as other practical skills necessary to become a successful mediator and conflict resolver.  (7 Ext.)

DRCM 2371 or 2071 Texas Family Code in Dispute Resolution (3 cr.hrs.)
This course surveys the Texas Family Code with particular emphasis on adoption, divorce, paternity, custody, support, and child care.  (3 Lec.)

DRCM 2372 or 2072 Counseling Theories and Skills (3 cr.hrs.)
This course provides theory and skill training in counseling and interviewing for the dispute resolution professional.  Emphasis is placed on interviewing clients effectively and focusing on problem identification and resolution. (3 Lec.)

DRCM 2373 or 2073 Arbitration and Dispute Resolution
This particular process in the field of Dispute Resolution teaches neutral third parties the discipline to hear and render decisions.  Arbitration is intended to avoid the formalities, delay, expense, and uncertainty involved in ordinary litigation.  (3 Lec.)

DRCM 2374 or 2074 Workplace Dispute Resolution
As workplaces continue to change, interpersonal rules of conduct become increasingly more important as a strategic management issue.  This course covers the specific skills necessary for managing and preventing workplace disputes. (3 Lec.)

DRCM 2375 or 2075 Ethics for Conflict Management
A study of ethical and legal issues and principles of professional ethical practice in the mediation and conflict management field.  Topics include ethics, standards of conduct, confidentiality, impartiality, self-determination, and unauthorized practice of law.  (3 Lec.)

DRCM 2376 or 2076 Advanced Mediation
Prerequisite:  DRCM 1372 or 1072 (Introduction to Mediation).  Focuses on the key skills and techniques required by Mediators.  This course systematically covers all aspects of the mediation process, including planning, precautionary, and trouble shooting methods required in practice.  (3 Lec.)

DRCM 2377 or 2077 Advanced Negotiation
Prerequisite:  DRCM 1371 or 1071 (Introduction to Negotiation).  This course moves students to a greater competence level in both the theory and techniques of negotiation.  The negotiation process is analyzed from various perspectives. Emphasis is on the preparatory activities and the stages of the negotiation proper, including the reaching and implementing of an agreement. (3 Lec.)

DRCM 2378 or 2078 Advanced Conflict Management 
Prerequisite:  DRCM 1370 or 1070 (Introduction to Conflict Dynamics).  This course is a capstone experience that examines the process of becoming a professional conflict specialist in multiple settings including consulting and working with advocates, corporations, organizations, communities, and nations on both specific and broad conflict issues.  (3 Lec.)