Course Title: Alternative Dispute Resolution

Part A: Course Overview

Course Title: Alternative Dispute Resolution

Credit Points: 12.00

Terms

Course Code

Campus

Career

School

Learning Mode

Teaching Period(s)

HWSS2214

City Campus

Postgraduate

365H Global, Urban and Social Studies

Face-to-Face

 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: 37.04.16

Course Coordinator Availability: by appointment


Pre-requisite Courses and Assumed Knowledge and Capabilities

None


Course Description

Alternative dispute resolution has gained increased popularity in recent times due to congestion in the courts, delays in litigation and rising legal costs. This course will familiarise you with theories, concepts and skills for managing conflict and resolving disputes. You will explore conflict theory and responses to conflict in a variety of settings.


Objectives/Learning Outcomes/Capability Development

Program Learning Outcomes 

In course you will develop the following program learning outcomes:

  1. Use strategic, critical, creative, and analytical thinking to develop creative solutions to a range of dynamic problems associated with crime management and the justice system 
  2. Use a range of communication, conflict management, and leadership skills to work productively with a diverse range of people in justice environments, as well as within teams
  3. Use appropriate ethical ideas and reflective practice skills in addressing situations and problems in justice settings demonstrating cultural, social and environmental sensitivity. 


Course Learning Outcomes 

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

  1. Critically appraise the knowledge, values and skills required for effective conflict management and resolution;
  2. Identify and justify appropriate and inappropriate approaches to dispute resolution;
  3. Evaluate and differentiate between conciliation, arbitration, negotiation, mediation and other approaches to conflict management and resolution;
  4. Critically analyse issues of power related to: gender, race, culture, ethnicity, ability, class, age and sexual preference;
  5. Critically reflect on current political, social and economic debates about the use of alternative dispute resolution,
  6. Hypothesise ethical issues and dilemmas in conflict resolution 


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: Dispute scenario 20%, CLO1 – CLO3 

    Assessment Task 2: Essay, 40%, CLO1-CLO4

    Assessment Task 3: Essay, 40%, CLO1-CLO4 

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.