This course provides a deep dive into the theory and practice of negotiation and dispute resolution across workplace, community, and legal contexts. Students will examine major negotiation models—including positional bargaining and interest-based negotiation frameworks—while learning how to select the right approach for different settings. Through interactive case studies, simulations, and role plays, students will practice strategies for resolving disputes, managing power dynamics, and achieving durable agreements. Emphasis is placed on developing negotiation strategies that preserve relationships, foster collaboration, and balance advocacy with problem-solving.  

Learning Outcomes  

This course equips students with practical negotiation and dispute resolution strategies that can be applied across workplace, community, and legal contexts. Students will develop and strengthen skills in distributive and integrative negotiation models, while learning to analyze disputes, manage power dynamics, and adapt to cultural and structural complexities. Through case studies, role plays, and simulations, participants will strengthen their ability to prepare for and conduct negotiations that preserve relationships, create value, and achieve durable agreements.  

• Analyze conflicts and diagnose negotiations accurately, including the role of interests, positions, values, power, and culture.  
• Differentiate among key negotiation models (distributive/positional, integrative/interest-based, and multiparty negotiation) and identify their strengths and limitations.  
• Strategically prepare for negotiations to maximize effective engagement in and evaluation of negotiations in a variety of contexts. 
• Demonstrate effective negotiation skills, including clearly communicating under pressure, active listening, framing, questioning, option generation, concession management, and moving past impasse.  
• Navigate difficult dynamics, such as high emotion, power imbalances, and cross-cultural differences. 
• Integrate negotiation and dispute resolution strategies with facilitation techniques, understanding when and how to shift roles between negotiator and neutral facilitator.  
• Manage and navigate complex negotiations with multiple stakeholders and in complex systems. 

Skills You Will Gain

• Strategies for resolving disputes
• Managing power dynamics
• Achieving durable agreements

Who Should Enroll in this Course

• Potential or practicing mediators
• Professionals: Lawyers, managers, therapists, social workers, planners, teachers, real-estate agents
• People who must work collaboratively with other parties while negotiating solutions to complex problems

Course Format and Pacing

This is an online remote learning course delivered through UC Davis CPE’s learning management system, Canvas, with supplemental live sessions hosted on Zoom. The course consists of approximately 20 hours of content, combining pre-recorded lectures with mandatory live Zoom sessions led by the instructor(s).