Syllabus
Syllabus
Introduction to mediation competitions and the concept of competitions, information about the CDRC, the presentation of the syllabus and teachers
Mediator: role of the mediator at the competition, preparation for the meeting, opening speech of the mediator, use of flipchart
Negotiators: role of client and lawyer, an opening statement of the parties, cooperation between client and lawyer
Negotiators: Preparation for the meeting, strategy, BATNA, WATNA, ZOPA
Case study - joint analysis, preparation of strategy, and introduction
Mock mediation moot court
Parts of the mediation process and possible variations of the process, agenda creation, correct timing, information gathering & sharing,
Mediation techniques and negotiation techniques and their use in practice, active work with the mediator and the other party
Case study - Group negotiation, identification of techniques and soft skills, feedback
Non-verbal communication, cultural differences, manipulation, rules, and evaluation criteria
Case study - Group negotiation, process management, and business strategy, feedback
Annotation
Annotation
Mediation and negotiation skills are at the forefront of the interest of international chambers of commerce and law firms and are becoming increasingly valuable to today's society. This course aims to give students practical knowledge of mediation and negotiation techniques and processes and solid preparation for participation in one of Europe's most prestigious international English language competitions. The preparation will focus on the requirements of the CDRC competition - IBA-VIAC Mediation and Negotiation Competition (CDRC), held annually in Vienna. Primarily, it is about building a range of soft skills that students will use in legal and business practice.
Students will learn to analyze complex legal and commercial disputes, identify critical facts, develop a case timeline and dispute resolution strategy, articulate the parties' positions, interests, and needs, and differentiate between them. In practical training, they will also gain confidence in formulating arguments in a foreign language, learn how to respond flexibly to the other side's strategy and appropriately promote their interests or those of their client.
Graduates of the course will deepen their analytical and critical thinking skills, process strategy, and collaboration. They will also gain practical experience in non-verbal communication and significantly expand their English vocabulary in international law and business. In doing so, they will further learn teamwork and have the opportunity to meet prominent figures in alternative dispute resolution and other students from around the world with similar backgrounds.
The selection procedure for the CDRC International Competition will occur before the start of the course through a selection procedure announced by the Student Mediation Association Prague, z.s. The actual participation will depend on the funding possibilities and the acceptance of the Charles University team to the competition by the organizer of the international competition. Successful completion will be conditional on the student's participation in 80% of the seminars. If the student is not a member of the CDRC team, participation in the final mock mediation moot court and sending written preparation is also mandatory.
During the course or at the end of the semester, it is possible to apply for the ICC international competition (or, if interested, for other international competitions for which a separate preparatory course is not offered).
The course is prepared and taught in cooperation with members of the Student ADR Association, z.s.
Course objective
The course aims to prepare for the international CDRC competition in English actively. Students will focus on developing mediation and negotiation techniques and skills and developing their argumentation skills to be used as lawyers, businessmen, or mediators. They will gain new knowledge of conflict resolution theory and practical practice of various techniques in the mediation process in a competitive environment. Students will gain insight into the legal aspects of negotiation.
The course will focus on particular aspects of the case through case studies, which will be analyzed and practised during the seminar. Students will develop the ability to represent their clients effectively, lead the negotiation or mediation process, and advocate for their business interests appropriately. The process will reflect the high skill and knowledge required at the CDRC, including the rules of separate negotiations. Standardized feedback will be included to enable students to identify their strengths and weaknesses and develop them further.
The course will be practically focused, and individual lessons will be developed concerning the rules of the CDRC competition and the skills needed to participate effectively. We recommend taking the general courses and open training of the Student ADR Association to gain general knowledge about mediation and negotiation. Alternatively, students are expected to supplement their missing knowledge through active self-study.