Learners will explore the nature, sources and responses to conflict by examining factors such as diversity, culture, gender, and power.  Interview skills will be introduced which will assist learners in analyzing and assessing types of conflicts and ultimately reviewing appropriate interventions.  

In this course, students will learn about the multi-faceted areas of law which impact on an employment relationship. Emphasis will be placed on the specific areas of law in which paralegals have historically practiced.  The course is divided into three parts to correspond to the three regimes governing employment relationships. The first part covers the application of contract law to individual contracts of employment. The second part deals with the modification of contract by way of statutory rules governing the employment relationship in the areas of health and safety, employment standards, human rights, workplace injury compensation and privacy. The final part deals with the replacement of an individual contract of employment by a collective agreement in a unionized workplace.

Learners will be exposed to the study of family dynamics and its relationship to family breakdown.  The psychology of separation and divorce is explored in conjunction with understanding the issues and needs of both children and adults.  Learners will be introduced to the family mediation process and the application of ADR strategies within the family system.  Learners will study the family law system in Ontario as it relates to custody, access and the development of parenting plans.

This is a foundational course where learners will be introduced to the process of interest-based mediation.  Learners will begin to practice mediation skills and process in the classroom through extensive role-plays, de-briefs, and reflective journaling.  Learners will also be exposed to the basic ethical principles relating to the field of mediation.

Negotiation, mediation and other methods of alternative dispute resolution often occur in a legal setting.  An understanding of the role of various players involved in legal matters will assist in conflict resolution.   Learners will be provided with a foundation in the unique relationships that form in a legal environment.  Legal process and relationships in the areas of torts, contracts, wills and estates, civil litigation, family law, and tribunals will be introduced.  Learners will also explore court structure in Ontario to gain a basic understanding of the justice system in Ontario.

Individuals negotiate on a constant basis:  at home, in the workplace, and in the community.  Learners will review negotiation theory including the important principles of positional bargaining versus interest- based negotiation.  In order to prepare for negotiation, learners will have an opportunity to reflect upon their own conflict resolution styles.  Learners will gain an overview of types of issues that are suitable for negotiation and review necessary skills and processes involved in negotiation.

Students will participate in the full operation of the Campus Conflict Resolution Services.  Operational activities include marketing, record keeping, outreach presentations, pre-mediation, mediation, and other activities as requested by the campus community.  Students will have the opportunity to reflect upon their CCRS experience through a reflection paper.

This course introduces students to various aspects of civil law in Canada and Ontario, with emphasis on its application in business. Students get an overview of tort law, and examine contract law and its application in greater depth.

Mediators are often called upon to assist with resolving conflict in a community setting.  Learners will study the design and function in community disputes both nationally and internationally. Areas of discussion will include disputes that may arise in neighbourhoods, cities and other specific communities such as the Canadian Military.  

Learners will be exposed to broad legal areas that often give rise to mediation/ alternative dispute resolution.  Effective mediators have a good understanding of the process of the justice system.  Accordingly, learners will review court structure, court process, tribunal process, mandatory mediation requirements, and the basic differences of Retributive and Restorative processes.  In addition, coverage of the principles and process of restorative justice, victim/offender theory will be offered.

The workplace is a prime arena for conflicts and disputes that, if not effectively managed, can undermine productivity, create toxic workplace environments and put employers and employees at risk of non-compliance with legislated requirements and HR policies and procedures. Students will review various conflict management options available to workplaces to prevent, mitigate and resolve workplace conflicts and disputes, as well as ensure full compliance with regulatory requirements. Students will be able to analyze current conflict management systems and make informed recommendations for improvements based on a rich menu of options. 

The course builds on the foundational material from Family Mediation I.  Learners will study family law court process in Ontario.  The area of family mediation is unique; therefore specific areas of family mediation will be covered including the mediation of property, custody and access, support issues, parenting plans, domestic contracts, parent/child, adults, elder issues and marital mediation.  Learners will be provided the opportunity to learn about various screening techniques in the area of domestic violence and abuse.

This course is designed to provide the learner with the business aspects of operating a successful mediation practice.  Topics include such items as: business plan development, business presentations, market research and marketing, social media and professional growth.  Additionally, learners will understand professional ethics, fee structure, insurance, document generation and storage.  Introduction to the various professional organizations involved with the practice of mediation/alternative dispute resolution will be included in this course.

Students will continue to gain knowledge in the area of conflict resolution by continued participation in the operations of the on-campus Campus Conflict Resolution Services.  Students will also benefit from various guest lecturers during the semester.  Students will continue to reflect upon their experiences through a final reflection paper.

This course examines the Residential Tenancies Act and regulations in detail with respect to the rights and responsibilities of both landlords and tenants.  Students will gain a working knowledge of the applicable Landlord and Tenant Board forms for a variety of legal issues arising in the context of residential rental housing, including fault grounds and non-fault grounds for termination.  Students will also gain a thorough understanding of service requirements, time limits, rent control, process, procedure and evidence before the Landlord and Tenant Board as well as the types of relief the Board can grant.

Students learn about the role of the small claims court in administering justice in Ontario. This course provides students with an understanding of the standard procedures in the Superior Court of Justice, with particular reference to the history, rules, practice and procedures governing actions brought to small claims court.  Students work primarily with the Rules of the Small Claims Court.