• Program of Study
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• Course Descriptions
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• Course Schedule (PDF)

LL.M Course Descriptions

Required Courses

• LL.M. Arbitration Seminar (3):
  This course would cover law, policy, and practices relating to the arbitration in the U.S. under modern arbitration statutes as well as arbitration of international commercial disputes under international conventions and arbitral rules
• LL.M. Major Research Project (3):
  Development and presentation of substantial research paper on a current topic in dispute resolution.
• Methods for Dispute Resolution Program Evaluation and Design (3):
  Analysis of system design principles and basic research evaluation methodologies. An underlying theme is program quality.
• Non-Binding Methods of Dispute Resolution (4):
  Negotiation and mediation of disputes, focusing on the theory, strategy, and skills, and public policy issues involved in using non-binding methods of dispute resolution.
• Understanding Conflict(3):
  Study of the origins, nature, and functions of conflict using perspectives from a variety of disciplines.

Possible Electives

Each student will be able to choose electives according to his/her interests and statement of purpose for enrolling in the LL.M. program. The following are some recommended electives because of their obvious relevance to the dispute resolution field. NOTE: Some courses may not be offered in some years.

• 5485 Cross Cultural Dispute Resolution (3)
• Group Dynamics and Conflict Resolution (3):
  Public Affairs course that focuses on the study of group psychology in the context of communities and organizations. It examines the emergence and resolution of conflict.
• LL.M. Externship (Credit arranged):
  Students will be placed (or secure placement) with an attorney, professional mediator or arbitrator, or dispute resolution agency (government-based or private) for an externship. Students will observe and, to the extent possible, participate in dispute resolution activities of mentor. Journal entries form basis for credit. Externship placements may be local, national or international. Click here for additional information about externships.
• LL.M. Independent Study (1-3):
  Substantial research project on selected topic of choice. Click here for additional information about independent study.
• 5770 Mediation Clinic (1-2)
• 5840 Public Policy Dispute Resolution (3)
• Organizational Analysis and Change (3):
  Public Affairs course that investigates the social and psychological dynamics of intervention and change. Students study organizational life from the viewpoint of experienced organizational consultants. The predominant theoretical approach offered in this course is clinical and psychodynamic. Readings and discussions rely on case examples to ground theory in practice.
• Organizational Change in a Community and Global Context (3):
  Public Affairs course that examines changing organizations in their task environments, which include communities and the global economy.
• Organizational Dynamics and Leadership (3):
  Public Affairs course that focuses on understanding human action in administrative situations and on developing personal capacities for effective action in varied and difficult organizational settings.
• Practicum on Dispute Resolution Training and Education (1-2):
  (for work over the entire year) Structured training experience through participation in activities such as: the first-year dispute resolution curriculum project; service as judges in J.D. student competitions, such as negotiation and client counseling; and assignment to appropriate upper division courses to assist with development of dispute resolution modules. Click here for additional information about the practicum.
• Theory & Practice of Theatre of the Oppressed (3):
  Theory and practice of Augusto Boal’s liberatory interactive theatre process, including application of techniques to specific social issues. Prerequisite: instructor’s consent. (cross-listed as Theatre 4240 and Peace Studies 4840/7840). Note: This course is only offered in the winter semester of odd-numbered years. It will be offered next in Winter 2009, though the day and time are still to be determined.

Tailoring the Program

In addition to the recommended electives outlined above, the MU Law School offers courses in many areas. Course descriptions are available on the J.D. Curriculum Section. Please note: Every effort is made to teach each of these courses every year, but the ability to offer them depends on faculty availability and budget constraints. Some of the concentrated areas in the J.D. curriculum include: