Courses in the Certificate
Course One: The Fundamentals of Mediation
This course examines mediation theory and practice and provides and in-depth exploration of selected aspects of the mediation process is it relates to the larger conflict resolution context. The course addresses topics such as resistant parties, overcoming impasse, mediating with individuals and groups, using a decision-tree analysis, and employing counterintuitive and “mindful” mediation strategies. Ethical issues and public policy concerns, such as the limits of confidentiality and expectations of procedural fairness, are also explored.
Course Two: Communication and Human Factors in Crisis & Conflict
This course addresses communication and human factors as they relate to crisis management, effective mediation, and conflict resolution. The course incorporates challenges to effective communication caused by interpersonal, intrapersonal, intergroup, or intragroup conflict, and the role of communication in resolving such conflicts. The course focuses on the human, psychological, social, cultural and emotional aspects of conflict and effective communication strategies, including the roles of gender, ethnicity, race, religion, culture, and generation, and addresses concepts such as group processes, identity, needs, cooperation/competition, and barriers to effective communication in conflict or crisis contexts.
Course Three: Conflict Management, Resolution & Peacebuilding
This course incorporates theory and contemporary evidence-based models and best practices to analyzing conflict and achieving positive outcomes in a variety of contexts. Explores barriers to effective resolution and peacebuilding and methods for overcoming those barriers, as well as differences among approaches. Includes an emphasis on analyzing ethical responsibilities and dilemmas in third-party intervention and employs case studies to examine and formulate ethical approaches to conflict resolution and peacebuilding.
Certificates will be accepted for transfer credit toward select 3-unit courses in CSFS’s Master’s of Science Forensic Behavior Science or Master of Science Forensic Administration and Leadership. Up to two certificates can be transferred.
The California Institute for the Advancement of Forensic Behavioral Science, Public Safety, and Justice at the California School of Forensic Studies (CSFS) at Alliant International University is dedicated to providing law enforcement, security professionals, other first responders, and mental and allied health professionals with practical forensic education and training.
Advanced Practice Certificates are eligible for Continuing Education credit through the American Psychological Association (APA). CSFS is also an official corporate sponsor of the International Law Enforcement Education and Trainers Association (ILEETA).