Workshop Program

Welcome to Cross-cultural Negotiations. In this course, we will examine how cultural factors may affect the dispute resolution process.

I. Course Materials

The main required text is a collection of photocopied materials available at the MU bookstore. (For your information, these materials are part of a forthcoming text on the subject, edited by Professor Grant R. Ackerman of Rutgers University.) There will also be occasional handouts.

II. Grading

The course grade will be determined by: (i) a research paper to be turned in at the end of the course in May and (ii) timely class attendance and participation, as follows:

80%	Research paper (due Friday, May 2, 2003, Noon)
	Preliminary draft (ungraded) (due Friday, March 14, 2003, Noon)
20%	(Timely) Attendance and class participation

The subject of the research paper is up to you, but must relate to some aspect of (i) cross-cultural negotiation or dispute resolution or (ii) culture and law. If you have any question about the suitability of your subject in meeting course requirements, please see me before commencing work. The final product must reflect significant independent research and original writing and analysis. The length of the paper will vary depending on the subject, but 20 pages is an approximate guideline. You will receive more information about the research paper separately.

III. Attendance/Class Participation

By faculty decision and ABA rule, regular attendance in this and all other courses is mandatory. If you know that you will not be able to attend a class, please let me know in advance. If unexpected circumstances or emergencies prevent attendance, please let me know as soon as you can. Excessive absences are grounds for adjustment of the course grade. Continued absences are grounds for failing the course.

Attendance is especially important given the limited number of class meetings in this course.

The course is designed to be interactive. For the class to be a successful experience, it requires input from all participants.

IV. "Office Hours"

My office is in Room 311. The telephone number is 882-2426. If you prefer, my e-mail address is LeeIH@missouri.edu. Like other faculty members, I do not plan to keep formal office hours, mainly because they often discourage students from stopping by at other mutually convenient times. My only request is that you avoid the time before class. This semester, in addition to this course, I have a class on Wednesdays and Fridays from 12:30 to 1:45 p.m. If unexpected circumstances arise and I am not able to meet with you when you walk in, please understand if I ask you to make an appointment. At other times, you are more than encouraged to stop by. We may discuss any part of the course, or just about anything you wish.