Legislative Negotiation

Catalog description

This 4 credit course focuses specifically on legislative negotiations. Effective legislative negotiations share much in common with negotiations that arise in other settings. At the same time, there are key differences. Legislative bodies are generally governed by internal rules, guidelines and precedents. Politics and policy directly impact the negotiations process. There can also be an especially broad array of stakeholders and principals. Gridlock and paralysis have been hallmarks of legislative negotiations, particularly in recent times. Less well known is the fact that some deals are still getting done that usually keep the country running and, in some cases, address important problems facing the nation.This course will provide the opportunity to analyze critical negotiations techniques and strategies and apply them primarily through simulations, role playing, and case analysis in the legislative context. Key skills will include negotiation tactics, design and set up. In this class, you will have the opportunity to sharpen your negotiation skills and come away with a better understanding of the tools and dynamics of legislative negotiations and how to increase the chances of success in an often polarized environment.