Negotiations in Public Affairs Course Description
Aligned with the Patman Center for Civic and Political Engagement's mission to "shape future civic leaders," "advance democracy through education and training," and "champion research that helps our democracy thrive," this course provides undergraduate and graduate students with practical skills and theoretical knowledge essential for effective negotiation in public sector contexts. Supporting the Center's vision of "a stronger democracy through cultivating the next generation of public leaders and citizens," students will engage in hands-on negotiation exercises across four levels of government and international organizations, developing competencies in preparation, strategy, communication, and conflict resolution within public affairs settings.
This course directly contributes to the Patman Center's educational mission by providing students with "leadership skills needed to run for office, manage political campaigns, conduct research, and engage in constructive political discourse." Through experiential learning and practical application of negotiation theory, students will develop the collaborative problem-solving abilities essential for effective democratic participation and public service leadership.
Learning Objectives
By the end of this course, students will be able to:
• Apply negotiation theory and best practices to public sector scenarios
• Analyze stakeholder interests and develop strategic negotiation approaches
• Demonstrate effective communication and persuasion techniques
• Navigate complex multi-party negotiations involving public interests
• Evaluate negotiation outcomes and identify areas for improvement
• Understand cultural and institutional contexts that influence public sector negotiations