In this course, you will learn fundamental negotiation & design skills, and apply them to environment- and sustainability- based simulations and case studies. We will show you how, where and why design thinking adds unique efficacy to your burgeoning negotiation abilities-mapping and designing both the structure and process of a negotiation; tools to ascertain the underlying motivations of the stakeholders in your negotiation scenarios; surface the distinct differences between everyday conversation and strategic negotiation; learn tactical listening and communication; develop gravitas and adaptability in the moment; practice teamwork in both preparation and execution of complex, multi-party negotiations. You will work through exercises that isolate these skills and then apply them in simulated negotiations, at least one in every class session, to develop and embed your confidence/competence feedback loop for your continued growth as a negotiator. This course is geared for students who are dedicated to and passionate about sustainability, environment, and social justice -from any school or discipline at Stanford, not just the Doerr School. This course requires an application and acceptance by the instructors. No previous negotiation or design thinking training is required.
3 units · Letter or Credit/No Credit
In this course, you will learn fundamental negotiation & design skills, and apply them to environment- and sustainability- based simulations and case studies. We will show you how, where and why design thinking adds unique efficacy to your burgeoning negotiation abilities-mapping and designing both the structure and process of a negotiation; tools to ascertain the underlying motivations of the stakeholders in your negotiation scenarios; surface the distinct differences between everyday conversation and strategic negotiation; learn tactical listening and communication; develop gravitas and adaptability in the moment; practice teamwork in both preparation and execution of complex, multi-party negotiations. You will work through exercises that isolate these skills and then apply them in simulated negotiations, at least one in every class session, to develop and embed your confidence/competence feedback loop for your continued growth as a negotiator. This course is geared for students who are dedicated to and passionate about sustainability, environment, and social justice -from any school or discipline at Stanford, not just the Doerr School. This course requires an application and acceptance by the instructors. No previous negotiation or design thinking training is required.
Offered in Spring 2026 at Stanford University.