| Human Services 1203 – 001 | Tuesday/Thursday |
| Group Dynamics |
9:30
a.m. – 10:45 a.m. |
| Fall, 2012 | Room B-312 |
| Course Syllabus |
Professor
Office Hours
Jean Batson-Turner
M/W: 9:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.
Office: B-324
TR: 9:00 a.m. – 9:30 a.m.
Phone:
815-224-0268
T: 6:00 p.m. – 6:30 p.m.
E-mail: jean_batsonturner@ivcc.edu (and by appointment)
I.
Course Description (from college catalog)
This course provides an orientation to group
dynamics and group leadership for human service workers.
Various kinds of groups, group leadership styles, and basic skills for
group leaders will be studied, with special attention given to group
intervention strategies for the beginning stage, the middle stage, and the
closing stage of a group. Emphasis
will focus on helpful skills and strategies for dealing with problem group
situations and group work with specific populations.
The purpose of general education at IVCC is to enhance students’
abilities to think and act responsibly as citizens in a changing world.
Specific General Education goals that are included in this course are:
1.
To apply analytical and problem solving skills to personal, social and
professional issues and situations.
2.
To communicate orally and in writing, socially and interpersonally.
5.
To work and study effectively both individually and in collaboration with
others.
6.
To understand what it means to act ethically and responsibly as an individual in
one’s career and as a member of society.
II.
Expected Student Outcomes
Upon completion of Human Services 1203, the
students will be able to:
1.
Comprehend and understand the dynamics of group
process.
2.
Evaluate the effectiveness of various types of groups
and planned group sessions.
3.
Demonstrate an understanding of various pre-group
planning tasks.
4.
Identify various tasks for the beginning stage of the
group.
5.
Demonstrate and identify basic skills for group
leaders.
6.
Comprehend the rationale for utilization of group
interaction.
7.
Identify and understand effective leadership skills
and techniques for middle sessions (the working stage) of the group.
8.
Evaluate helpful closing skills and techniques for
ending group sessions and groups.
9.
Apply beginning skills and strategies for dealing
with problem situations that arise in groups.
10.
Comprehend unique leadership considerations for
specific populations.
III.
Class Policies and Procedures
Attendance Policy and Class Participation
It is expected that students will attend class regularly and arrive on time. Missed chapter quizzes and in-class exercises cannot be made up. All students are encouraged to participate in class discussion, contributing to a diverse analysis and discussion of social problems and human experiences. There will be a variety of classroom opportunities for meaningful reflection and exchange of ideas. The instructor is committed to fostering a safe environment for learning and skills development, so always feel free to ask questions, offer comments and suggestions, and share your thoughts. To achieve the goal of a safe, effective learning environment, emphasis will be placed on the emulation of IVCC’s core values: responsibility, caring, honesty, fairness, and respect.
Withdrawal
Effective Summer 2011, students will have the ability to initiate a withdrawal from classes. By completing the form in the Records Office or at www.ivcc.edu/withdraw, the student is authorizing IVCC to remove him/her from the course. Entering the student ID number serves as the student’s electronic signature. IVCC has the right to rescind a withdrawal in cases of academic dishonesty or at the instructor’s discretion.
Students should be aware of the impact of a withdrawal on full-time status for
insurance purposes and for financial aid.
It is highly recommended that students meet with their instructor or with
a counselor before withdrawing from a class to discuss if a withdrawal is the
best course of action for that particular student.
Last day for withdrawal is November 8,
2012.
Withdrawal from a course can affect financial aid.
Students who receive financial aid should see an advisor in the Financial
Aid Office before withdrawing from a course.
Student Success and Career Exploration
If students demonstrate a genuine desire to learn and to succeed in this course, they can achieve academic success and acquire critical skills for human service practice. Student learning will be enhanced by reading of the text, timely completion of assignments, a willingness to share insights and experiences, and thoughtful reflection on the goals and practices of the human service profession. Students will have structured opportunities to consider the benefits of human services as a profession. Please don’t hesitate to ask for additional assistance to help you succeed in this course. Also, keep in mind that IVCC has a variety of assessment and support services to assist with academic achievement and career planning.
Plagiarism
Plagiarism is the use of another person’s ideas, information, or exact words
without properly acknowledging the source in accordance with a standard system
of documentation. Plagiarism often
occurs when students use someone else’s work and submit it as their own.
Plagiarism is a serious offense.
Anything a student turns in that contains plagiarism will result in the
grade of Zero (0) for that assignment.
Refer to IVCC’s “Student Code of Conduct” for the college’s statement of
policy concerning plagiarism.
Reduced Seat Time
This
course may provide options for reduced seat time, including opportunities to
participate in class-related projects and experiential activities in place of
regularly-scheduled class time.
Participation in reduced seat-time projects and activities could replace
in-class daily quizzes and required classroom assignments.
Reflective journal responses to these activities will be required.
Special Support Services
In an effort to
create a classroom environment that maximizes the success of all students, I
encourage you to make me aware of any barriers that may inhibit your learning.
Feel free to speak to me at any time about concerns or questions you may
have about assignments, activities, or assessments.
The college provides several support services for students who have
barriers to learning. They include,
but are not limited to: Disability Services Office, Writing Center/Peer
Tutoring,
The Basic Computer
Skills Inventory is free to students and will assess their computer concepts,
file management, word processing, Internet, email, PowerPoint and keyboarding
skills utilizing hands-on exercises and objective questions.
If a student is unsure about his/her computer skill level, you are
encouraged to contact the Assessment Center and make an appointment to complete
the inventory.
The IVCC Writing
Center offers free, unlimited, one-on-one tutoring for students in any class at
any stage of their writing process.
The Writing Center staff, which includes faculty and student tutors, is happy to
assist students in understanding assignments, brainstorming topics, organizing
and developing ideas, and revising and editing drafts.
Our Quick Query service provides help with basic writing questions via
email. The Writing Center also has
handouts on grammar and style, writing reference materials, and documentation
manuals available in the Center and in the Stylebook (http://www.ivcc.edu/stylebook).
The schedule, appointment availability, and Quick Query instructions can
be found by visiting the Web site (http://www.ivcc.edu/writingcenter),
calling the Learning Commons at 815-224-0318, or stopping by the Writing Center
in the Learning Commons.
The Library
Due to staffing
shortages, the library will operate with reduced hours during the fall semester.
The library hours are 9:00 am – 6:30 pm.
Please plan your work on research assignments accordingly.
Many library resources are available online at
http://www.ivcc.edu/library.
Suggestions and concerns can be expressed at
http://www.ivcc.edu/forms/Input.aspx?ekfrm=6166 .
Electronic Devices
There will be no use of any electronic devices by students in the classroom except by permission of the instructor. This includes, but is not exclusive to: laptops, cell phones, walkie-talkies, spelling aids, gaming devices, etc. The only exceptions are for firefighters, EMT and other emergency personnel. If you have a sick child, aging parent, etc. and need to be able to be reached, keep you phone on silent and should you receive a call, please take it out to the hallway. Do not “text message” while in class or play games on your phone; this will result in your class participation grade being lowered.
Group
Counseling: Strategies and Skills
by Ed. E. Jacobs, Robert L. Masson, Riley L. Harvill and Christine Schimnel, 7th
Edition, Thomson Learning, 2011.
V.
Course Requirements and Methods of Evaluation
Response Journal:
Students will keep a reflection journal for the semester, recording 2 to 4 entries per week. In addition to personal insights and summaries, students will complete assigned journal entries, which will include critical responses to experiential exercises. A reflective journal response (a minimum of two paragraphs per entry) is required.
Small Group Project:
Students will be assigned to a small group (5 – 6 members) for the semester and
will design an experiential group in collaboration with designated agency
partners. The group structure will
be selected from the following types of groups: discussion group, task group,
educational group, support group, or self-help group.
Students will develop the group according to guidelines and information
presented in the text.
Research Project/Service-Learning Project:
Students will select a research topic relevant to group dynamics; suggested topics: group leadership, effectiveness of particular group types, theoretical models for counseling groups, impact therapy for group counseling, and group counseling in a multicultural context. Utilizing theoretical models and scientific research sources, students will complete a research paper of 7-8 typed pages and a minimum of five sources, including primary sources when appropriate.
Students will present preliminary research findings in an informal oral
presentation when the material is covered in class.
Service-Learning Option:
Instead
of completing the research project, students may complete a Service-Learning
project at one of 3-4 selected area agencies.
Agency orientation sessions will be held during a class session, at which
time interested students will schedule interviews with designated agency staff.
Guidelines and enrollment forms will be available at this class session.
Students will be expected to attend agency orientation sessions, complete
15-25 hours of service during the semester, as well as complete reflection
assignments that link the Service-Learning experiences to course content.
Note: participation in service learning projects requires full
participation in class!
To earn academic credit for
Service-Learning, signed enrollment forms must be returned to the instructor
before or not later than September 27, 2012.
The
final exam will be a take-home application essay which will summarize a plan for
effective group work. Additional
guidelines will be given.
Bonus points:
Students can earn up to 20 extra-credit bonus points.
Extra credit activities include volunteer service, special topics
readings, workshops, etc.
Final course grades will be determined as follows:
Response Journal
100 points 25%
Small Group Project
100 points 25%
Research/Service Learning
100 points 25%
Final Exam Project
100 points 25%
The
student’s final grade will be determined by adding the total points and dividing
by four.
The
grading for this course will follow the grading scale:
A = 100-90; B = 89-80; C = 79-70; D = 69-60; F = 59-0.
VI.
Tentative Schedule of Assignments
Week 1
8/21 – 8/23
Introduction
Week 2
8/28 – 8/30
Chapter 1: Introduction
Week 3
9/3
Labor Day Holiday – College Closed
9/4 – 9/6
Chapter 2: Stages of Groups, Group Process, and Therapeutic Forces
Week 4
9/11 – 9/13
Chapter 3: Purpose of Groups
Week 5
9/18 – 9/20
Chapter 4: Planning
Week 6
9/25 – 9/27
Chapter 5: Getting Started: The Beginning Stage and Beginning Phase
9/27
Service-Learning Enrollment Forms Due
Week 7
10/2 – 10/4
Chapter 6: Basic Skills for Group Leaders
10/5
Employee Professional Enrichment Day – No Classes
Week 8
10/9 – 10/11
Chapter 7: Focus
Week 9
10/16 – 10/18
Chapter 8: Cutting Off and Drawing Out
Week 10
10/23 – 10/25 Chapter 9:
Rounds and Dyads
Journals Due
Week 11
10/30 – 11/1
Chapter 10: Exercises
Week 12
11/6 – 11/8
Chapter 11: Introducing, Conducting and Processing Exercises
Week 13
11/13 – 11/15
Chapter 12: Leading the Middle Stage of a Group
11/12
Veteran’s Day – College Closed
Week 14
11/20
Chapter 15: Closing a Session or Group
11/21 – 11/23
Thanksgiving Break – College Closed
Week 15
11/27 – 11/29
Chapter 16: Dealing with Problem Situations
Week 16
12/4 – 12/6
Chapter 17: Working with Specific Populations
Service-Learning Time Sheets Due
Chapter 18: Issues in Group Counseling
Journals Due
Week 17
12/13
Final Exam Essays Due
Guiding Principles for Critical Learning
Instructor: Jean Batson~Turner
1.
Have an open
mind. Be willing to question and challenge old assumptions that no longer work.
Keep in mind that any idea or belief worth keeping will withstand the scrutiny
of critical evaluation.
2.
As much as
possible, avoid a defensive posture. When you find yourself passionately
defending the status quo ask yourself:
What do I gain from having things remain as they are?
and
Why am I afraid of change?
3.
Consider learning
as a life-long process that can be an exciting challenge rather than a required
endurance test.
4.
Practice
listening to and comprehending perspectives different from your own.
Sociological learning gives us an arena for diverse dialogue and cooperative
problem solving.
5.
Work to recognize
patterns of behavior in your social life; notice how one event affects another.
6.
Start to notice
and name social factors and realities that influence your personal decisions.
7.
Be prepared to
share your social experiences and state your opinions when relevant to classroom
discussion.
8.
Work at
sharpening your skills for survival in a complex, changing society. Do not let
fear or apathy keep you from envisioning and creating better ways of living and
relating in our world. In
collaboration with other social citizens, strive to keep hope alive.