WILMINGTON UNIVERSITYCOLLEGE OF SOCIAL & BEHAVIORAL SCIENCES

FACULTY MEMBER: Dana Rahmel TERM: Fall 2015, Block 2

COURSE TITLE: Group Dynamics COURSE NUMBER: PSY 315

METHOD OF CONTACT: preferred method of contact: email: dana.l.rahmel@wilmu.edu *I will respond to all emails within 48 hours*

FACULTY INFO: I earned my Bachelor’s degree at Rutgers University in Psychology and Criminal Justice. I earned a Master’s in Education at The University of Pennsylvania. I currently work as a School Social Worker during the day with a Child Study Team for a school district in New Jersey. I have had the opportunity to teach Psychology courses at both Burlington County Community College since 2007 and Wilmington University since 2009. I have taught Group Dynamics several times, both online and face to face.

I. COURSE DESCRIPTIONThis course focuses on the social and psychological implications and processes of groups, group participation, and organization. Included are class exercises which foster students’ understanding of group development, styles of facilitation, and interdependency.

II. COURSE OBJECTIVESGOAL A:The student will evaluate group theories.

A-1 Identify key concepts related to various group theories.A-2 Identify key individuals associated with each theory.A-3 Identify strengths and weaknesses of each theory.

GOAL B:The student will understand group interaction, rights and Responsibilities.

B-1 Define group interaction.B-2 Identify rights and responsibilities of group members and leaders.

GOAL C:The student will understand a variety of group interactions which involve roles including leadership, awareness of self in a group, and management of self in a group.

C-1 Evaluate self as leader in a group.C-2 Evaluate him/herself as a group member.

GOAL D:The student will understand the stages of group formation (form, storm, norm), and membership.

D-1 Identify stages of groups.D-2 Define self-selection and assigned membership.D-3 Describe levels of interaction.D-4 Identify group goals.

GOAL E:The student will demonstrate knowledge of the effects of communication and group interaction, balancing the needs of the group with the needs of the individual.

E-1 Define the nature of communicationE-2 Describe gender differences in communication.E-3 Demonstrate understanding of reward-seeking behavior and communication

patterns.E-4 Describe factors that inhibit communication.

GOAL F:The student will demonstrate overt and covert goal setting and objective delineation.

F-1 Identify group think.F-2 Identify decision making in groups.F-3 Distinguish between individual and group goals.F-4 Demonstrate understanding of the classification of goals.

GOAL G:The student will understand the role of group participation in work, community, family interactions, and cultural communities.

G-1 Identify the group concepts in a work group.G-2 Describe the family functions as a group.G-3 Identify cultural roles in groups.G-4 Identify various roles in community groups.G-5 Demonstrate understanding of the difference between psychological and

sociological groups (face to face vs. abstract concepts).

GOAL H:Use appropriate written and oral communication skills.

H-1 Communicate information orally in a logical and grammatical manner.H-2 Present written information using standard APA style.

III. TEACHING METHODSStudents learn best in many different ways. In this course, students will be presented with readings, video, group work, powerpoint presentations, discussion questions, papers on various group topics, and learning activities. One of the advantages of the online format is that it allows students to approach the course in ways that suit their personal styles and preferences.  How students learn, how they approach the course material, and how they manage their time and motivate themselves are particularly important in online courses. In classroom courses, meeting times and attendance are structured and overseen by the instructors. But in online courses, a lot of responsibility falls on students individually and personally -- and typically many students are not trained or prepared for this responsibility. Here are a few things to keep in mind before you begin the course:

Be realistic about the amount of time required to do the coursework.  Plan to spend 3 to 5 hours per week (double that for a 7-week class). 

Schedule class time just as if you were attending class on campus. Turn in your work ON TIME.  Early is better. No late assignments will be

accepted. It is your responsibility to plan ahead to adhere to course timelines.

You are required to participate actively in the discussions. You should log onto the class at least 3 times a week (every day is best). Online courses are not easier.

IV. COURSE ASSIGNMENTSLearning Activities-Some weeks will include individual exercises designed to increase your understanding of the material and assure your success in the course. You are expected to complete the activities that are assigned for that week.

Week 1-Key Individuals Powerpoint- You will select and analyze one significant event on the Study of Groups timeline. Then, create a powerpoint presentation to describe the event and individual. Discuss how the specific event is a new contribution to the study of groups.

Week 3-Juror Interview- You will select someone who recently served as a juror and conduct a short interview about his or her experience. Discuss how his or her experience does or does not relate to the concepts presented in the text. Based on his or her experience, make at least two recommendations to improve decision-making among juries.

Quizzes-You will be evaluated on your understanding of the material by taking weekly multiple-choice quizzes throughout the semester. They will cover material presented in the course readings. All quizzes must be taken on the date scheduled except in case of a documented emergency. No make-up exams will be provided if you fail to notify and discuss your situation with the instructor prior to the quiz.

Discussion Posts- The discussion board provides a forum to explore course concepts through collaboration with your classmates. Discussion posts facilitate the understanding of course material in an online format. At the beginning of each week, please review the question posted and formulate a response by synthesizing your ideas with supporting details from the text. Your discussion post should be at least one paragraph with proper grammar and spelling. Remember to use in text citations in APA format for the course material. You are only required to incorporate ideas from the book and not outside sources. It is important that everyone participates in the course discussion so that we can all benefit collectively from individual perspectives on each important topic. Participation means contributing an original post to a topic and commenting on fellow student's contributions. Your collective posts for the week are worth 15 points.

Reaction Paper- You must observe a meeting of a social support, self-help group in the community or on campus. The purpose of this assignment is to further your understanding of how groups function.  In addition to your attendance at the group meeting, you are to write a 3-4 page reaction paper, in APA format discussing your experience.

Group Theme Course Log- Each week students will be given several topics to discuss and to relate to “real life” experiences. These experiences may come in the form of blogs, online magazines, news reports, TV shows, movies, books, advertisements, and cartoons (please include a link so that I can access your example). You may also relate the concepts to your own personal experiences. Each course log is worth 30 points.

Character Communication Paper- In the Character Communication Paper, you will watch the film Remember the Titans and identify three course concepts and explain, using thoroughly described examples, how the course material is presented in the film. You will also select a character and analyze and discuss the character’s perspective of the nature of communication. The paper should be 3-4 pages in APA format.

Self-Assessment Paper- The student will write a 3-4 page paper evaluating him/her self as a group member and leader. The purpose of this assignment is for the student to accurately reflect on his/her strengths and weaknesses in his/her roles as group member and leader by integrating material and concepts from the course.

Group Powerpoint Project- Each group will create a powerpoint to present information to the class. The group will select a topic that is relevant to the role of group participation in work, community, family interactions, and cultural communities. Since this is a broad topic, the group should break down the topic and divide it among the group members for the presentation. The presentation is due at the end of week 6. The group presentation is worth 100 points and a peer evaluation is worth 25 points.

V. EVALUATION PROCEDURESEach assignment has a grading rubric and detailed instructions that outline the expectations for the assignment. It is your responsibility to review the grading rubrics PRIOR to submitting the assignment. Individual and group feedback will be provided and it is crucial that you incorporate that feedback into future assignments to assure your success in the course. Grades for all assignments will be posted in Blackboard Grade Center in a timely fashion (e.g., no more than 10 days after an assignment is due). Students are expected to review their progress in the course on a regular basis and contact the instructor within one week of the grade posting if they have any questions.

Activity Possible PointsStart Here Activities 50Character Paper 75Learning Activities 80Weekly Discussion Posts 90Reaction Paper 100Group Powerpoint Project 125Quizzes 150Self-Assessment Paper 150Group Theme Course Logs 180TOTAL 1000

Final grades are based on Wilmington University’s grading policy. Grades are awarded on the basis of points earned, as follows:

A = 945 points and higherA- = 915 - 944B+ = 885 – 914B = 855 – 884B- = 825 – 854C+ = 795 – 824C = 765 – 794C- = 735 – 764D+ = 705 – 734D = 675 – 704D- = 645 – 674F = 644 and below

VI. COURSE POLICIESATTENDANCE:Wilmington University stresses that regular and prompt class attendance is an essential part of the educational experience. Attendance for a distance learning course is defined as “logging onto the course” and participating in course assignments and discussions as directed by the instructor. Failure to do so may be considered an unexcused absence without prior approval by the course instructor.

SUBMITTING ASSIGNMENTS:All assignments are due on the dates stated in the syllabus. In order to allow time for instructor review/feedback/grading, assignments need to be submitted on the specified dates. No points will be awarded for late assignments. It is the student’s responsibility to hand in all assignments on time. Only on very rare occasions will extensions be granted for an emergency with proper documentation. The instructor reserves the right to determine what qualifies as an emergency and what qualifies as adequate documentation.

VII. COURSE OUTLINE (subject to change)Online learning, you will find, is quite different than classroom learning. It requires different attitudes, responsibilities, and communication skills. To help you prepare for this different learning environment I have created a “Start Here” tab to help you become familiar with the course. Each week, a folder provides a detailed outline of the course requirements. The due dates listed are the last possible date that the activity may be completed. You may turn the work in early. Most coursework will be available so that you can work ahead of schedule. However, all assignments for the course will not be available all at once. Each week will be released on a specific schedule to encourage you to put time and effort into your work. I encourage you to work at your own pace and to use the discussion forum to post any questions that arise during your readings. I would suggest that you review questions others have posted also. This will give you the opportunity to learn from your classmates.

Week Readings Assignments Due

Week 1: October 26-November 1

Chapters 1, 2, and 3 Blackboard Scavenger HuntIntroductory Group PaperIntro DiscussionDiscussion 1Group Theme Course LogKey Individuals PowerpointQuiz 1

Week 2: November 2-November 8

Chapters 4, 5, and 6 Discussion 2Group Theme Course LogQuiz 2

Week 3: November 9-November 15

Chapters 7, 8, and 11 Discussion 3Group Theme Course LogJuror InterviewQuiz 3

Week 4: November 16-November 22

Chapters 12, 13, and 14 Discussion 4Group Theme Course LogReaction PaperQuiz 4

Week 5: November 23-November 29

Chapters 15, 16, and 17 Discussion 5Group Theme Course LogCharacter Communication PaperQuiz 5

Week 6: November 30-December 6

Review all Chapters for Group Powerpoint Project

Group PowerpointPeer Evaluation

Week 7: December 7-December 13

Chapters 9 and 10 Discussion 7Group Theme Course LogSelf-Assessment Paper

Each week, all assignments must be submitted by 11pm on Sunday.