SOC 165 - Group Dynamics

1. Demonstrate an understanding of the nature of groups
   1. Describe the importance of group behavior
   2. Define group
   3. Describe the interdisciplinary nature of group studies
   4. Describe the skills necessary for effective group behavior
   5. Evaluate your own group skills
2. Demonstrate an understanding of experiential learning
   1. Explain the basic concepts used in experiential learning
   2. Explain what is meant by action theories
   3. Explain the relationship between experiential learning and motiva­tion.
   4. Participate in role playing exercises
   5. Demonstrate process observation
   6. Conduct a skill training exercise
3. Demonstrate an understanding of group goals and social interdependence
   1. Define the concept of goal
   2. Explain the relationship between group goals and social interdepen­dence
   3. Describe the consequences of social interdependence
   4. Explain the effects of allocation of rewards upon group members
   5. Give examples of social interdependence in the work place
4. Demonstrate an understanding of the effects of communication on group behavior
   1. Define the basic concepts used in discussions of group communica­tions.
   2. Demonstrate effective communication in conflict resolution
   3. Describe patterns of communication in small groups
   4. Make an analysis of the effects of competition upon group commu­nication
   5. Describe the relationship of physical barriers to communication
   6. Describe patterns of communication in authority hierarchies
   7. Describe the role of informal information networks
   8. Demonstrate the effects of one way communication systems
   9. Demonstrate means of improving communication among group members
5. Analyze the role of leadership in groups
   1. Define the basic concepts used in discussions of leadership
   2. Explain the trait theory of leadership
   3. Compare leadership styles
   4. Describe the influence theory of leadership
   5. Explain the role position/group structure theory of leadership
   6. Explain the situational theories of leadership
   7. Explain the normative model of leadership
6. Demonstrate an understanding of decision making
   1. Describe effective decision making
   2. Compare individual and group decision making
   3. Describe the methods of decision making
   4. Demonstrate the importance of involvement in decision making
   5. Demonstrate the techniques of changing behavior patterns and attitudes.
   6. Explain the consequences of “group think.
7. Demonstrate an understanding of the relationship between controversy and creativity
   1. Define the basic concepts used to discuss controversy in groups
   2. Describe the steps in structuring controversy
   3. Demonstrate techniques of controversy avoidance
   4. Explain the role of experts
   5. Describe the outcomes of controversy
   6. Describe the conditions determining the consequences of contro­versy
   7. Describe the conditions determining the constructiveness of contro­versy.
   8. List the guidelines for constructive controversy
   9. Describe how to foster creativity
   10. Demonstrate brainstorming
8. Demonstrate methods for managing conflicts of interest
   1. Define the basic concepts used to discuss conflict
   2. Define conflicts of interest
   3. Apply conflict strategies
   4. Acknowledge when and how to negotiate
   5. Recognize how to decide whether to avoid or negotiate conflict
   6. Exercise steps to negotiate resolution to conflict.
   7. List a checklist for problem solving
   8. Practice the win-lose negotiations strategy
   9. Discuss intergroup conflict
   10. Describe three basic traps to avoid when resolving conflicts
   11. Discuss cross-ethnic conflict
   12. Discuss intergroup conflict and superordinate goals
   13. Discuss the role of third party mediation
9. Demonstrate an understanding of the use of power
   1. Define the basic concepts used to discuss the use of power
   2. Discuss the trait-factor approach to influence.
   3. Discuss the dynamic interdependence view of influence
   4. Describe the bases to power.
   5. Discuss power the problem solving
   6. Discuss the effects of unequal power
   7. Discuss power and conflict
10. Demonstrate how to lead learning and discussion groups
    1. List the stages of developing a learning group
    2. Discuss changes in ownership from coordinator to group member
    3. Discuss basic procedures for structuring a discussion group
    4. Discuss the role of coordinator in a discussion group
11. Demonstrate an understanding of team development
    1. Define the basic concepts used to discuss team building
    2. Discuss organizational development
    3. Describe types of teams
    4. Discuss how to build productive teams
    5. Discuss group norms
    6. Discuss group cohesion
    7. Demonstrate trust building
    8. Discuss methods of dealing with problem behavior
12. Demonstrate an understanding of benefits of team building
    1. Discuss the role of social support
    2. Discuss the relationship between support and stress
    3. Discuss self esteem and group behavior
    4. Discuss psychological health and stability
    5. Discuss the role of constructive peer relations