Liberty University Online · School of Behavioral Sciences · Community Care and Counseling

Group Dynamics

Course Code: HSCO-511 Section: CG Section 8WK Term: 11/08/2019 to 04/16/2020 Last Modified: 12/12/2022

Course Description

This course involves the study of human beings in relationship to other persons, singularly and in groups. The course explores—in theory and through in-class exercises—the real-life application of various aspects of group dynamics, including (but not limited to) leadership, motivation, perception, power, and decision-making.

Requisites

For information regarding prerequisites for this course, please refer to the Academic Course Catalog .

Rationale

Conducting counseling in group settings is a popular practice in the human services professions. Additionally, most vocations require involvement in groups or teams. Thus, understanding group development, dynamics, therapeutic principles, and leadership is essential for group members as well as leaders. This course equips students through interactive and experiential learning to effectively use different interventions and techniques to meet various group goals, attend to both content and process, and understand group leader roles, behaviors, and responsibilities.

Course Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of this course, the student will be able to:

• A. Demonstrate familiarity with different types of groups, including their formation, structure, function, power distribution, and member motivation.
• B. Examine how group dynamics, processes, and therapeutic aspects are cultivated and experienced within various group contexts.
• C. Critically evaluate the effectiveness of various leadership styles, activities, and techniques in different types of groups.
• D. Apply best practices, ethical guidelines, and biblical principles to group leadership.

Course Resources

Click on the following link to view the required resource(s) for the term in which you are registered: Liberty University Online Bookstore .

Additional Materials for Learning

• A. Computer with basic audio/video input and output equipment
• B. Internet access (broadband recommended)
• C. Canvas recommended browsers (Canvas Browser Requirements)
• D. Microsoft Word
• E. Media player and software

Course Assignments

• Textbook readings and video presentations (CLO: A, B)
• Course Requirements Checklist: After reading the Course Syllabus and Student Expectations, the student will complete the related checklist found in the Course Overview.
• Discussions (5): Collaborative learning experiences where the student will post one thread (300-350 words) addressing a specific topic and two replies (200-250 words). Threads and replies must demonstrate course-related knowledge and be supported by references to the course literature. (CLO: A, B, C, D)
• Support Group Experience:
  • Support Group Selection Assignment: Complete a quiz to identify and describe the selected support/self-help group. (CLO: A)
  • Support Group Attendance Assignment: Attend four meetings, bring a supplied attendance form for the group leader to sign, and submit the completed form. (CLO: A, B)
  • Support Group Paper Assignment: Describe and evaluate experiences and observations in a 7–8-page paper, integrating course texts and 2 scholarly research articles. (CLO: B, C)
• Reflection Paper Assignment: Watch a video of an anger management therapy group session and write a 3–4-page paper articulating observations, analysis, and personal applications. (CLO: B, C)
• Group Leading Project Assignments (2):
  • Group Leading Proposal Assignment: Develop a proposal for a 1–2-hour group meeting. (CLO: A, B, D)
  • Group Leading Report Assignment: Produce a 6–7-minute video describing and evaluating the group meeting. (CLO: A, B, C, D)
• Quizzes (3): Each quiz consists of 40 multiple-choice questions based on course texts, is open-book/open-notes, and has a time limit of two hours. (CLO: A, B)

Course Grading

AssignmentPointsDiscussions (5 at 50 points each)250Support Group Selection Assignment20Support Group Attendance Assignment40Support Group Paper Assignment200Reflection Paper Assignment100Group Leading Proposal Assignment50Group Leading Report Assignment100Quizzes (3 at 80 points each)240Total1010

Course Policies

Professional Communication

Students are expected to be professional, courteous, and polite in all correspondence with other students and faculty, using full sentences and correct grammar. Electronic communication should also be pleasing to God (Luke 6:31, ESV).

Dual Relationship

Faculty are responsible to interact with students in a supervisory capacity/role and avoid dual relationships such as entering a student-counselor or student-pastor relationship.

Limits of Confidentiality

Faculty, staff, administrators, or supervisors will take immediate action if a student discloses a threat of harm to self or others, abuse or neglect, or current involvement in criminal activity.

Attendance Policy

Regular attendance in online courses is expected. More information regarding the attendance policy can be found in the Academic Course Catalogs .

Grading Scale

GradePointsPercentageA940-101094-100%B860-93986-93%C780-85978-85%D700-77970-77%F0-6990-69%

Schedule

WeekTopicAssignments1Technology Integration Set-UpDiscussion: Types of Groups<br>Quiz: Support Group Selection2Group Dynamics and DevelopmentDiscussion: Group Development<br>Quiz: Group Dynamics and Development3Reflection Paper AssignmentReflection Paper Assignment4Group Leadership SkillsDiscussion: Group Leadership Skills<br>Group Leading Proposal Assignment5Group Leading Report AssignmentGroup Leading Report Assignment6Leadership, Effectiveness, and Decision MakingDiscussion: Group Exercises<br>Quiz: Leadership, Effectiveness, and Decision Making7Support Group Experience PaperSupport Group Experience Paper Assignment<br>Quiz: Support Group Attendance8Group Issues and ConflictDiscussion: Group Issues and Conflict<br>Quiz: Group Work, Change, and Conflict