Sociology 2130

Sociology 2130
Group Process

Instructor: Susan E. Claxton
Class: Tuesday and Thursday 9:30-10:45
Office Hours: By appointment Phone: 706-295-6300

PREREQUITES: SOCI 1101 or PSYC 1101

COURSE DESCRIPTION

This course focuses on the dynamics of personal interactions in groups. It includes an examination of various models and understandings of group interaction, but special attention is devoted to the development of specific group membership and leadership skills.

TEXT

Jacobs, E., Masson, R., & Harvill, R. (2002). Group Counseling Strategis and Skills (4th Edition). Pacific Grove, CA: Brooks/Cole.

COURSE GOALS:

The broad goals for this course are:

For each person who completes "The Group" to have an accurate perception of their own behavior in groups of every nature (social or professional) and have a repertoire of skills which will enable them to modify that behavior as they desire.
For each person who completes "The Group" to have reached a high level of competence in group skills and interpersonal communication and to have the ability to continually enhance that competence.
For each person who completes "The Group" to have skills and knowledge, which will enable then to function competently as a beginning co-therapist or co-leader in a variety of behavioral, change groups.

COURSE OBJECTIVES:

For each of us to develop, by reading and experientially learning, a functional understanding of group process and group behavior.
For each of us to develop, by reading and experientially learning, knowledge of current social psychological theory regarding effective group functioning of groups formed for psychotherapeutic purposes.
For each of us to develop, by reading and experientially learning skills in: formation and structuring of groups; observing, recording, and interpreting group dynamics; and positive facilitation and participation in groups.

COURSE REQUIREMENTS

TEXTBOOK AND READING ASSIGNMENTS

It is the responsibility of the student to read and study all assigned material in the text. Handouts from the class sessions should be studied thoroughly. The assigned material in the text provides the background for informed participation in class sessions. The student should be prepared for class by becoming thoroughly familiar with assigned material.

CLASS MEETINGS

The class will meet for two one hour and fifteen minute sessions each week. Students are required to attend class regularly and participate in all class activities. Full participation involves taking part in class discussions, involvement in group activities, and completion in in-class assignments.

Since the instructor will be providing information to augment the text, if it is necessary for a student to be absent from class, the student should, immediately upon return to class, check with the instructor regarding work missed, obtain class notes from another student, and arrange to view audio-visual presentations.

Since the nature of this class is group process attendance is mandatory. Absences will negatively effect the student’s grade. See the grading system below.

EXAMS

Quizzes will be given throughout the semester. These quizzes will be based on information from class sessions, textbook readings, and outside reading assignments. Makeup quizzes are given under extreme circumstances and at the discretion of the instructor. Academic honesty is expected at all times in this class. Please refer to the Student Handbook for details concerning Georgia Highlands College’s academic honesty policy.

E-MAIL

E-mail will be used intensively in this class. Assignments and other correspondence will be transacted via e-mail on a regular bases.

GROUP PRESENTATION

There will be one group presentation required for this course. The instructor will go over the requirements in class.

GRADING SYSTEM

Journal	100
Group Presentation	250
Daily Attendance 30 days @ 15 points each	450
Quizzes 10 @ 20 points each	200

900-1000	=	A
800-899	=	B
700-799	=	C
600-699	=	D
BELOW 600	=	F

IMPORTANT DATES

January 5 classes begin

January 21 MLK Holiday

February 28 Mid-Semester

March 4-9 Spring Break

April 29 Last day of Spring Semester

April 30-May 6 Final Exams