HS 260 Group Dynamics

Lecture Hours: 3
Credits: 3

Provides students with the theory and experience to work as effective members of small task groups. Defines and studies styles of leadership, member roles and diversity problem solving, decision-making, status and power, communication, and resolving conflicts/controversy. Offers students the opportunity to evaluate personal performance within a group.

Prerequisite: HS 150 and WR 121Z with a grade of C or better; or consent of instructor.
Student Learning Outcomes:

Describe the stages of group development.
Describe communication skills of effective groups and for managing conflict.
Relate and discuss how their culture, stereotypes, and attitudes influence interactions with members of other cultures.
Specify the ways in which cultural differences can affect group members’ behaviors.
Practice and assess beginning skills of effective group leadership.
Describe decision making models.
Describe and assess group interaction skills that achieve desired outcomes.
Lead and evaluate small group interactions.

Content Outline

Group dynamics and development
Communication
Understanding and Managing Conflict
Diversity
Leadership
Decision Making
Evaluation