"All…are caught in an inescapable network of mutuality, tied in a single garment of destiny…I can never be what I ought to be until you are what you ought to be, and you can never be what you ought to be until I am what I ought to be. This is the inter-related structure of reality."
Martin Luther King, Jr.
Summer session
Note: The Chpt is broken into 4 sections, because it was too large to scan as one (I will chpt 2 there on Thursday).
What is Group Dynamics?
Introduction
It is increasingly common for organizations and educational institutions to encourage (or mandate) group projects and teamwork. The reason for this is because of the link between teamwork and many positive outcomes (e.g., increased performance, creativity, etc.). However, many students and employees do not have training in group dynamics and effectiveness, and therefore feel frustrated by the experience.
The purpose of this course is to help students develop an understanding of small group behavior and team effectiveness. Topics such as group membership, communication, norms, leadership, and conflict will be discussed during the semester. The importance of organizational diversity and cross-cultural groups will also be discussed during the semester.
Since it is critical that students apply what they are learning in the course, every student will be required to participate in a small group project.
Course Objectives:
 | To develop a general understanding of key processes in group development and effectiveness |
| To acquire an understanding of the social processes that occur within group settings |
| To examine diversity and cross cultural issues related to groups and teams |
| To apply theoretical knowledge about group dynamics to make a small group project as effective as possible |
| To develop the skills needed to work effectively within a variety of small group settings |
| To develop professional presentation skills |