| CODE | LAS1063 | ||||||
| TITLE | Managing Group Dynamics | ||||||
| UM LEVEL | I - Introductory Level | ||||||
| MQF LEVEL | 5 | ||||||
| ECTS CREDITS | 4 | ||||||
| DEPARTMENT | Centre for the Liberal Arts and Sciences | ||||||
| DESCRIPTION | The goal of this Unit is to help students acquire theoretical understanding of the dynamics inherent in small groups, and to appreciate and grasp the practical aspects of leading and managing a group. It introduces the basic group principles and theories of group development, that is, how groups change and develop over time focusing on topics such as group formation, structure and cohesion. It offers a good understanding of the various topics related to group dynamics. It examines how interpersonal forces significantly shape member’s actions by addressing topics such as influence processes, power in group strategies, conformity and deviance, and leadership. It explores and identifies factors that influence group’s productivity by studying processes and problems of group performance, decision making and teamwork. It deals with various topics related to group dynamics such as inclusion and identity, the connection between the individual and the group, conflict and cooperation in groups, intergroup relations, groups in specific settings and how groups promote change. This Unit will be of special value to persons who are interested to gain knowledge of group dynamics as a tool to form effective group experiences being a family, business groups, sports team, in education and community building. It is also addressed to those who want to develop and enhance the leadership role by acquiring knowledge of behaviours associated with effective leadership. A mix of theoretical input, seminar format, and experiential learning enables students to actively participate in class discussions to facilitate the acquisition of skills and attitudes. Learning Outcomes: 1. Knowledge & Understanding By the end of the Unit the student will be able to: • Describe general theories pertaining to studying groups; • Identify and discuss group processes; • Interpret and analyse behavior in small groups; • Discuss themes and factors operating in the field of group dynamics. 2. Skills: By the end of the Unit the student will be able to: • Demonstrate an ability to observe, analyze and write about group processes; • Apply concepts of group dynamics for self-understanding and improve interpersonal skills and the way we function in groups; • Demonstrate proficiency in working in groups based on integration of knowledge and skills; • Develop and/enhance abilities and skills that contribute towards effective leadership. Main Text/s and any supplementary readings: Required Text Forsyth, D.R. (2014) Group Dynamics (6th Edition) Thomson Wadsworth Supplementary Reading Johnson, D. W. & Johnson F.P. Joining Together: Theory and Group Skills (11th edition) Pearson. |
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| STUDY-UNIT TYPE | Lecture | ||||||
| METHOD OF ASSESSMENT |
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| LECTURER/S | Georgina Debattista |
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The University makes every effort to ensure that the published Courses Plans, Programmes of Study and Study-Unit information are complete and up-to-date at the time of publication. The University reserves the right to make changes in case errors are detected after publication.
The availability of optional units may be subject to timetabling constraints. Units not attracting a sufficient number of registrations may be withdrawn without notice. It should be noted that all the information in the description above applies to study-units available during the academic year 2023/4. It may be subject to change in subsequent years. |
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