Psychology 3150—Group Dynamics (Hybrid)
Fall Semester 2014
Instructor: Dr. Erica Gannon
Class meets: Wednesdays, 2:10-3:25 (NBS-125)
E-mail:
Website: http://faculty.clayton.edu/egannon
Course site: GaView (accessed through the Swan portal)
Phone: (678) 466-4831
Office: NBS-103
Office Hours: Tuesdays: 11:15 am-12:45 pm
Wednesdays: Noon-2 pm and 3:30-4:30 pm
Thursdays: 11:15 am-12:45 pm
Course Description and Goals
This course will provide students with a foundation in the principles of group dynamics, with an emphasis on small-group dynamics. Research in the field of group dynamics will be discussed, and well-established principles of group functioning, such as group formation, conflict, and impression management, will be addressed. Application of these principles to the functioning of small groups in psychology- and human services-related settings will also be addressed. By the end of the course, students should:
· Understand the major principles of group dynamics.
· Know ways in which these principles manifest themselves in the functioning of small groups.
· Be able to apply an understanding of these principles to group problems in a variety of settings, including educational, business, mental health, and human-services settings.
Psychology Dept. Learning Outcomes that apply directly to this course:
· Understand and apply the major concepts, findings, and theoretical perspectives of psychology.
· Evaluate research critically and apply research methodologies used in psychology.
· Communicate effectively and professionally both orally and in writing, including the use of the Style Manual of the American Psychological Association.
· Understand and apply the ethical standards set forth by the American Psychological Association.
Course Requirements
· Texts: Group Dynamics, 5th Ed. by Forsyth, D. (2010)
· Additional Readings: There will be several additional readings for the course as noted on the course schedule at the end of this syllabus. In most cases, an online version is available, so I will post those links on GaView as needed; however, if an online version is not available, the article will be placed on reserve in the library and some copying may be necessary.
· Course Website: You will need to access the course website on GaView (accessed through the SWAN portal) throughout the semester. Everything you need, including information on tests and reading, as well as submission of assignments, will be done through GaView. You are responsible for any information that is on the class site on GaView, so check it often.
· E-mail Account: Each student should have a CSU e-mail account, and they must use it for this class. There may be times when I will communicate to the class via your CSU e-mail, and you will be responsible for that information. When e-mailing me, please use the email address listed at the beginning of this syllabus ().
· PowerPoint: Each student will need to have PowerPoint on their machine in order to view the notes on the web, which are posted as PowerPoint files.
· Microsoft Word: Written work should be prepared using the latest version of MS Word, and anything you submit online through GaView MUST be submitted in Word format.
· In-Class Notebooks: Each CSU student is required to have ready access throughout the semester to a notebook computer that meets faculty-approved hardware and software requirements for the student's academic program. For further information on CSU's Official Notebook Computer Policy, please go to http://itpchoice.clayton.edu/policy.htm, In this course, you will not need to bring your notebook computer to class; you must only have access to all the above computing requirements outside of class (website, e-mail, PowerPoint, and Microsoft Word). Because of many problems with disruptive and unnecessary use of laptops during class in past semesters, I ask that students NOT use laptops in class.
Basic Student Responsibilities
Students must abide by policies in the Clayton State University Student Handbook and the Basic Undergraduate Student Responsibilities.
o Student Handbook link:
http://www.clayton.edu/Portals/46/docs/student-handbook.pdf
o Basic Undergraduate Student Responsibilities link:
http://www.clayton.edu/Portals/5/BasicUndergraduateStudentResponsibilities.pdf
I am confident that we will all treat each other with mutual respect and create a climate in which everyone can feel comfortable. Behavior which disrupts the teaching and learning process during class activities will not be tolerated. While a variety of behaviors can be disruptive in a classroom setting, more serious examples include belligerent, abusive, profane, and/or threatening behavior. A student who fails to respond to reasonable faculty direction regarding classroom behavior and/or behavior while participating in classroom activities may be dismissed from class. A student who is dismissed is entitled to due process and will be afforded such rights as soon as possible following dismissal. If found in violation, a student may be administratively withdrawn and may receive a grade of WF.
Assignments/Grading
Your final grade in this class will be determined based on the following components.
Points
1. Tests (3 Tests) 300
2. Final Exam (cumulative) 100
3. Group Paper 100
4. Homework/Classwork 150 (approx.)
Total Points 650
(Standard grading system applies: A=90%-100% of total points, B=80%-89%, C=70%-79%, D=60-69%, F=59% or less.)
Midterm Grades
A midterm grade will be given prior to the last day to withdraw without penalty, which occurs on Oct. 10th, 2014. So, the midterm grade will be entered into the DUCK prior to this date in order to help you make a decision about whether to consider withdrawing from the course. This grade will be composed of several assignments/classwork and your first test. Since many more of the points for this class will occur as the semester continues, your midterm grade should be considered a general snapshot of your performance up to that point. If you have any concerns about whether or not to withdraw from the course, please consult me.
Attendance Policy
The university’s official attendance policy is as follows: Students are expected to attend and participate in every class meeting. Instructors establish specific policies relating to absences in their courses and communicate these policies to the students through the course syllabi. Individual instructors, based upon the nature of the course, determine what effect excused and unexcused absences have in determining grades and upon students’ ability to remain enrolled in their courses. The university reserves the right to determine that excessive absences, whether justified or not, are sufficient cause for institutional withdrawals or failing grades.
In this course, you are certainly expected to attend the course meetings, and there will be class-work/participation points most weeks that cannot be made up if missed. Therefore, excessive absences will negatively impact your grade.
Tests
The tests will cover both material in the reading and material covered in class that is not in your reading. Therefore, it is very important that you be in class. If you must miss class, please be sure to get the notes from a classmate. Tests generally include multiple choice, true/false, short answer, and several short essay questions. The final exam will be cumulative. In the case of a missed test, a make-up test will be given only in the case of extreme circumstances, such as car accidents, death in the family, severe illness, etc. You must contact me prior to the start of the test (even if it is by e-mail or phone message) to let me know that such a circumstance has occurred, and you must have some kind of documentation supporting the reason for your absence; otherwise, you will not be allowed to make up the test and will be assigned a zero.
Writing Assignments/Homework
You will be asked to complete some writing assignments throughout the semester; when an assignment is made, it will be posted on the course website on GaView and will need to be submitted online through GaView. These assignments may require you to reflect on a specific question or to comment on the main points of a particular issue. In some cases, there will not be a “right or wrong” answer involved in these assignments, but you will be graded on several components, including: the thoroughness of your discussion, the thoughtfulness, insight, and critical thinking apparent in your answer, and the quality of your written communication. I will accept late assignments, but for each day they are late, the grade will be reduced by one letter grade (10%).
Classwork/Participation Points
Many weeks during the semester, I will assign work to be completed in class (often in a group). These may be worksheets, a short group discussion, etc. In most cases, these will be worth 5 points. In the case of this classwork, if you participate in it, then you earn the 5 points (hence my use of the term “classwork/participation”). If you miss class that day, you have missed the classwork and cannot make it up.
Paper
A group paper will be due in class Wednesday, Nov. 8th. The assignment and thorough information on forming of groups, as well as paper expectations and grading, will be posted on the class’s main page on Desire2Learn. Group members will rate their fellow members’ effort in the group process, and the overall ratings on these reviews will have an impact on the individual grades of each student. I will accept late papers, but for each day they are late, the grade will be reduced by one letter grade (10%).
About Reading
This class will cover a great deal of information, so it’s imperative that you keep up with the reading and assignments! Since we will be doing exercises and activities to demonstrate principles from the reading, we will not discuss every piece of information from your reading; you are responsible for it nevertheless. I assume that, as adults, you can read the assigned text chapters and will be willing to ask questions about concepts that you do not understand or about which you would like more information. Class will not be about me repeating all of what is in your book—it will be about expanding upon and deepening your understanding of the information. So, the take-home message is: READ and ASK QUESTIONS!
Academic Dishonesty
Academic dishonesty is a serious offense and will be dealt with in accordance with the CSU Handbook. This means that the minimum penalty issued will be a zero on the assignment for which academic dishonesty occurs, but depending upon the severity of the situation, additional penalties (such as failure of the class) may be imposed. Plagiarism is one form of academic dishonesty. If you copy someone else's work and don't give them credit (e.g., if you use information from a book and don’t properly cite the source) that is plagiarism, and it will be taken very seriously! If you have any questions about plagiarism, please ask – it is better to be safe than sorry! If you are suspected of committing academic dishonesty, your case may be referred to Judicial Affairs, and they will follow the judicial procedures described here: http://adminservices.clayton.edu/studentlife/judicial_affairs.htm
Other Issues
Ø Cell phones and pagers: Turn them off! It is incredibly disruptive to both me and your classmates to have rings and beeps occurring during class!
Ø Testing procedures: During tests, you will NOT be allowed to re-enter the classroom if you leave, so plan accordingly. You will also be required to clear everything off of your desk space, including phones and other electronic devices.
Ø Tardiness/Leaving Early: Please make every effort to arrive on time; consistently arriving late is disrespectful to other students, as is leaving early. On a related note, please avoid leaving class to take phone calls, use the restroom, etc., as this is also disruptive.
Ø And finally, I’ll repeat an earlier point: When e-mailing me, please use the email address listed at the beginning of this syllabus () instead of GaView’s internal e-mail system.
Disabilities
Individuals with disabilities who need to request accommodations should contact the Disability Services Coordinator, Edgewater Hall 255, 678-466-5445, .
Schedule for Fall Semester (May be amended or changed on course site on GaView!)
Wed., 8/20
Introduction to Class
Wed., 8/27
Chapter 1: Introduction to Group Dynamics
Wed., 9/3
Chapter 3: Inclusion and Identity
Additional related reading: “The Cellular Church” by M. Gladwell (2005). Found at http://www.gladwell.com/2005/2005_09_12_a_warren.html (Can be read in web format or downloaded in more reader-friendly formatting of a .pdf document.)
Wed., 9/10
Chapter 4: Formation
Wed., 9/17
TEST #1 (Covers chapters 1, 3, 4 & additional reading)
Wed., 9/24
Chapter 5: Cohesion
Wed., 10/1
Chapter 6 (Partial): Sections on “Norms” and “Roles” only (pp. 143-157)
Begin Chapter 7: Influence
Wed., 10/8
Complete Chapter 7
Additional related reading: “Small Change” by M. Gladwell (2010). Found at http://gladwell.com/2010/2010_10_04_a_twitter.html
Note: Last day to drop without penalty (receiving a grade of ‘W’) is Oct. 10th.
Wed., 10/15
Chapter 8: Power
Wed., 10/22
TEST #2 (covers Chapters 5, 6 [partial], 7, 8 and additional reading)
Wed., 10/29
Chapter 9 (Partial): Sections on “Nature of Leadership” and “Leadership Emergence” only (pp. 245-266)
Chapter 10 (Partial): Sections on “Social Facilitation” and “Process Losses in Groups” only.
Wed., 11/5
Chapter 11: Decision-Making
Wed., 11/12
Chapter 13: Conflict
Group Paper Due!
Wed., 11/19
Test #3 (covers Chapters 9 [partial], 10 [partial], 11, & 13)
Wed., 11/26
Thanksgiving Holiday—NO CLASS!
Wed., 12/3
Chapter 14: Intergroup Relations
Final Exam: Wed., Dec. 10th from 12:30-2:30 pm (Final Exam will be cumulative and will include Chap. 14.)