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Group Theory and Process

Course Number and Name

  • 18-213-787 Group Theory and Process (Summer: F. R. Wilson; Autumn:                  R. K. Conyne)

When Offered

  • Autumn and Summer Quarter

Prerequisites

  • This is an entry level course, therefore, no prerequisites.

Catalog Description

  • Introduction to theories of group process.

Objectives / Expected Outcomes

  • Purpose of the Course. The purpose of the course, Group Theory and Process, is to provide the student with an     introduction to the nature of group counseling, group dynamics, and group leadership.
  • Objectives of the Course. A student successfully completing this course will be able to:
    • discuss principles of group dynamics including group process components, developmental stage theories, and group member's roles and behaviors;
    • describe group leadership styles and approaches including charactersitics of various types of group leaders and leadership styles;
    • describe communalities and distinguishing characteristics of the four ASGW defined types of group work (e.g., task groups, psychoeducation groups, counseling groups, and psychotherapy groups);
    • describe methods used in group work including group work orientations and behaviors, appropriate selection criteria and methods, and methods of evaluation;
    • escribe approaches and techniques used in four ASGW defined types of groups work (e.g., task groups, psychoeducation groups, counseling groups, and psychotherapy groups);
    • describe standards for group work training and group work ethics;
    • display core group work competencies.

Text / Readings

  • Posthuma, B. W. (1996). Small groups in counseling and therapy: Process and leadership. Boston: Allyn &  Bacon.
  • Rabow, J., Charness, M. A., Kipperman, J., & Radcliffe-Vasile, S. (1994). William Fawcett Hill's Learning through Discussion (3rd ed.). Thousand Oaks: SAGE Pub.
  • Trotzer, J. (1989). The counselor and the group. Muncie, IN: Accelerated Development.
  • Readings packet on sale at DuBois Bookstore.
  • Other reading assignments will involve use of readings in the university collection.

Course Organization, Class Schedule, Assignments

  • Organization of the Course.  Each student enrolled in the course will read and study materials related to group counseling theory and to group counseling process. This course will involve didactic instruction and experiential involvement with selected theories and processes. Students will be expected to read text assignments, attend class sessions regularly, and participate in experiential activities. A key instructional activity will involve student co-leadership of and participation in structured discussion groups.
  • Assignments. Students will be expected to complete several assignments/projects:
    • Participate in a structured discussion group (LTD Group) as discussant and as co-leader; leadership of the structured discussion groups will be rotated across group members; observation based feedback and discussion of group process will be provided (the quality of participation will not be evaluated).
    • Participate in the observation of structured discussion groups, providing feedback to classmate's LTD group,
    • Participate in other experiential activities employed to illustrate group work concepts.
    • Submit a term paper describing how group work (e.g., task/work groups, psychoeducational groups, counseling groups, psychotherapy groups) can be used to help some specific population (e.g., children of divorce, victims of violence or trauma, substance abusers, persons approaching retirement, persons approaching graduation from college, teachers in a school). In preparing your paper provide both a theoretical description of the group you are proposing and a concrete example of how such a group would be started and conducted.  Participate in an in-class, group based, final examination
  • Schedule. Activities will be conducted according to a published schedule.
  • Grading.  Evaluation of student progress will be based upon a combination of the following criteria:
    • Class participation (includes participation in LTD discussion groups, participation as an observer during other's LTD groups, and participation in other class experiential activities; quality of discussion while serving as a member of a discussion group will not be graded);
    • Term paper
    • Final examination

NOTE: All reports and papers submitted for this course are expected to be the student's own work; instances of plagiarism will be dealt with according to university policy. Students unfamiliar with standards for the preparation of academic papers are encouraged to seek assistance early in the quarter. Scholarly papers are to be prepared according to the style manual for the American Psychological Association. Assignments are due on the date indicated; late papers will be penalized 1/3 letter grade per week late. 

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