Note:
Course content may be changed, term to term, without
notice. The information below is provided as a guide
for course selection and is not binding in any form,
and should not be used to purchase course materials.
HSCO 511 Course Syllabus
COURSE SYLLABUS
HSCO 511
GROUP DYNAMICS
COURSE DESCRIPTION
This course involves the study of human beings in relationship to other persons, singularly and in
groups. The course explores-in theory and through in-class exercises—the real-life application of
various aspects of group dynamics including (but not limited to) leadership, motivation,
perception, power, and decision-making.
RATIONALE
Groups are a mainstay of the human experience. Thus, whether we serve as members or leaders,
a comprehensive understanding of group dynamics is essential for those who desire to become
better, more active group participants. Additionally, since most vocations require involvement in
groups and/or teams, a working knowledge of group dynamics—as well as the skills that
accompany that knowledge—has the potential to improve an individual’s effectiveness and
overall quality of life.
I.
PREREQUISITE
For information regarding prerequisites for this course, please refer to the Academic
Course Catalog.
II.
REQUIRED RESOURCE PURCHASE
Click on the following link to view the required resource(s) for the term in which you are
registered: http://bookstore.mbsdirect.net/liberty.htm
III.
IV.
ADDITIONAL MATERIALS FOR LEARNING
A.
Computer with basic audio/video output equipment
B.
Internet access (broadband recommended)
C.
Microsoft Office
MEASURABLE LEARNING OUTCOMES
Upon successful completion of this course, the student will be able to:
A.
Analyze the structures and functions of small groups, especially with regards to
power, leadership, membership, attitude, motivation and value formation, and role
theory.
B.
Observe small group formation principles in a real-life situation.
C.
Critically analyze the terminology, significant theories, and issues inherent with
group dynamics.
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HSCO 511 Course Syllabus
D.
V.
Integrate a biblical worldview into all aspects of group formation.
COURSE REQUIREMENTS AND ASSIGNMENTS
A.
Textbook readings and lecture presentations
B.
Course Requirements Checklist
After reading the Course Syllabus and Student Expectations, the student will
complete the related checklist found in Module/Week 1.
C.
Discussion Board Forums (4)
Discussion boards are collaborative learning experiences. For each discussion
board, the instructor will present a topic that the student must address by posting a
thread (250 words minimum) in the assigned forum. The student will post a reply
(150 words minimum) to at least 2 classmates’ threads the module/week
following the thread.
D.
Support Group Selection Form
The student will submit the Support Group Selection Form found on Blackboard.
This form will include fields for information regarding the support group that the
student plans on attending.
E.
Ethics Paper
•
References
The Ethics Paper must utilize at least 10 empirical articles. These references
will be submitted in current APA format.
•
Rough Draft
The student will write an 8–10-page rough draft that explores the topic of
ethics within groups and compares it to ethics regarding individual
counseling. Feedback will be provided by the instructor regarding current
APA style, grammar, and content.
•
Final Draft
The student will follow feedback given on the Rough Draft of the Ethics
Paper and write an 8–10-page research paper that explores the topic of ethics
within groups and compares it to ethics regarding individual counseling.
F.
Support Group Report
The student will attend 4 open support-group sessions (AA, NA, Overeaters
Anonymous, etc.). Then the student will write a 3–4-page summary of the
sessions, noting observations about the group and its developmental stage, being
careful not to give any personal information about its members. References must
be made from course readings or outside resources. The student will also utilize
the Support Group Attendance Form found on Blackboard for this assignment.
G.
Support Group Attendance Form
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HSCO 511 Course Syllabus
The attendance form will need to be signed and dated by the group leader on the
day of each session as proof of the student’s attendance. The student will scan and
upload the Support Group Attendance Form to Blackboard.
H.
Tests (3)
These open-book/open-notes tests incorporate information presented in the
reading assignments and videos. Each test will have 20 multiple-choice questions
and a 1-hour and 30-minute time limit.
VI.
COURSE GRADING AND POLICIES
A.
Points
Course Requirements Checklist
Discussion Board Forums
Threads (4 at 60 pts ea)
Replies (4 at 20 pts ea)
Support Group Selection Form
Ethics Paper
References
Rough Draft
Final Draft
Support Group Report
Support Group Attendance Form
Tests (3 at 60 pts ea)
10
240
80
20
Total
B.
30
50
200
150
50
180
1010
Scale
A = 940–1010 A- = 920–939 B+ = 900–919 B = 860–899 B- = 840–859
C+ = 820–839 C = 780–819 C- = 760–779 D+ = 740–759 D = 700–739
D- = 680–699 F = 0–679
C.
Late Assignment Policy
If the student is unable to complete an assignment on time, then he or she must
contact the instructor immediately by email.
Assignments that are submitted after the due date without prior approval from the
instructor will receive the following deductions:
1.
Late assignments submitted within one week of the due date will
receive a 10% deduction.
2.
Assignments submitted more than one week late will receive a 20%
deduction.
3.
Assignments submitted two weeks late or after the final date of the
course will not be accepted.
4.
Late Discussion Board threads or replies will not be accepted.
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HSCO 511 Course Syllabus
Special circumstances (e.g. death in the family, personal health issues) will be
reviewed by the instructor on a case-by-case basis.
D.
E.
Tests/Exams
1.
For timed tests/exams students are required to complete the exam
within the assigned time. For students who exceed this time limit a
penalty of 1 point may be deducted for each minute they exceed the
assigned time limit.
2.
Students must take the exam during the assigned module/week. Late
submissions will be penalized at 5% per day, cumulative, with no
test/exam being accepted seven (7) days after the original due date
without written approval from the professor. Whenever possible, this
approval must be sought prior to the test/exam due date.
Dual Relationship
The faculty is responsible to interact with counseling students in a supervisory
capacity/role. As such, faculty may provide students professional principles,
guidance, and recommendations as it relates to the context of the student-client
setting. The faculty is responsible to avoid dual relationships with students such as
entering a student-counselor or student-pastor relationship. Thus, the faculty does
not provide personal counseling addressing student personal problems. If a faculty
member perceives that a student is in need of personal or professional counseling,
then that faculty member will recommend that the student pursue either pastoral or
professional assistance from a counselor in their community.
F.
Limits of Confidentiality
In the event of a student’s disclosure, either verbally or in writing, of threat of
serious or foreseeable harm to self or others, abuse or neglect of a minor, elderly or
disabled person, or current involvement in criminal activity, the faculty, staff,
administrator, or supervisor will take immediate action. This action may include,
but is not limited to, immediate notification of appropriate state law enforcement or
social services personnel, emergency contacts, and notification of the appropriate
program chair or online dean. The incident and action taken will become part of the
student’s permanent record.
G.
Disability Assistance
Students with a documented disability may contact Liberty University Online’s
Office of Disability Academic Support (ODAS) at LUOODAS@liberty.edu to
make arrangements for academic accommodations. Further information can be
found at www.liberty.edu/disabilitysupport.
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COUR ### Course Schedule
COURSE SCHEDULE
HSCO 511
Textbooks: Corey et al., Groups in Action: Evolution and Challenges (2014).
Forsyth, Group Dynamics (2014).
Jacobs et al., Group Counseling: Strategies and Skills (2016).
MODULE/
WEEK
READING & STUDY
ASSIGNMENTS
POINTS
1
Jacobs et al.: chs. 1–2
Course Requirements Checklist
Class Introductions
DB Forum 1 — Thread
2
Forsyth: chs. 3–6
Jacobs et al.: chs. 3–4
DB Forum 1 — Replies
Support Group Selection Form
Test 1
20
20
60
3
Forsyth: chs. 8, 11
Jacobs et al.: chs. 5–6
Corey DVD and workbook
DB Forum 2 — Thread
Ethics Paper — References
60
30
4
Forsyth: chs. 9–10
Jacobs et al.: ch. 7
DB Forum 2 — Replies
Test 2
20
60
5
Forsyth: chs. 12–13, 15
Jacobs et al.: ch. 16
DB Forum 3 — Thread
60
6
Jacobs et al.: ch. 8
DB Forum 3 — Replies
Ethics Paper — Rough Draft
20
50
7
Jacobs et al.: ch. 9
DB Forum 4 — Thread
Support Group Report
Support Group Attendance Form
60
150
50
8
Jacobs et al.: chs. 10–11
DB Forum 4 — Replies
Ethics Paper — Final Draft
Test 3
20
200
60
TOTAL
1010
DB = Discussion Board
NOTE: Each course module/week begins on Monday morning at 12:00 a.m. (ET) and ends on
Sunday night at 11:59 p.m. (ET). The final module/week ends at 11:59 p.m. (ET) on
Friday.
10
0
60