DEPARTMENT: Educational Studies, Leadership and Counseling
COURSE PREFIX: HDL
COURSE NUMBER: 692
CREDIT HOURS: 3
I. TITLE:
Group Processes
II. COURSE DESCRIPTION AND PREREQUISITE(S):
A study in the history and characteristics of group processes and structure as well as issues in leadership style
and development of a model in small group interaction. May not be used toward school counseling
certification.
PURPOSE: Behavioral theory and research in group interaction and communication are discussed. Specific
subject areas emphasized are group leadership, role theory, conflict resolution, verbal and non-verbal
communication, problem solving, group cohesion, productivity-commitment-climate, and personal growth.
Individuals will participate in a small group to experience the process of small group development.
III. COURSE OBJECTIVES:
The student will gain knowledge of:
A.
B.
C.
D.
E.
F.
G.
Systems theory as it relates to small group interaction.
Fixed factors of interaction such as developmental issues, diversity effects, organismic factors, and
other background influences on small group membership.
Physical environment influences on group behavior as well as different types and structure of groups.
Issues of status and power, social influence and conformity, as well as leadership styles and membership
responses.
Internal influences on group interaction such as language behavior, communication styles, selfdisclosure, and interaction roles.
Conflict and conflict resolution, rational decision making processes, as well as other decisions making
models.
The consequences of small group interaction as it relates to systems theory
IV. CONTENT OUTLINE:
A.
B.
C.
Defining Small Group Interaction
1.
A definition
2.
Conceptual orientations
3.
The systems perspective
Relevant Background Factors
1.
Background factor
2.
Organismic factors
3.
Developmental factors
Internal Influences
1.
Status and Power
2.
Leadership
3.
Group Norms
4.
Communication
5.
Language Behavior
6.
Self-disclosure
7.
Interaction roles
8.
9.
10.
Rational decision-making
Alternatives to rational decision making
Conflict & conflict resolution
V. INSTRUCTIONAL ACTIVITIES:
A.
B.
C.
Students will read all text assignments and related handouts
Participate in class discussion related to course material.
Participate in class exercises and demonstrations of group behavior.
VI. FIELD, CLINICAL, AND/OR LABORATORY EXPERIENCES:
None
VII. TEXT(S) AND RESOURCES:
Authorities: Corey, Gazda, Klein, Leiberman, Pfeiffer, Rogers, Tubbs, Yalom
Required Text: (or latest edition)
Tubbs, C.L. (2007). A Systems Approach to Small Group Interaction (9th ed.). New York: McGraw
Hill.
Supplemental References:
VIII. EVALUATION AND GRADING PROCEDURES:
Grades:
90-100%
80-89%
70-79
60-69
Below 60
A
B
C
D
E
Student evaluations will be based on the following graded assignments:
A.
Group Observation #1
B.
Personality Description Paper
C.
Midterm Exam
D.
Group Observation # 2
E.
Discussion Board for Chapters
F.
Group Observation #3 (Application Paper)
G.
Leadership educational Group Project
H.
Group Development Application Paper
COMMON ASSIGNMENT
Group Development Application Paper: Students will develop a plan for leadership utilizing groups. In
your current/future career setting, 1) design/develop a specific, concrete, workable plan for utilizing
groups. The plan will include a description of the career setting for which this is designed, justification of
utilization of a group in this setting for the designed purpose listed (5 research articles included about best
practices related to leadership and group), a description of the group theory or theories utilized, the
specific plan, and a personal reflection about what you learned from the development of this application
project. The paper will be 7-9 pages.
This is a practical application of the group development information, is designed to be practical and
applicable in the particular career setting, and is a personal development approach to the leadership
component of the Human Development and Leadership master’s program.
IX. ATTENDANCE POLICY:
Students are expected to adhere to the MSU Attendance Policy outlined in the current MSU Bulletins.
Students are expected to participate in all aspects of the class during the designated time frame (see the
syllabus for due dates).
X. ACADEMIC HONESTY POLICY:
Cheating, plagiarism (submitting another person’s material as one’s own), or doing work for another person which will receive
academic credit are all impermissible. This includes the use of unauthorized books, notebooks, or other sources in order to
secure or give help during an examination, the unauthorized copying of examinations, assignments, reports, or term papers, or
the presentation of unacknowledged material as if it were the student’s own work. Disciplinary action may be taken beyond the
academic discipline administered by the faculty member who teaches the course in which the cheating took place.
Note: Faculty reserve the right to invalidate any examination or other evaluative measures if substantial evidence exists that the
integrity of the examination has been compromised.
XI. NON-DISCRIMINATION POLICY STATEMENT:
Murray State University endorses the intent of all federal and state laws created to prohibit discrimination. Murray State
University does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, religion, age, veteran
status, or disability in employment, admissions, or the provision of services and provides, upon request, reasonable
accommodation including auxiliary aids and services necessary to afford individuals with disabilities equal access to participate
in all programs and activities. For more information, contact the Director of Equal Opportunity, 103 Wells Hall. 270-809-3155
(voice), 270-809-3361 (TDD).
XII. Other required departmental or collegiate committee information
None