Content

This course is taught through an introduction in models that explain group dynamics and a four-day excursion. The excursion will take place during the first semester. More information and exact dates will be communicated on Canvas. 

Before we go on the excursion, the students will receive a theoretical introduction to a number of Group Dynamics theories, models and insights. Themes that can be discussed are;  

• Goals, roles, procedures and interpersonal relationships in teams 
• Stages of group development  
• Leadership and power 
• Conflicts  
• Dysfunctions in a team 
• Functional and dysfunctional roles of team members  
• Feedback towards the team(member)  

During this excursion the student will experience first-hand the dynamics that arise when a group collaborates for a certain period of time. Through exercises and subsequent reflection, the student will gain insights regarding the dynamics that take place within the own group. These reflections will allow the student to gain insights in subjects like leadership, communication, the phases a group goes through in order to understand as well the own role and behavior in the group.  

This excursion offers the student the building blocks the student will need to analyze what happened during the excursion and to link this to scientific insights concerning group development, leadership, …
In the reflection paper the student summarizes these analyses. Furthermore, this paper gives the student the opportunity to demonstrate both that the student understands the group dynamics that have taken place during the excursion and that the student can relate these to the theoretical frameworks.

Course material

Study cost: 51-75 euros (The information about the study costs as stated here gives an indication and only represents the costs for purchasing new materials. There might be some electronic or second-hand copies available as well. You can use LIMO to check whether the textbook is available in the library. Any potential printing costs and optional course material are not included in this price.)

The required learning materials will be posted on Canvas. Additional, more in-depth resources will also be posted on Canvas.

Because several paid activities are included in this course, students will have to pay approximately 50€. Students who experience any financial difficulties can contact the student facilities. 

Language of instruction: more information

This course is taught in English.

Format: more information

The main activity of this course is a four-day long excursion during which students will be divided into smaller groups and will participate in activities that elicit group processes. We expect students to be present during the whole four-day period.

Both before and during this excursion students will be provided with theoretical frameworks that allow them to reflect on group exercises. Additionally, reflection moments will be organized to discuss relevant themes and patterns within the group. The purpose of this is to provide students with insights regarding the link between the scientific frameworks and the group processes they experienced themselves.  

Additionally, students are expected to process scientific frameworks on their own. In order to facilitate this, scientific articles, frameworks and resources will be posted on Canvas. Students draw on their own experiences and the provided materials to gain insights in group processes.   

We expect the following learning activities from students who participate in this course:

• to actively participate and to collaborate during the excursion
• to study and process the scientific insights related to group processes (leadership, norms, development of groups, decision making, power….) and to write a reflection report make a presentation based on this.

Students showcase their insights in group process in their reflection. The student is able to clearly describe observable behavior, is able to link this to both subjects that are present in the group and scientific frameworks. The student can identify factors that hinder and facilitate the collaboration/cohesion within a group.  The student goes beyond merely describing behavior as he/she both actively identifies patterns and relations and reflects on them from different perspectives. In order to showcase a thorough understanding of the impact of their behavior, students reflect on their intentions, their actual behavior as well as the impact of their behavior. The student can link this to his/her beliefs and needs. He/she can engage in hypothetical reasoning about interventions, situations, characteristics and behaviors of both himself/herself and others. He/she can reflect on their potential impact on individuals, processes within the group and group development.

Because several paid activities are included in this course, students will have to pay approximately 50€. Students who experience any financial difficulties can contact the student facilities.

For practical reasons the capacity of this course is limited, and we might therefore close the possibility to enroll at a certain point in time. Students who are enrolled in CP or CEP are only able to enroll for this course if they conduct an internship at an international location. Students can indicate their interest for this course by indicating this in their individual study program (ISP). Students who take part in the international program will be prioritized. Furthermore, the date on which students indicate their interest in their ISP will be used to determine who will be allowed to participate in this course unit.

All current communication (deadlines, work formats, exams, number of lectures, timetables...) will be communicated through the Canvas space of this course, via the student portal, via rooster.thomasmore.be and via examen.thomasmore.be. Students may find any potential changes because of force majeure through the aforementioned channels.