This course is designed to improve cadetsý understanding of human behavior in small group settings. Course content includes structural characteristics of groups such as size, status, roles and norms in addition to the effects of task and environment. Cadets then use their understanding of these constructs to analyze group phenomena such as cohesion, performance, decision making, problem solving and conflict resolution. We also devote a number of lessons to current issues in group dynamics such as electronic and virtual groups, high performance work teams and shared leadership in a team environment. The course is particularly relevant to professional development in that cadets gain a comprehensive understanding of the dynamics of small group and team interaction. This allows them to develop and implement creative leader actions that will maximize group effectiveness.
Lessons
40 @ 55 min (2.500 Att/wk)
Labs
0 @ 0 min
Special requirements
Field research projects and written reports using group dynamics to account for observed characteristics and processes in the study of a student-selected group. Analysis of film clips applying PL379 theories and concepts to representative scenes.
