The students have a basic knowledge of processes in group dynamics.

During our lifetime we live in groups whether it is the family, a peer group, a team at work, a circle of friends, an association, etc. The dynamics, which develop as a result of the communication among the group members, cannot be avoided because we “cannot not communicate”. The analysis of such group communication processes reveals specific structures: group goals, the influence of time and space (“the principle of here-and-now”), norms, roles, successful and unsuccessful forms of feedback. If the communication process of a group fails, the quality of life of all group members decreases. How can group communication fail? Is it possible to recognize a destructive development of group processes in good time? Which interventions can prevent it? In what way can the group communication be stimulated?

The prerequisite for attending this course is the principle willingness to participate actively during the whole seminar; this means to personally engage oneself in the group communication processes. The learning process is supported by a video recording and its analysis.

Oral, written: feedback on various texts and on the final paper

Edding, Cornelia & Amann, Andreas (2009)(Hrsg.): Handbuch Alles über Gruppen. Theorie, Anwendung, Praxis. Weinheim u.a.: Beltz. Heintel, Peter (2008)(Hrsg.): Betrifft: TEAM: dynamische Prozesse in Gruppen. 2. Aufl. Wiesbaden: VS, Verl. für Sozialwiss. König, Oliver (Hrsg.) (2001): Gruppendynamik. Geschichte, Theorien, Methoden, Anwendungen, Ausbildung. 4. Aufl. München, Wien: Profil-Verl. (Profil-Lehrbücher Psychologie). König, Oliver &Schattenhofer, Karl (2006): Einführung in die Gruppendynamik. Heidelberg: Carl-Auer-Verl. Rechtien, Wolfgang (2007): Angewandte Gruppendynamik. Ein Lehrbuch für Studierende und Praktiker. 4., vollst. überarb. Aufl. Weinheim: Beltz PVU.

Students are allowed to miss max. ONE session! All the course assignments have to be handed in by the end of January.