Module Details

Module Code: PSYC6005
Title: Group Work and Community
Long Title: Group Work and Community
NFQ Level: Fundamental
Valid From: Semester 1 - 2017/18 ( September 2017 )
Duration: 1 Semester
Credits: 5
Field of Study: 3110 - Psychology
Module Delivered in: 2 programme(s)
Module Description: Group work and facilitation are integral elements of good community work practice. Balancing practice and theory, this module aims to introduce participants to core group work and facilitation skills. Group work and facilitation aims to nurture self-directed, empowered individuals engaged in an ongoing re-creation of their personal, social and political worlds.
 
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this module the learner will be able to:
# Learning Outcome Description
LO1 Describe different types of groups
LO2 Outline how groups develop and change
LO3 Experience and demonstrate the processes of group dynamics through active participation in group work and application of acquired group work skills
LO4 Explain the ethics of group work
LO5 Describe the relevance of effective group work for the learner’s community and/or work setting
Dependencies
Module Recommendations

This is prior learning (or a practical skill) that is strongly recommended before enrolment in this module. You may enrol in this module if you have not acquired the recommended learning but you will have considerable difficulty in passing (i.e. achieving the learning outcomes of) the module. While the prior learning is expressed as named MTU module(s) it also allows for learning (in another module or modules) which is equivalent to the learning specified in the named module(s).
None
Incompatible Modules
These are modules which have learning outcomes that are too similar to the learning outcomes of this module. You may not earn additional credit for the same learning and therefore you may not enrol in this module if you have successfully completed any modules in the incompatible list.
None
Co-requisite Modules
No Co-requisite modules listed
Requirements

This is prior learning (or a practical skill) that is mandatory before enrolment in this module is allowed. You may not enrol on this module if you have not acquired the learning specified in this section.
None
 
Indicative Content
Core concepts and terminology
The concepts of equality and participation in group work; task and process; group rules; boundaries in group work; group work and difference.
Group Types and Development
Group therapy, T-groups and encounter groups; case-focused group work, interaction-focused group work, social goals group work; how groups develop and change; processes of group dynamics: group conflict and resolution; Feminist critique.
Effective Facilitation Skills
Group rules, active listening, summarising; how roles help or hinder a group’s progression; in-class scenarios to link theory to practice.
The Ethical Dimension
Boundaries, the concept of confidentiality; limited confidentially; conflict of interest; learning and engagement with the relevance and challenges of ethics in group work; feminist theory and ethics in group work.
The Reflective Dimension
Facilitated group learning (a synthesis of personal/experiential and theoretical learning) to highlight the role of effective group work in community work settings.
Module Content & Assessment
Assessment Breakdown%
Coursework100.00%

Assessments

Coursework
Assessment Type Performance Evaluation % of Total Mark 25
Timing Week 10 Learning Outcomes 3
Assessment Description
Role Play
Assessment Type Essay % of Total Mark 60
Timing Sem End Learning Outcomes 1,2,4
Assessment Description
Essay
Assessment Type Reflective Journal % of Total Mark 15
Timing Sem End Learning Outcomes 5
Assessment Description
Reflection
No End of Module Formal Examination
Reassessment Requirement
Coursework Only
This module is reassessed solely on the basis of re-submitted coursework. There is no repeat written examination.

The University reserves the right to alter the nature and timings of assessment

 

Module Workload

Workload: Full Time
Workload Type Contact Type Workload Description Frequency Average Weekly Learner Workload Hours
Lecture Contact Lecture/Workshop Every Week 3.00 3
Independent & Directed Learning (Non-contact) Non Contact Study and reading Every Week 4.00 4
Total Hours 7.00
Total Weekly Learner Workload 7.00
Total Weekly Contact Hours 3.00
Workload: Part Time
Workload Type Contact Type Workload Description Frequency Average Weekly Learner Workload Hours
Lecture Contact Lecture/workshop Every Week 3.00 3
Independent & Directed Learning (Non-contact) Non Contact Study and reading Every Week 4.00 4
Total Hours 7.00
Total Weekly Learner Workload 7.00
Total Weekly Contact Hours 3.00
 
Module Resources
Recommended Book Resources
  • Corey, M., et al. (2014), Groups: Process and Practice, 9th. Ch. 1: Introduction to Group Work, Brooks/Cole, Cengage Learning.
  • Jacobs, E.E. et al.. (2012), Group Counseling: Strategies and Skills, 7th. Ch. 1 - 5 and 16, Brooks/Cole Cengage Learning.
  • Butler, S. and Wintram, C.. (1990), Feminist Group Work, Sage, London.
  • Prendiville, P.. (1995), Developing Facilitation Skills: A Handbook for Group Facilitators, Dublin, p.Combat Poverty Agency.
Supplementary Book Resources
  • Doel, M.. (2005), Using Group Work, Routledge, London, New York.
  • Malekoff, A.. (1997), Group Work with Adolescents: Principles and Practice, Guildford Press, New York, London.
  • Rogers, C. and Freiberg, H. J.. (1993), Freedom to Learn, (3rd Edition). Merrill, New York.
Recommended Article/Paper Resources
Other Resources
 
Module Delivered in
Programme Code Programme Semester Delivery
CR_HCOED_7 Bachelor of Arts in Community Development 2 Mandatory
CR_HCOED_6 Higher Certificate in Arts in Community Development 2 Mandatory