Syllabus

Schedule

Course weeks run from 12:00 AM ET on Wednesday through 11:59 PM ET on Tuesday, with the exception of Week 8, which ends on Sunday at 11:59 PM ET. Unless otherwise specified, all discussion comments and assignments are due the last day of the week. Initial responses to discussion prompts are due by the end of Saturday unless otherwise noted.

ALL TIMES ARE IN THE EASTERN STANDARD TIME ZONE, NO EXCEPTIONS.

Course Weeks

Week 1: Jan 17 – Jan 23
Week 2: Jan 24 – Jan 30
Week 3: Jan 31 – Feb 6
Week 4: Feb 7 – Feb 13
Week 5: Feb 14 – Feb 20
Week 6: Feb 21 – Feb 27
Week 7: Feb 28 – Mar 5
Week 8: Mar 6 – Mar 10

Week 1: Foundations

Readings: 

• Kottler, J., & Englar-Carlson, M. (2020). Learning group leadership: An experiential approach (4th ed.). Sage Publications, Inc.

  • Chapter 1 (The World of Groups) and Chapter 2 (Your Behavior in Groups)

• Gardella, L. G. (2023). Origins of social group work: Local stories from around the world. Social Work with Groups, 46(4), 285–288. https://doi-org.une.idm.oclc.org/10.1080/01609513.2022.2149086

• Skolnik, S. (2019). Coming together: Factors that connect social workers to group work practice. Social Work with Groups, 42(1), 2–17. https://doi-org.une.idm.oclc.org/10.1080/01609513.2017.1384948

• International Association for Social Work with Groups, Inc. (2022). Standards for social work practice with groups. https://www.iaswg.org/standards

Discussions:

• Whole Class: Introductions
• Whole Class: Social work groups and the “use of self” (EPAS 6 & 8)
• Small Group: Introductions and icebreakers (EPAS 6 & 8)) 

Assignments:

• Week 1 Reflective Practice Journal (EPAS 6)

Week 2: Foundations, continued

Readings:

• Kottler, J., & Englar-Carlson, M. (2020). Learning group leadership: An experiential approach (4th ed.). Sage Publications, Inc.
  • Chapter 3 (Understanding Group Dynamics and Systems) and Chapter 4 (Stages of Group Development)
• Giacomucci, S. (2021). Experiential sociometry in group work: Mutual aid for the group-as-a-whole. Social Work with Groups, 44(3), 204–214. https://doi-org.une.idm.oclc.org/10.1080/01609513.2020.1747726 
• Popa, M. (2017). About groups and group work approaches. Revista de Asistenta Sociala (Social Work Review), 16(1), 49–63. 

Multimedia

Ken Kinter. (2020, May 21). Group facilitation part 2: Game on! [Video]. YouTube. https://youtu.be/47ZBElkhuvc?si=xaOJVZe-fuspxEkA 

Discussions:

• Whole Class: Developing group goals and norms (EPAS 8)
• Small Group: Planning for Week 6 Zoom Role Play Activity (EPAS 6 & 8)

Assignments:

• Week 2 Assignment: Topic Selection (EPAS 8)

Week 3: Foundations, continued

Readings:

• Kottler, J., & Englar-Carlson, M. (2020). Learning group leadership: An experiential approach (4th ed.). Sage Publications, Inc.

  • Chapter 6 (Theories of Group Intervention)

• Henshaw, L. A. (2022). Trauma-informed group work in social work academia: Responding to students’ indirect trauma. Social Work with Groups, 45(2), 187–199. https://doi-org.une.idm.oclc.org/10.1080/01609513.2021.2006109

• Rosenwald, M., & Baird, J. (2020). An integrated trauma-informed, mutual aid model of group work. Social Work with Groups, 43(3), 257–271. https://doi-org.une.idm.oclc.org/10.1080/01609513.2019.1656145

Discussions:

• Whole Class: Theoretical approaches to group leadership (EPAS 9)

Assignments: 

• Week 3 Assignment: Critical Assessment of Group Experience (EPAS 6 & 7)

Week 4: Leader Skills

Readings:

• Kottler, J., & Englar-Carlson, M. (2020). Learning group leadership: An experiential approach (4th ed.). Sage Publications, Inc.

• Chapter 7 (Assessment and Group Diagnostics) and Chapter 8 (Specialized Leadership Skills)

• Fleming, J. & Ward, D. (n.d.). Tips for facilitating for empowerment in groupwork practice. International Association for Social Work with Groups, Inc. https://www.iaswg.org/tips-empowerment-Groupwork

• LaRocque, S., Popiel, M., Este, D., Pelech, W., Pillay, R., Nicholas, D., & Kilmer, C. (2022). Responding to diversity in groups: Exploring professional uses of self. Social Work with Groups, 45(3/4), 370–386. https://doi-org.une.idm.oclc.org/10.1080/01609513.2021.1953284 

Multimedia:

• Clip: Pre-Screening Potential Group Members (length 15:22) From: Microtraining Associates. (2014). Group leadership in action. [Video] 

• Impact Therapy. (2013, August 22). Group counseling – Leadership skills I – Impact therapy [Video]. YouTube. https://youtu.be/Mz6E1-Lu3wM?si=ePLMjgg3knPzItnZ 

• Impact Therapy. (2013, August 22). Leadership Skills II Impact Therapy [Video]. YouTube. https://youtu.be/UDkKIZm2IC0?si=2xZ_CsIkghsXEtPX

Discussions:

• Whole Class: Assessing the “fit” of group membership (EPAS 2, 3, & 7)
• Small Group: Addressing anger and conflict (EPAS 1 & 6)

Assignments: 

• Week 4 Short Paper: Group Curriculum Clinical Information (EPAS 2, 3, 4, & 6)

Week 5: Leader Skills

Readings: 

• Kottler, J., & Englar-Carlson, M. (2020). Learning group leadership: An experiential approach (4th ed.). Sage Publications, Inc.

  • Chapter 9 (When to Intervene in Groups) and Chapter 10 (Group Techniques and Structures)

• Brown, M., & Jarldorn, M. (2023). Overcoming fear of conflict in group work: Reflections from practice and teaching. Social Work with Groups, 1–16. https://doi-org.une.idm.oclc.org/10.1080/01609513.2023.2220115

• Ivan Anđelković & Ana Jovančević (2023) Drama Triangle roles – Linking attachment and mentalization with internalizing and externalizing problems. Social Work with Groups, DOI: 10.1080/01609513.2023.2228384

Discussions:

• Whole Class: When You Must Do Something (EPAS 6)

Assignments: 

• Week 5 Assignment: Group Announcement (EPAS 6)

Week 6: Application and Significant Issues

Readings: 

• Kottler, J., & Englar-Carlson, M. (2020). Learning group leadership: An experiential approach (4th ed.). Sage Publications, Inc.

  • Chapter 11 (Co-Leadership) and Chapter 12 (Critical incidents, Challenges, and Obstacles)

• Somali Boys Group Case Study

Multimedia:

• Chad Littlefield. (2021, Dec 14). Co-facilitation best practices [Video]. YouTube. https://youtu.be/4UmqvdlNmjI?si=GL0oSfChT90Fp-wk 
• Zenergy Global. (2021, Sep 29). Co-facilitation [Video]. YouTube. https://youtu.be/zSOfImYRmRo?si=vs76B-tcx-dbFj4A 

Discussions:

• Whole Class: Somali Boys Case Study (EPAS 2 & 6)
• Small Group: Role Play and Feedback Activity (EPAS 6 & 8)

Assignments: 

• Week 6 Assignment: Reflection on Role Play Activity (EPAS 1 & 6)

Week 7: Ethics and Advanced Skills

Reading:

• Kottler, J., & Englar-Carlson, M. (2020). Learning group leadership: An experiential approach (4th ed.). Sage Publications, Inc.
  • Chapter 13 (Ethical Issues Unique to Group Work) and Chapter 14 (Advanced Group Leadership: Creative Interventions and Difficult Members) 
• National Association of Social Workers. (2021). Code of ethics of the National Association of Social Workers. https://www.socialworkers.org/About/Ethics/Code-of-Ethics/Code-of-Ethics-English

Multimedia:

• Understanding Psychology with Dr. Daniel Kaplin. (2021, September 6). Legal and ethical considerations for group counseling: What you need to know. [Video]. YouTube. https://youtu.be/IiJ1Okump9s?si=gum4L7IBoCnToc-X

Discussions:

• Whole Class: Ethical Dilemmas (EPAS 1)
• Small Group: Closing and Ending Practices (EPAS 6 & 8)

Assignments:

• Major Assignment: Group Curriculum (EPAS 6, 7, & 8)

Week 8: Advanced Skills, continued

Note: This is a short week, ending on Sunday. Please plan accordingly!

Reading

• Kottler, J., & Englar-Carlson, M. (2020). Learning group leadership: An experiential approach (4th ed.). Sage Publications, Inc.
  • Chapter 15 (Adjunct Structures to Group Work) and Chapter 17 (The End of Our Journey: Where to Go Next?)
• Michalski, E., & Smith, S. J. (2023). The use of mindfulness in group work. Social Work with Groups, 1–14. https://doi-org.une.idm.oclc.org/10.1080/01609513.2023.2257755
• Kelly, B. L., & Doherty, L. (2017). A historical overview of art and music-based activities in social work with groups: Nondeliberative practice and engaging young people’s strengths. Social Work with Groups, 40(3), 187–201. https://doi-org.une.idm.oclc.org/10.1080/01609513.2015.1091700

Multimedia

• Clip: Group Leaders Sharing Their Opinions on Leading Groups (length: 22:22) from: Microtraining Associates. (2014). Group leadership in action. [Video] 

Discussion:

• Whole Class: Group Curriculum Presentations

Assignments: 

• Week 8 Reflective Practice Journal (EPAS 1 & 6)

Student Resources

Online Student Support

Your Student Support Specialist is a resource for you. Please don't hesitate to contact them for assistance, including, but not limited to course planning, current problems or issues in a course, technology concerns, or personal emergencies.

Questions? Visit the Student Support Social Work page

UNE Libraries:

• Library Access for all students: Your library login ID and password are the same as the ones you use to log into Brightspace.
• Social Work Databases: https://library.une.edu/library-materials/find/research-by-subject/social-work/   
• Library Questions: Ask a librarian or phone library staff at (207) 602-2361 or (207) 221-4330.

Information Technology Services (ITS)

ITS Contact: Toll Free Help Desk 24 hours/7 days per week at 1-877-518-4673

Accommodations

Any student who would like to request, or ask any questions regarding, academic adjustments or accommodations must contact the Student Access Center at (207) 221-4438 or pcstudentaccess@une.edu. Student Access Center staff will evaluate the student's documentation and determine eligibility of accommodation(s) through the Student Access Center registration procedure.

Online Peer Support

Togetherall is a 24/7 communication and emotional support platform monitored by trained clinicians. It’s a safe place online to get things off your chest, have conversations, express yourself creatively, and learn how to manage your mental health. If sharing isn’t your thing, Togetherall has other tools and courses to help you look after yourself with plenty of resources to explore. Whether you’re struggling to cope, feeling low, or just need a place to talk, Togetherall can help you explore your feelings in a safe supportive environment. You can join Togetherall using your UNE email address.

Information Technology Services (ITS)

Students should notify their Student Support Specialist and instructor in the event of a problem relating to a course. This notification should occur promptly and proactively to support timely resolution.

ITS Contact: Toll-Free Help Desk 24 hours/7 days per week at 1-877-518-4673.

Career Ready Program

The College of Professional Studies supports its online students and alumni in their career journey!

The Career Ready Program provides tools and resources to help students explore and hone in on their career goals, search for jobs, create and improve professional documents, build professional network, learn interview skills, grow as a professional, and more. Come back often, at any time, as you move through your journey from career readiness as a student to career growth, satisfaction, and success as alumni.

Policies

Essential Academic and Technical Standards

Please review the essential academic and technical standards of the University of New England School Social Work (SSW): https://online.une.edu/social-work/academic-and-technical-standards-une-online-ssw/

Turnitin Originality Check and Plagiarism Detection Tool

The College of Professional Studies uses Turnitin to help deter plagiarism and to foster the proper attribution of sources. Turnitin provides comparative reports for submitted assignments that reflect similarities in other written works. This can include, but is not limited to, previously submitted assignments, internet articles, research journals, and academic databases.

Make sure to cite your sources appropriately as well as use your own words in synthesizing information from published literature. Webinars and workshops, included early in your coursework, will help guide best practices in APA citation and academic writing.

You can learn more about Turnitin in the guide on how to navigate your Similarity Report.

Technology Requirements

Please review the technical requirements for UNE Online Graduate Programs: Technical Requirements

Confidentiality Statement

Student and faculty participation in this course will be governed by standards in the NASW Code of Ethics relating to confidentiality in sharing information from their placement sites and practice experiences. Students should be aware that personal information they choose to share in class, class assignments or conversations with faculty does not have the status of privileged information.

Late Policy

Assignments: Late assignments will be accepted up to 3 days late; however, there is a 10% grade reduction (from the total points) for the late submission. After three days the assignment will not be accepted.

Discussion posts: If the initial post is submitted late, but still within the discussion board week, there will be a 10% grade reduction from the total discussion grade (e.g., a 3 point discussion will be reduced by 0.3 points). Any posts submitted after the end of the Discussion Board week will not be graded.

Please make every effort ahead of time to contact your instructor and your student support specialist if you are not able to meet an assignment deadline. Arrangements for extenuating circumstances may be considered by faculty.

Attendance Policy

8 week: Students taking online graduate courses through the College of Professional Studies will be administratively dropped for non-participation if a graded assignment/discussion post is not submitted before Sunday at 11:59 pm ET of the first week of the term. Reinstatement is at the purview of the Dean's Office.

16 week: Students taking online graduate courses through the College of Professional Studies will be administratively dropped for non-participation if a graded assignment/discussion post is not submitted before Friday at 11:59 pm ET of the second week of the term. Reinstatement is at the purview of the Dean's Office.

Student Handbook Online - Policies and Procedures

The policies contained within this document apply to all students in the College of Professional Studies. It is each student's responsibility to know the contents of this handbook.

UNE Online Student Handbook

UNE Course Withdrawal

Please contact your student support specialist if you are considering dropping or withdrawing from a course. The last day to drop for 100% tuition refund is the 2nd day of the course. Financial Aid charges may still apply. Students using Financial Aid should contact the Financial Aid Office prior to withdrawing from a course.

Academic Integrity

The University of New England values academic integrity in all aspects of the educational experience. Academic dishonesty in any form undermines this standard and devalues the original contributions of others. It is the responsibility of all members of the University community to actively uphold the integrity of the academy; failure to act, for any reason, is not acceptable. For information about plagiarism and academic misconduct, please visit UNE Plagiarism Policies.

Academic dishonesty includes, but is not limited to the following:

1. Cheating, copying, or the offering or receiving of unauthorized assistance or information.
2. Fabrication or falsification of data, results, or sources for papers or reports.
3. Action which destroys or alters the work of another student.
4. Multiple submissions of the same paper or report for assignments in more than one course without permission of each instructor.
5. Plagiarism, the appropriation of records, research, materials, ideas, or the language of other persons or writers and the submission of them as one's own.

Charges of academic dishonesty will be reviewed by the Program Director. Penalties for students found responsible for violations may depend upon the seriousness and circumstances of the violation, the degree of premeditation involved, and/or the student’s previous record of violations. Appeal of a decision may be made to the Dean whose decision will be final. Student appeals will take place through the grievance process outlined in the student handbook.