Course Outline

PSY206 Interpersonal and Group Skills

Course Coordinator:Kristen Tulloch (ktulloch@usc.edu.au) School:School of Health - Psychology

2024Semester 2

UniSC Sunshine Coast

UniSC Moreton Bay

Blended learning Most of your course is on campus but you may be able to do some components of this course online.

Please go to usc.edu.au for up to date information on the
teaching sessions and campuses where this course is usually offered.

What is this course about?

Description

This course covers the major theoretical and empirical approaches concepts relevant to the use interpersonal skills in applied settings.  Specific topics include interpersonal processes, group processes, leadership skills, conflict resolution skills, cultural responsiveness and interdisciplinary communication. These topics and skills developed throughout the course will be applied to the context of psychological practice and industry engagement and will involve embedded work integrated learning through in-class engagement with guests from external agencies where psychology graduates are commonly employed.

How will this course be delivered?

Activity Hours Beginning Week Frequency
Blended learning
Learning materials – Online learning materials and activities 1hr Week 1 13 times
Tutorial/Workshop 1 – Face-to-face workshops 2hrs Week 1 11 times

Course Topics

Course content will be divided into 3 main modules:
 

1. Interpersonal processes

2. Group Processes

3. Interdisciplinary communication (multidisciplinary work environments) including WIL integration.

What level is this course?

200 Level (Developing)

Building on and expanding the scope of introductory knowledge and skills, developing breadth or depth and applying knowledge and skills in a new context. May require pre-requisites where discipline specific introductory knowledge or skills is necessary. Normally, undertaken in the second or third full-time year of an undergraduate programs.

What is the unit value of this course?

12 units

How does this course contribute to my learning?

Course Learning Outcomes On successful completion of this course, you should be able to... Graduate Qualities Mapping Completing these tasks successfully will contribute to you becoming... Professional Standard Mapping * Australian Psychology Accreditation Council
1 Explain major theoretical, empirical and cultural concepts in interpersonal communication Knowledgeable
Creative and critical thinker
Empowered
1.1.10, 1.1.12, 1.1.2, 1.1.6, 1.1.7, 1.2, 1.3, 1.4
2 Apply major theoretical, empirical and cultural concepts in interpersonal communication to real-life scenarios relevant to industry or research. Creative and critical thinker
Empowered
Engaged
1.1.10, 1.1.12, 1.1.2, 1.1.6, 1.1.7, 1.2, 1.3, 1.4, 1.5, 1.6
3 Reflect upon and analyse your own interpersonal communication to identify areas for personal skill development. Creative and critical thinker
Empowered
Engaged
1.1.10, 1.1.2, 1.1.6, 1.1.7, 1.3, 1.4, 1.5, 1.6
4 Develop coherent arguments that can be supported by relevant research literature. Ethical
1.1.10, 1.1.12, 1.1.2, 1.1.6, 1.1.7, 1.2, 1.3, 1.4, 1.5, 1.6
5 Demonstrate proficiency in a qualitative methodology Knowledgeable
Creative and critical thinker
Empowered
1.1.12, 1.2, 1.3, 1.4, 1.5, 1.6

* Competencies by Professional Body

CODE COMPETENCY
Australian Psychology Accreditation Council
1.1.10 Graduates will be able to comprehend and apply a broad and coherent body of knowledge of psychology, with depth of understanding of underlying principles, theories and concepts in the discipline, using a scientific approach, including social psychology
1.1.12 Graduates will be able to comprehend and apply a broad and coherent body of knowledge of psychology, with depth of understanding of underlying principles, theories and concepts in the discipline, using a scientific approach, including research methods and statistics
1.1.2 Graduates will be able to comprehend and apply a broad and coherent body of knowledge of psychology, with depth of understanding of underlying principles, theories and concepts in the discipline, using a scientific approach, including individual differences in capacity, behaviour and personality
1.1.6 Graduates will be able to comprehend and apply a broad and coherent body of knowledge of psychology, with depth of understanding of underlying principles, theories and concepts in the discipline, using a scientific approach, including cognition, language and perception
1.1.7 Graduates will be able to comprehend and apply a broad and coherent body of knowledge of psychology, with depth of understanding of underlying principles, theories and concepts in the discipline, using a scientific approach, including motivation and emotion
1.2 Graduates will be able to apply knowledge and skills of psychology in a manner that is reflexive, culturally appropriate and sensitive to the diversity of individuals.
1.3 Graduates will be able to analyse and critique theory and research in the discipline of psychology and communicate these in written and oral formats.
1.4 Graduates will be able to demonstrate an understanding of appropriate values and ethics in psychology.
1.5 Graduates will be able to demonstrate interpersonal skills and teamwork.
1.6 Graduates will be able to demonstrate self-directed pursuit of scholarly inquiry in psychology.

Am I eligible to enrol in this course?

Refer to the UniSC Glossary of terms for definitions of “pre-requisites, co-requisites and anti-requisites”.

Pre-requisites

PSY100 and PSY101

Co-requisites

Not applicable

Anti-requisites

Not applicable

Specific assumed prior knowledge and skills (where applicable)

Not applicable

How am I going to be assessed?

Grading Scale

Standard Grading (GRD)

High Distinction (HD), Distinction (DN), Credit (CR), Pass (PS), Fail (FL).

Details of early feedback on progress

Early feedback on progress is provided to students through group and individual based skill activities undertaken in tutorial/workshop classes.

Assessment tasks

Delivery mode Task No. Assessment Product Individual or Group Weighting % What is the duration / length? When should I submit? Where should I submit it?
All 1 Written Piece Individual 10%
Research question: Max. 25 words
Interview topic guide: Max. 6 questions (probing questions permitted).
Week 4 Online Assignment Submission with plagiarism check
All 2 Oral and Written Piece Individual 50%
10 minutes/1500 words
Week 8 Online Assignment Submission with plagiarism check
All 3 Report Group 40%
1500 words
Week 12 Online Assignment Submission with plagiarism check
All - Assessment Task 1:Research question and topic guide
Goal:
The goal of this assessment is to gain an understanding of pragmatic qualitative research, by developing a qualitative research question and accompanying topic guide for an interview with another student.
Product: Written Piece
Format:
This work will constitute an overarching qualitative research question, and accompanying interview topic guide to answer the research question. A more detailed outline of the requirements of this assessment will be provided on Canvas.

Components of this assessment will be completed in class.
Criteria:
No. Learning Outcome assessed
1
Research question is novel, interesting and relevant
2 5
2
Questions are suitably worded to answer the research question.
2 5
3
Research question and topic guide are appropriately culturally sensitive and responsive
1 2
All - Assessment Task 2:Video, thematic analysis and self-reflection essay
Goal:
The goal of this assessment is to record an interpersonal interaction of yourself with another student from the course, complete a thematic analysis and reflect upon your own interpersonal skills, to identify areas for further skills development.
Product: Oral and Written Piece
Format:
The time limit for the video is 10 minutes. The written work will comprise two parts: Part A will be a 1000-word thematic analysis of the interview. Part B will be an 500-word self-reflection essay.

Word limits include all headings, words, and citations insides and outside the brackets (but not the title page, or reference list).

APA style (7th ed) is required for in-text citations, reference list and format.

A more detailed outline of the requirements of this assessment will be provided on Canvas.

Components of this assessment will be completed in class.
Criteria:
No. Learning Outcome assessed
1
Application of qualitative research methodology including cultural sensitivity and responsiveness
1 5
2
Appropriate reporting of qualitative research components
5
3
Evidence of critical analysis of the data and demonstration of original thinking
2 3 4 5
4
Detailed, coherent, logical and succinct recommendations for skill development that clearly highlights primary conclusions
1 3
5
Careful and accurate use of APA referencing and style and use of formal, academic language
4
All - Assessment Task 3:Industry Task Report
Goal:
The goal of this assessment to work with a group of students to assess the needs of an organisation and create recommendations on how interpersonal skills can be improved within the organisation. Students will then submit individual reports based on the group task.
Product: Report
Format:
The word limit is 1500 words. 

The 1500 words includes all headings, words, and citations inside and outside the brackets (but not the title page or reference list). 

APA style (7th ed) is required for in-text citations, reference list and format.

A more detailed outline of the requirements of this assessment will be provided on Canvas

Components of this assessment will be completed in class.
Criteria:
No. Learning Outcome assessed
1
Informative and constructive peer feedback on group processes
2
2
Informative and concise summary of interpersonal context within in the organisation
2
3
Comprehensive analysis of the issues using relevant theory and research
2 4
4
Detailed, coherent, logical, succinct and culturally safe recommendations for skill development that clearly highlights primary conclusions
2
5
Evidence of critical analysis of the current research literature and demonstration of original thinking
4
6
Careful and accurate use of APA referencing and style and use of formal, academic language
4

Directed study hours

A 12-unit course will have total of 150 learning hours which will include directed study hours (including online if required), self-directed learning and completion of assessable tasks. Student workload is calculated at 12.5 learning hours per one unit.

What resources do I need to undertake this course?

Please note: Course information, including specific information of recommended readings, learning activities, resources, weekly readings, etc. are available on the course Canvas site– Please log in as soon as possible.

Prescribed text(s) or course reader

Please note that you need to have regular access to the resource(s) listed below. Resources may be required or recommended.

Required? Author Year Title Edition Publisher
Required Gerard Egan,Robert J. Reese 2018 The Skilled Helper: A Problem-Management and Opportunity-Development Approach to Helping n/a Cengage Learning

Specific requirements

Not applicable

How are risks managed in this course?

Health and safety risks for this course have been assessed as low. It is your responsibility to review course material, search online, discuss with lecturers and peers and understand the health and safety risks associated with your specific course of study and to familiarise yourself with the University’s general health and safety principles by reviewing the online induction training for students, and following the instructions of the University staff.

What administrative information is relevant to this course?

Assessment: Academic Integrity

Academic integrity is the ethical standard of university participation.  It ensures that students graduate as a result of proving they are competent in their discipline.  This is integral in maintaining the value of academic qualifications. Each industry has expectations and standards of the skills and knowledge within that discipline and these are reflected in assessment.

Academic integrity means that you do not engage in any activity that is considered to be academic fraud; including plagiarism, collusion or outsourcing any part of any assessment item to any other person.  You are expected to be honest and ethical by completing all work yourself and indicating in your work which ideas and information were developed by you and which were taken from others. You cannot provide your assessment work to others. You are also expected to provide evidence of wide and critical reading, usually by using appropriate academic references.

In order to minimise incidents of academic fraud, this course may require that some of its assessment tasks, when submitted to Canvas, are electronically checked through Turnitin.  This software allows for text comparisons to be made between your submitted assessment item and all other work to which Turnitin has access.

Assessment: Additional Requirements

Eligibility for Supplementary Assessment

Your eligibility for supplementary assessment in a course is dependent of the following conditions applying:

The final mark is in the percentage range 47% to 49.4%
The course is graded using the Standard Grading scale
You have not failed an assessment task in the course due to academic misconduct

Assessment: Submission penalties

Late submission of assessment tasks will be penalised at the following maximum rate (the rates are cumulative):

5% (of the assessment task’s identified value) per day for the first two days from the date identified as the due date for the assessment task
10% (of the assessment task’s identified value) for the third day
20% (of the assessment task’s identified value) for the fourth day and subsequent days up to and including seven days from the date identified as the due date for the assessment task
A result of zero is awarded for an assessment task submitted seven days from the date identified as the due date for the assessment task.
Weekdays and weekends are included in the calculation of days late.

To request an extension, you must contact your Course Coordinator and supply the required documentation to negotiate an outcome.

SafeUniSC

UniSC is committed to a culture of respect and providing a safe and supportive environment for all members of our community. For immediate assistance on campus contact SafeUniSC by phone: 07 5430 1168 or using the SafeZone app. For general enquires contact the SafeUniSC team by phone 07 5456 3864 or email safe@usc.edu.au.

The SafeUniSC Specialist Service is a Student Wellbeing service that provides free and confidential support to students who may have experienced or observed behaviour that could cause fear, offence or trauma. To contact the service call 07 5430 1226 or email studentwellbeing@usc.edu.au.

Study help

For help with course-specific advice, for example what information to include in your assessment, you should first contact your tutor, then your course coordinator, if needed.

If you require additional assistance, the Learning Advisers are trained professionals who are ready to help you develop a wide range of academic skills. Visit the Learning Advisers web page for more information, or contact Student Central for further assistance: +61 7 5430 2890 or studentcentral@usc.edu.au.

Wellbeing Services

Student Wellbeing provide free and confidential counselling on a wide range of personal, academic, social and psychological matters, to foster positive mental health and wellbeing for your academic success.

To book a confidential appointment go to Student Hub, email studentwellbeing@usc.edu.au or call 07 5430 1226.

AccessAbility Services

Ability Advisers ensure equal access to all aspects of university life. If your studies are affected by a disability, learning disorder mental health issue, injury or illness, or you are a primary carer for someone with a disability or who is considered frail and aged, AccessAbility Services can provide access to appropriate reasonable adjustments and practical advice about the support and facilities available to you throughout the University.

To book a confidential appointment go to Student Hub, email AccessAbility@usc.edu.au or call 07 5430 2890.

Links to relevant University policy and procedures

For more information on Academic Learning & Teaching categories including:

  • Assessment: Courses and Coursework Programs
  • Review of Assessment and Final Grades
  • Supplementary Assessment
  • Central Examinations
  • Deferred Examinations
  • Student Conduct
  • Students with a Disability

For more information, visit https://www.usc.edu.au/explore/policies-and-procedures#academic-learning-and-teaching

Student Charter

UniSC is committed to excellence in teaching, research and engagement in an environment that is inclusive, inspiring, safe and respectful. The Student Charter sets out what students can expect from the University, and what in turn is expected of students, to achieve these outcomes.

General Enquiries

  • In person:
    • UniSC Sunshine Coast - Student Central, Ground Floor, Building C, 90 Sippy Downs Drive, Sippy Downs
    • UniSC Moreton Bay - Service Centre, Ground Floor, Foundation Building, Gympie Road, Petrie
    • UniSC SouthBank - Student Central, Building A4 (SW1), 52 Merivale Street, South Brisbane
    • UniSC Gympie - Student Central, 71 Cartwright Road, Gympie
    • UniSC Fraser Coast - Student Central, Student Central, Building A, 161 Old Maryborough Rd, Hervey Bay
    • UniSC Caboolture - Student Central, Level 1 Building J, Cnr Manley and Tallon Street, Caboolture
  • Tel:+61 7 5430 2890
  • Email:studentcentral@usc.edu.au