Course Outline
Course Name: Interpersonal and Group Skills (SSW 108)
Academic Period: 2024 - 2025
Faculty:
Faculty Availability:
Associate Dean:
Kimberly Carter
kimberly.carter@humber.ca
Schedule Type Code:
Land Acknowledgement
Humber College is located within the traditional and treaty lands of the Mississaugas of the Credit. Known as Adoobiigok [A-doe-bee-goke], the “Place of the Alders” in Michi Saagiig [Mi-Chee Saw-Geeg] language, the region is uniquely situated along Humber River Watershed, which historically provided an integral connection for Anishinaabe [Ah-nish-nah-bay], Haudenosaunee [Hoeden-no-shownee], and Wendat [Wine-Dot] peoples between the Ontario Lakeshore and the Lake Simcoe/Georgian Bay regions. Now home to people of numerous nations, Adoobiigok continues to provide a vital source of interconnection for all.
Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Statement
Humber College and the University of Guelph-Humber (Humber) are leaders in providing a learning, working and living environment that recognizes and values equity, diversity and inclusion in all its programs and services. Humber commits to reflect the diversity of the communities the College serves. Students, faculty, support and administrative staff feel a sense of belonging and have opportunities to be their authentic selves.
| Faculty or Department | Faculty of Social & Community Services |
|---|---|
| Program(s) |
Social Service Worker (01221)
Social Service Worker - Part-time (0122P)
|
| Course Name: | Interpersonal and Group Skills (SSW 108) |
| Pre-Requisites | none |
| Co-Requisites | none |
| Pre-Requisites for | SSW 157 Field Practice and Seminar 1 |
| Equates | none |
| Restrictions | Must be enrolled in Post Graduate and FSCS |
| Credit Value | 3 |
| Total Course Hours | 42 |
| Developed By: | Prepared By: | Approved by: | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kimberly Carter |
Humber Learning Outcomes (HLOs) in this course.
The HLOs are a cross-institutional learning outcomes strategy aimed at equipping Humber graduates with the employability skills, mindsets, and values they need to succeed in the future of work. To explore all the HLOs, please consult the Humber Learning Outcomes framework.
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Equity, Diversity, Inclusion & Belonging -
Critical Thinking -
Collaboration -
Communication -
Professionalism
Course Description
The course introduces students to interpersonal and group skills required in professional practice in the human services field. A focus on effective verbal and non-verbal communication will form the basis for developing social service worker interventions. Self-awareness strategies will help students understand ways in which professionals are seen by clients, colleagues and supervisors. Boundary issues, anger and conflict resolution; giving constructive feedback; practising tolerance and suspending judgment; taking personal responsibility for behavior; and learning how to express difficult emotions appropriately will be explored. Students will develop foundational skills to work effectively with diverse individuals, client groups and professional teams.
Course Rationale
This foundational course introduces learners to the importance and value of interpersonal communication within a professional context and to the development of effective engagement skills as future practitioners. Effective verbal and non-verbal communication, emotional intelligence, empathy and self-awareness are fundamental to the social service profession and it is imperative that graduates of this program adopt and demonstrate the skills, concepts and frameworks that form the basis of working effectively with others.
Program Outcomes Emphasized in this Course
Social Service Worker (01221)
Develop respectful and collaborative professional and interpersonal relationships that adhere to professional, legal, and ethical standards aligned to social service work.
Record information accurately and communicate effectively in written, digital, verbal and non-verbal ways, in adherence to privacy and freedom of information legislation, in accordance with professional and workplace standards.
Develop strategies and approaches that support individual clients, groups, families and communities in building the capacity for self-advocacy, while affirming their dignity and self-worth.
Social Service Worker - Part-time (0122P)
Course Learning Method(s)
- Action Learning
- Group or Team Work
- Seminar
Course Learning Outcomes (CLO)
| Learning Outcome | Learning Objectives | Summative Assessments | Formative Assessments |
|---|---|---|---|
| Use a range of verbal and non-verbal communication strategies to interact effectively and respectfully with colleagues and clients in professional practice settings. |
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Assessment Details: Module Assessment |
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| Record , convey and interpret information clearly and accurately in written, verbal and digital formats while adhering to relevant professional and ethical standards. |
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Assessment Details: Module Assessment |
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| Develop personal capacity and strategies for self-awareness and mitigation of bias when working with diverse individuals and communities. |
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| Appreciate diverse perspectives, needs and lived experiences in order to effectively relate to and advocate for others. |
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| Demonstrate the ability to adapt behaviour to meet situational needs arising from cultural, generational, gender, and other relevant differences. |
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Assessment Details: Module Assessment |
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| Identify strategies that can improve one's interpersonal and communication skills when working independently and as part of a team. |
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Assessment Details: Module Assessment |
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| Maintain appropriate professional boundaries when working with others within social service practice settings. |
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| Apply conflict management skills and strategies to address and resolve conflict in professional settings. |
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Assessment Details: Module Assessment |
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Assessment Weighting
| Assessment | Weight |
|---|---|
| In-class Exercise | |
| Group Activity & Reflection x 5 (Group-work, On-campus) | 25% |
| Writing Assignment | |
| Self-Evaluation Paper (Individual, Online) | 25% |
| Test | |
| Module Tests/Quizzes (Individual, Online) | 50% |
| Total | 100% |
Modules of Study
| Module | Course Learning Outcomes | Resources | Assessments |
|---|---|---|---|
| Introduction to Interpersonal and Group Skills |
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| Interpersonal Communication and Self |
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| Interpersonal Communication and Perception |
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| Interpersonal Communication and Diversity: Adapting to Others |
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| Listening and Responding Skills |
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| Verbal Communication Skills |
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| Nonverbal Communication Skills |
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| Conflict Management Skills |
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| Understanding and Managing Interpersonal Relationships |
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| Interpersonal Relationships: Family and the Workplace |
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Required Resources
| Title | ISBN |
|---|---|
Bebee, S. A., Beebe, S. J., Redmond, M.V., & Salem-Wiseman, L. (2021). Interpersonal Communication: Relating to Others (8th Canadian Ed.). Pearson. |
Supplemental Resources
| Title | ISBN |
|---|---|
Business School 101. (2021, April 22). Hofstede Cultural Framework. [Video] Retrieved from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TX0fUAhBAfc |
|
University of North Florida (n.d.). Dean's Office. Conflict Management Styles Assessment. Retrieved from |
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West Chester University (n.d.). Collaborative On-Line Research and Learning. Tuckman's Stages of Group Development. Retrieved from
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Resource(s):
Course material costs can be found through the Humber Bookstore.
Additional Tools and Equipment
- Internet-enabled computer, laptop or tablet device.
Essential Skills
| Section | Skills | Measurement | Details |
|---|---|---|---|
| Communication |
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Teach and measure |
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| Critical Thinking and Problem-Solving |
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Teach and measure |
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| Information Management |
|
Teach and measure |
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| Interpersonal Skills |
|
Teach and measure |
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| Personal Skills |
|
Teach and measure |
|
Prior Learning Assessment & Recognition (PLAR)
Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition (PLAR) is the formal evaluation and credit-granting process whereby candidates may obtain credits for prior learning. Prior learning includes the knowledge competencies and skills acquired, in both formal and informal ways, outside of post-secondary education. Candidates may have their knowledge, skills and competencies evaluated against the learning outcomes as defined in the course outline. Please review the Assessment Methods Glossary for more information on the Learning Portfolio assessment methods identified below.
The method(s) that are used to assess prior learning for this course may include:
- Learning Portfolio (results reflected as SAT and not added to student’s CGPA)
- Learning statement
- Current resume
- LinkedIn profile
- Collection of work
Please contact the Program Coordinator for more details.
Academic Regulations
It is the student's responsibility to be aware of the College Academic Regulations. The Academic Regulations apply to all applicants to Humber and all current students enrolled in any program or course offered by Humber, in any location. Information about academic appeals is found in the Academic Regulations.
Anti-Discrimination Statement
At Humber College, all forms of discrimination and harassment are prohibited. Students and employees have the right to study, live and work in an environment that is free from discrimination and harassment. If you need assistance on concerns related to discrimination and harassment, please contact the Centre for Human Rights, Equity and Inclusion or the Office of Student Conduct.
Accessible Learning Services
Humber strives to create a welcoming environment for all students where equity, diversity and inclusion are paramount. Accessible Learning Services facilitates equal access for students with disabilities by coordinating academic accommodations and services. Staff in Accessible Learning Services are available by appointment to assess specific needs, provide referrals and arrange appropriate accommodations. If you require academic accommodations, contact:
North Campus: (416) 675-6622 X5090
Lakeshore Campus: (416) 675-6622 X3331
Academic Integrity
Academic integrity is essentially honesty in all academic endeavors. Academic integrity requires that students avoid all forms of academic misconduct or dishonesty, including plagiarism, cheating on tests or exams or any misrepresentation of academic accomplishment.
Disclaimer
While every effort is made by the professor/faculty to cover all material listed in the outline, the order, content, and/or evaluation may change in the event of special circumstances (e.g. time constraints due to inclement weather, sickness, college closure, technology/equipment problems or changes, etc.). In any such case, students will be given appropriate notification in writing, with approval from the Senior Dean (or designate) of the Faculty.
Copyright
Copyright is the exclusive legal right given to a creator to reproduce, publish, sell or distribute his/her work. All members of the Humber community are required to comply with Canadian copyright law which governs the reproduction, use and distribution of copyrighted materials. This means that the copying, use and distribution of copyright- protected materials, regardless of format, is subject to certain limits and restrictions. For example, photocopying or scanning an entire textbook is not allowed, nor is distributing a scanned book.
See the Humber Libraries website for additional information regarding copyright and for details on allowable limits.
Humber College Institute of Technology and Advanced Learning • 2024/2025.