Working with Others

Curriculum Guideline

Effective Date:
Course
Discontinued
No
Course Code
DACS 2320
Descriptive
Working with Others
Department
Disability & Community Studies
Faculty
Applied Community Studies
Credits
3.00
Start Date
End Term
Not Specified
PLAR
Yes
Semester Length
15 weeks This course may be offered in a condensed format (less than 15 weeks).
Max Class Size
30
Course Designation
None
Industry Designation
None
Contact Hours

Lecture:  4 hours per week

Method(s) Of Instruction
Lecture
Learning Activities
  • Lecture  

  • Case Studies  

  • Presentations  

  • Guest Speakers  

  • Video 

Course Description
This course emphasizes self-awareness and interpersonal understanding. Models that promote positive awareness of self and communication with others will be presented for examination and application to practice. This course will explore communication principles and strategies that facilitate positive relationships between practitioners, schools, communities and families.
Course Content

Demonstrate the application of positive psychology principles: 

  • Explains the science of happiness including key the concepts of positive psychology;  

  • Explains how an understanding of positive psychology influences our interactions with children and youth through its emphasis on positive emotions, engagement, connections, meaning (strengths focus) and accomplishments; 

  • Researches the foundations of the nature of happiness and the connection between happiness and self-care; and

  • Reviews the skills of cognitive/behavioural/emotional resilience, learned optimism and emotional intelligence.

 

Describe and apply theories of effective interpersonal communication across various contexts: 

  • Describeskey theories and essential elements of effective communication when working with children, youth, and adults;  

  • Applies the skills of active listening including verbal, non-verbal and para-verbal skills 

  • Listens actively to colleagues in a classroom context; 

  • Applies respectful feedback strategies effectively;  

  • Identifies key messages within a variety of communication events and contexts, including presentation skills; and  

  • Understands the significance of culture in interpersonal relationships. 

 

Examines a variety of successful team models and processes: 

  • Identifies variables associated with effective informal and formal teams; 

  • Identifies several interpersonal communication styles; 

  • Identifiesstages of group formation and team member roles;  

  • Describes a variety of constructive approaches to maintaining positive effective teams; and 

  • Describes professional standards, conduct and practices in informal and formal group meetings.

 

Considers professional communication skills in establishing boundaries and assertiveness when navigating challenging situations: 

  • Describes elements of assertiveness including win-win solutions; 

  • Understands the types and traits of boundaries;  

  • Applies the skills of assertiveness personally and professionally; and  

  • Analyzes the relationship between assertiveness and navigating challenging situations. 

 

Explore the relationship between individual development, family dynamics and the practitioner’s role:  

  • Describe components of positive parent/professional collaboration and communication strategies that promote healthy exchange and engagement while understanding the limitations and boundaries of the practitioner's role;  

  • Explore accessible forms of communication, including plain language and web accessibility standards; and 

  • Identifies the relationship between parent/professional collaboration and trauma informed practice.    

Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of this course, the student will be able to:  

 

  1. Demonstrate the application of positive psychology principles. 

  1. Describe and apply theories of effective interpersonal communication including diversecultural influences and contexts. 

  1. Examine a variety of successful team models and processes. 

  1. Considerassertiveness and conflict resolution skills as significant elements of communication. 

  1. Explore the relationship between individual development, family dynamics and the practitioner’s role.  

Means of Assessment

A list of required and recommended reading will be provided for students at the beginning of the semester.  Instructors are committed to prioritizing OER and publicly accessible resources.

Typical means of evaluation would include a combination of the following:  

 

  • Research and Reflection Papers 
  • Presentations  

  • Literature Reviews  

  • Case Studies and Critiques  

  • Skill Demonstration 

Textbook Materials

Suggested Text: Interpersonal Communications Textbook: University of Minnesota (2016). Communication in the Real World: An Introduction to Communication Studies. University of Minnesota Libraries Publishing. https://doi.org/10.24926/8668.0401 

Instructors are committed to prioritizing OER and publicly accessible resources.  

 

Equivalencies

Students who took CCSD 1220 prior to Sept 2018 may substitute for DACS 2320.

CMNS 1216 and CMNS 1217 may substitute for (DACS 2320 or CCSD 1220)