This course is designed to foster personal discovery of self and self in relation to others. It explores relational ways of being with others, situatedness in families and groups, and identity development. It encourages and supports learners to enrich self-awareness, critical thinking and introspection. The course concepts are explored through active participation in small group interaction, learning activities and journal writing.
In this course, understanding self in relation to others and in relation to roles, especially the nursing role is the focus of discussion. An outline of course concepts and essential content is presented below. Course concepts are addressed in relation to four foundational concepts, (ways of knowing, personal meaning, time/transitions, culture/context) integrating the metaconcepts, health promotion and caring. Content related to the foundational concepts varies and reflects the interests, choices and experiences of course participants.
Phenomenological person
- coming to understand how we are situated in and constituted by families and groups within cultural context
Self-awareness
- as a person and in relation to others, e.g. individual, family and groups
Identity
- development as a person, nurse, other roles (includes self-esteem, self-concept, gender/sexuality in development of identity)
Feelings
Individuality
- situated personhood
Perception
- personal meaning
- meaning making
Hegemony
- the influence of the traditional power structure on the development of self
Ways of Being
- in relation with others (one to one, family, groups)
- establishing relationships
Time/Transitions
- personal growth and development
- empowerment
Caring
- the relation of caring for self and caring for others
Context/Culture
- the process of acculturation leading to ethnoculture identity
Congruence
- ambiguity
- congruence
- incongruence of the real and perceived self
Verbal and Non-verbal Communication
In this course students have opportunities to:
- explore self and identity as a relational person
- develop relational ways of being with others (individual, family and groups)
- explore concepts of caring
- begin to develop a caring identity
Course evaluation is consistent with Douglas College Curriculum Development and Approval Policy. There will be a minimum of three assessments which will typically include exams, quizzes, papers and/or student presentations. An evaluation schedule is presented at the beginning of the course. Respect for student input and an openness to negotiation guide decisions about methods of evaluation. This is a graded course.
- Planned Praxis Experience
- Personal experience
- Class work groups
- Engage and dialogue with volunteers from the community.
- A list of recommended textbooks and materials is provided for students at the beginning of each semester.
- Other Resources
- Selected readings on self-awareness, interpersonal growth through communication and interpersonal effectiveness
- Selected audio-visual and computer resources
- Various articles
- Current events