The aim of this course is to equip students with skills on formation, organization and management of social groups and their dynamics as well as utilization of appropriate leadership techniques in the social context.
Time Distribution: Lecture 36 hours
Seminars/Tutorials 18 hours
Practical 9 hours
Assignment 9 hours
Independent Research 18 hours
Pre-requisite: None
Course Content:
Concept and importance of groups in community development; group management (internal and external group dynamics); facilitation and support to groups and teams development (group formation, action, goals and methods); analysis and evaluation of group processes and performance (productivity, maturity, and worth); gender considerations in group development. Leadership: principles, styles, functions and theories of leadership; model for leadership effectiveness and productivity and implications for agricultural development.
Practical: Case studies will be used to develop practical skills. These will be complimented, where necessary and where financial resources allow, with field trips to relevant sites. Alternatively, candidates will be involved in analyzing selected case studies of selected problems/issues and demonstrate level of articulation and proficiency through their participation in seminar presentations.
Teaching and Learning Activities
Teaching will involve lectures, practical, group assignments and seminar presentations, individual assignments to capture self- reading. Use of case studies in teaching for some practical aspects will be employed.
Assessment Methods
The assessments will be through continuous assessments were written timed tests (theory and practical), quizzes, seminar presentation, practical reports, and submission of individual/group assignment papers will be used. The assessment will also include final University written examination.
Reading List
Brown, R. (1988) Group Processes: Dynamics Within and Between Groups. Oxford: Blackwell.
Forsyth, D.R. 2006. Group Dynamics, 4th Edition. Belmont, CA: Thomson Wadsworth. Harcourt Brace Jovanovich.
Kernberg, O. (1998) Ideology, Conflict, and Leadership in Groups and Organizations. New Haven, Conn: Yale University Press.
Northouse, P. G. (2004). Leadership: Theory and Practice. Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage Publications.
Schein, E. (1998). Process Consultation, Prentice Hall.
Dyer, W. (1994). Team Building, 3rd Edition, Prentice Hall.