The first week we will provide an overview of the structure, contents and learning outcomes of the module. After an initial personal introduction of the module leader and the stu¬dents, we will have an opportunity to discuss rules of group-work as well as students’ and the instructor’s expectations. Finally, together we will construct a group contract which we will agree to respect and follow in our group activities throughout this module.

This week’s discussions will explore group processes and group behavior. We will learn about inter-group relations, stages of group formation, reasons why people join groups, and how groups can affect individual behavior. Each key concept will be followed by an example, including several influential psychological experiments on the topic of group behavior.

Academic research and practical experience agree that to be aware of oneself is to have a strong concept of oneself. Self-Concept combines the knowledge and understanding we have of ourselves, and as such, can shape how we feel, think and behave in certain situations. This week’s starting point in the exploration of the “Self” will begin with studying the theories of Consciousness. This will lead us to the development of Self-Concept, and the explanation of its core components – Self Image, the Ideal self, and Self-Esteem. Students will have the opportunity to discuss these components, and engage in activities which will help explore their sense of “Self”.

This week we will review and discuss theoretical approaches to personality as part of self-discovery. We will use these insights to lead into a structured approach towards a better understanding of different personality types. Do you work more productively alone or with others? How do you make decisions/judgements? What are some of your respective motivations, attitudes and typical behaviors? These and similar questions will be discussed and addressed using psychological testing.

This week you will be presented with the psychology of the complex process of communication. Looking at the different types of communication, students will learn specific communications styles and how each style has its purpose and consequences, depending upon the given situation. There will be an opportunity to identify and reflect on individual communication styles, consider communication barriers, as well as ways to overcome them. This will bring us to next week’s topic on Assertiveness, a useful communication style that is respectful to others but clear and firm in intent.

The ability to be assertive can be difficult. This week will provide some of the tools and skills you need to think, act and communicate more assertively. Students will learn to communicate in a confident and more positive way, with a focus on developing an assertive personal style that should improve their interactions with others. We will also discuss the role of motivation (in relation to assertiveness), what the nature of motivation is and how it directs behavior.

The ability to communicate depends as much on listening as on speaking. This week we will test our listening skills and learn how active listening goes beyond just listening. To begin, students will learn what active listening is. They will consider the characteristics of good listeners, analyze the techniques of active listening, discuss common barriers to listening, and most importantly work through various active listening exercises.

A large part of communication is wrapped up in numerous non-verbal modes of expression. This week we will explore the key elements of nonverbal communication. Students will practice developing their awareness of the signs and signals of body language in order to more easily understand other people, and more effectively communicate with them.

This week’s group discussion will focus on the processes of managing conflict in interpersonal and group communications. We will discuss conflict resolution processes, needs and strategies assessments and analyses, as well as the effects of the use of action language.

This week we will study the role and the importance of emotions in group and inter-personal relationships and interactions. We will discuss the processes of identifying and expressing emotions, theories of emotions in psychology, and the underlying biology of emotions. Finally, we will study the importance of Emotional Intelligence and why it has become such a highly valued ingredient for success.

Cognitive biases. What is cognitive bias? Why is it important? We will go through many of the cognitive distortions and give examples for each one. We will learn how cognitive behavior therapy can help in overcoming our cognitive biases, the CBT model, and most importantly, we will have activities in which students will be able to identify the cognitive distortions they make the most frequently.

It is important to know that stress is not a “one size fits all” concept. What stresses one person may not affect another, based on the way in which they perceive the stressor. This is why this week we will aim to understand the cause and effect of stress and how to identify our own stressors. We will work through the cognitive, emotional, physical and behavioral reactions to stress. Through classroom activities, the students will learn where they fit in and how they cope with stress.

This week we will learn how to identify an individual´s strengths and weaknesses in managing stress, and increase those resources that could help you cope better. Much emphasis will be placed on relaxation techniques in accordance with the relaxation response. Additionally, we will cover the basics of efficient time management skills and discuss the procrastination phenomena.

There are no readings for this week. You will deliver your presentations in this week’s sessions.