Communication Skills and Individual Dynamics   [Archived Catalog]
2011-2012 PO Academic Catalog and Student Handbook
   

HD 352 - Communication Skills and Individual Dynamics


3 units
In spite of the fact that we spend a great deal of our time with others, rarely do we have an opportunity to see ourselves clearly as we interact with others. The capacity to see ourselves clearly in social interactions is the nucleus of our empathy and the basis of the helping process. Hence, knowledge of ourselves is, indeed, very valuable, in that it leads into the worlds of other people. The focus of the present class is largely experiential, with a central objective being the improvement of our communications skills and the use of ourselves in positive ways in interactions. Students will have the opportunity to learn about themselves by sharing their thoughts, ideas and feelings with group members. A variety of techniques will be used to assist us in our learning and growing. Among these will be active listening, re-framing, role-playing and socio-drama. Context-building for mutual understanding will be an ongoing component of the class.