What is a discussion group?

The material in this course is often controversial and can occasionally be personally upsetting.  Especially because the class is large, some students don’t feel comfortable discussing their reactions to the material in class.  To provide an opportunity for personal discussion in a comfortable setting, we will organize discussion groups that will meet eight times (one hour sessions) during the semester.  Students attending all 8 meetings will earn 8 extra credit points (one pt. per meeting), and group conveners will earn an extra 2 points for their work as coordinators.  No extra reading will be assigned.  The only requirement is your REGULAR ATTENDANCE and participation, and one two-page summary of what you got out of the sessions (due May 1).

Comments from past years’ discussion groups participants:

“My participation in the group enabled me to make friends.  The conversations were stimulating and helpful. We discussed topics like job inequality, sexual harassment, opinions on child bearing, career goals and objectives, pressures with family and relationships… I was sorry it ended when it did.”

“I felt our group was well worth my time.  I looked forward to our meetings.  It was a time to talk about anything and anyone… I was glad to express my feelings and find out that the other ladies felt the same way.”

“It gave us a good opportunity to process topics we learned about in class… The group served as a valuable forum for us as males to express our feelings, support each other and get more acquainted in a typically “non-male” way.  Maybe we would share ‘war stories, but it was always in an atmosphere of understanding, empathy and non-aggression.”

How do the groups work?

Conveners are not “in charge” or otherwise responsible for the group.  The convener’s role is to schedule the first meeting, keep attendance sheets, and turn in eight attendance sheets after the final meeting.  Group conveners do not function as therapists but rather work to keep groups on task, encourage participation and suggest discussion topics when necessary.  The instructor is always available as a resource, especially in cases where dynamics in the group become difficult.

Discussion groups work best when participants get to know each other and do not have to deal with newcomers at each meeting.  For this reason, students will be discouraged from visiting the groups after the second session (contact the convener to join after the first meeting).  REGULAR ATTENDANCE is expected – let your convener know if you cannot attend a meeting.  To get ANY credit for participating, you must attend AT LEAST SIX meetings.  Following the final meeting, you will turn in a two-page reflection on your experience in the group (benefits, likes, dislikes, etc.)
 
Discussion Group Application

(print out, fill in and bring to class, or paste into email and send it to me at erbaugh@unm.edu)

Name:

Gender:

Phone numbers:

Email:

Would you like to be a convener?  Yes________  No________

Do you prefer an all-woman group? Yes_______

Please indicate times you COULD BE available for discussion group meetings (one hour sessions), as well as which times are best for you.

             Mon     Tues     Wed     Thurs      Fri     Sat     Sun
8am

9am

10am

11am

12pm

1pm

2pm

3pm

4pm

5pm

Evening

Best times: