Syllabi: Gender and Communication: Improving Communications Between Men and Women

INSTITUTION: Northeastern Ohio Universities College of Medicine

PRESENTER: Dixie L. Benshoff, Ph.D., is a licensed psychologist in private practice. She was formerly the Administrative Director and Clinical Director of Health Psychology of the Pain Management Center at The Cleveland Clinic Foundation. She has provided consultation and conducted training programs for professionals in industry, education, and medicine in the community. She is author of a number of monographs and articles, including a chapter in a textbook on Skills for Effective Human Services Management, by Edwards and Yankey.

PROGRAM DIRECTOR: Martin Kohn, Ph.D., Director of the Human Values in Medicine Program (email: mfk@neoucom.EDU)

ENROLLMENT: BS/MD; selective; limit: 20

SEMESTER: Spring 2000
April 18, 25, May 2, 9 (Tuesday evenings) 5:30 - 8:30 p.m.)

DESCRIPTION: The workshop addresses gender communicationissues in the work place and at home, exploring how communication patterns affect decision making, working relationships, office politics and personal relationships.

LEARNING GOALS: Participants will be able to (1) identify male/female communications styles; (2) increase awareness and, therefore, acceptance of the differences; (3) practice specific strategies for identifying differences and facilitating communication with an emphasis on increasing cooperation.

METHOD OF INSTRUCTION: Lecture, discussion, and practice

OUTLINE:

Week 1: (April 18) Introduction: identification of patterns of interaction between males and females increasing awareness of verbal and non-verbal communication, practice in identifying communication patterns based on differences and similarities. Review of literature.

Week 2: (April 25) Practice using strategies for facilitating communication and identify barriers. Group will create methods for bridging gap in their own personal/professional settings.

Week 3: (May 2) Evaluation of results of behavior choices and advanced practices.

Week 4: (May 9) Presentation of participants' papers

REQUIREMENTS: : Participants will be required to attend all four sessions, participate in small group settings, to keep a journal, read various books and articles, prepare a written reportn and present an oral report.

HVM Credits: 3