Interpersonal Dynamics Section 31401-83
Winter 2027 – Hugh Cole, Professor
Interpersonal Dynamics
Interpersonal Dynamics is unlike most courses you will take at Booth. Rather than focusing on mastering concepts, this course helps you better understand yourself in relationship to others, recognize your impact, and develop the skills to build more effective, meaningful relationships.
The course is built around experiential learning: learning by doing. Most learning takes place in the T-group (training group), a small group with no predetermined agenda. The interactions among members become the material for learning.
Through these interactions, you will practice recognizing and expressing thoughts and feelings, testing assumptions, giving and receiving feedback, and experimenting with different ways of relating. You will discover how others experience you, where your impact differs from your intentions, and how changing your behavior can change the interaction.
Understanding interpersonal dynamics is not the same as developing the capacity to navigate them. That capacity develops through practice, feedback, and experimentation.
Throughout the quarter, you will work toward personal learning goals that include:
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Recognizing your habitual interpersonal patterns, including the feelings and assumptions that shape your behavior.
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Identifying and expressing specific feelings, and using emotional experience as valuable interpersonal information.
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Understanding your impact on others and developing skills in giving, receiving and using feedback.
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Experimenting with new ways of relating, particularly during disagreement or discomfort.
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Recognizing how difference, power, and influence shape relationships and group dynamics.
These capabilities are fundamental to effective leadership, particularly as your responsibilities grow and your ability to work productively with others becomes increasingly consequential.
What the Experience Requires
Because learning happens through interaction, active participation is essential. You will be encouraged to speak about your experience in the moment, including specific feelings and reactions, take interpersonal risks, and experiment with unfamiliar behaviors. The expectation is not disclosure for its own sake, but a willingness to stretch beyond familiar patterns and learn from what happens.
The experience can be emotionally demanding. You may encounter strong feelings, unexpected feedback, or uncomfortable aspects of your interpersonal patterns. We encourage you to consider your current circumstances and readiness to engage fully in this kind of learning before applying.
Full attendance and participation are required, including weekly classes, small-group meetings outside class, and the residential weekend intensive retreat.
Enrollment and Application
Enrollment in Interpersonal Dynamics is by application.
The application period opens on Sunday, October 25, 2026, at 9:00 a.m. and closes Sunday, November 1, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. Applicants will be notified of their enrollment status by Friday, November 6, 2026, at 5:00 p.m. Here is the link to the application for Winter 2027: https://airtable.com/appVyynDLZqWiLNEH/shra3h4LtxU43r4rR
You may increase your chances of enrollment by indicating availability for multiple sections. However, please select only sections you are fully prepared to attend. Offers of admission are specific to the assigned section, and section changes are not permitted.
Please apply only if you are prepared to make the full commitment. Because enrollment is limited and the T-group depends on consistent participation, course shopping is strongly discouraged. Students who withdraw after the first class cannot be replaced, preventing another applicant from participating. Students who do not attend the first class will be automatically dropped.
Course Format and Materials
The course combines short lectures, experiential exercises, T-group sessions, small group meetings outside class, and a residential weekend intensive retreat. The majority of each weekly class is devoted to the T-group.
One textbook is required. Additional readings and materials will be available through the course syllabus.
Winter 2027 Section Specifics
Weekly Class Meetings
All classes take place at Gleacher.
Weekend Intensive Retreat
The residential weekend retreat is mandatory and attendance for the entire weekend is required. Transportation, meals and lodging are all provided.
The retreat begins Friday at 6:45 pm (allow for travel time and dinner) and concludes Sunday at 12:30 pm.
Small Group Meetings
Students will meet in small groups up to four times throughout the quarter. The meetings take place outside regular class hours and are scheduled at mutually agreeable times by the students.
Information Sessions
Please view the recording of the information session from Spring 2020 here:
View recording of Spring 2020 Info Session.
