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The Arts and Science of Relationships

Understanding Human Needs

A. Ka Tat Tsang

This course provides an introduction to:

1. Basic concepts of The Strategies and Skills Learning and Development System (SSLD), their relevance for every day relationships and provide advanced concepts for participants who work in fields of social work and health care .

2. Basic practice principles and methods of SSLD, illustrated by relationship management case studies.

3. The SSLD framework for relationship management assessment; N3C (needs, circumstances, characteristics, capacity) and problem translation.

4. Core competencies in the relationship management application of the SSLD system: Observation learning, simulation, real life implementation, review and monitoring.

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What's inside

Syllabus

Module 1 - Relationships in Our Lives

Introducing the course and the basic concepts of SSLD (Strategies & Skills Learning & Development).

Module 2 - Getting Started

SSLD conceptualization of relationship: Addressing participants’ needs as key condition of possibility. This module will discuss the social exchange theory, life-scripts, managing differences, and responsive assertiveness

Module 3 - Communication

This module covers topics on how to build and manage your relationships through effective communication skills such as listening, understanding, reception, and expression.

Module 4 - Building Relationships that Work for You

This module addresses relationship building based on communication, reception, and expression skills learned in Module 3. Additional topics on relationship problems will also be discussed.

Module 5 - Challenges, Endings, and Transformation

Introduction to the concept of Six Domains of Human Life and its application in different parts of a relationship. This module explores the transformation and termination of relationships and their challenges.

Module 6 - Relationships & Self

The final module covers various topics related to relationships, including love, sexuality, intimacy, and relationship problems.

Good to know

Know what's good

, what to watch for

, and possible dealbreakers

Suitable for working social workers and those in the healthcare field exploring advanced concepts

Provides a solid foundation in relationship management theory and practice

Offers practical tools and techniques for building and maintaining healthy relationships

In-depth exploration of relationship dynamics and challenges

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Reviews summary

Unveiling human needs: a guide to relationships

learners say this course explores the challenges and complexities of relationships, empowering them to nurture and navigate them skillfully. By understanding the unique needs (N3C) of both themselves and others, learners discover the SSLD framework as a powerful tool for building fulfilling relationships. Through a series of lectures and interactive exercises, the course delves into the dynamics of intimacy, communication, negotiation, and conflict resolution, equipping learners with practical strategies for handling relationship challenges and fostering healthy connections.

Provides engaging activities and exercises to reinforce learning, such as quizzes and discussion forums.

"The quizzes help me to test my understanding of the material."

"The discussion forums are a great way to connect with other learners and share ideas."

Covers various aspects of relationships, such as intimacy, communication, and conflict resolution.

"Intimacy is the glue that holds relationships together."

"Communication is the key to healthy relationships."

"Conflict is a normal part of relationships, but it's how we handle conflict that matters."

Builds strong relationships through the SSLD framework: Supporting, Standing Up, Letting Go, and Doing.

"It gives you a foundation to stand on, to be there for one another, to support one another."

"You have to stand up for your needs and the needs of your partner."

"Letting go doesn't mean giving up. It means accepting the reality of the situation and moving forward."

"It's about taking action, doing what you need to do to make the relationship work."

Emphasizes the importance of understanding human needs (N3C: Needs, Concerns, and Circumstances).

"Needs are the foundation of any relationship."

"If you don't understand your own needs, you can't expect others to understand them."

"Concerns are the obstacles that prevent us from meeting our needs."

"Circumstances are the external factors that affect our needs and concerns."

A few reviews note occasional audio issues, such as varying volume levels or background noise.

"The audio quality in some of the videos is poor."

"The volume levels are sometimes inconsistent."

Some reviews express that the numerous short videos can be disruptive to the learning flow.

"The course is divided into too many short videos."

"The short videos make it difficult to stay engaged."

Some reviews mention that the course lacks in-depth expertise and could benefit from more academic rigor.

"The course could be improved by including more research and psychological concepts."

"The instructors sometimes lack the depth of knowledge that I would expect from a university course."

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in The Arts and Science of Relationships: Understanding Human Needs with these activities:

Practice communication exercises

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Strengthens your communication abilities through repeated practice.

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Find a partner or group to practice with
Engage in role-playing exercises or simulated conversations
Receive feedback and make adjustments to improve your communication

Review foundational knowledge of relationships and social sciences

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Review core concepts in the social sciences to enhance understanding of relationship dynamics.

Browse courses on Relationships

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Review basic principles of social exchange theory.
Explore key elements of life-scripts.
Discuss strategies for managing differences.
Practice responsive assertiveness.

Review general communication concepts

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Warms up your communication skills before starting the course.

Browse courses on Communication

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Review the four principles of communication
Practice active listening skills
Refresh your knowledge on verbal and nonverbal communication

Eight other activities

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Practice observation learning exercises

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Engage in exercises that enhance observation and listening skills to improve relationship understanding.

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Observe interactions in various settings.
Identify nonverbal cues and communication patterns.
Analyze relationship dynamics and patterns.

Follow tutorials on specific communication techniques

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Provides additional guidance and support in developing specific communication skills.

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Identify a specific communication technique you want to improve
Find reputable online tutorials or workshops that cover the technique
Follow the instructions and practice the techniques regularly

Participate in online discussion forums

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Engage with peers to refine communication skills and perspectives on relationship management.

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Join course-related discussion forums.
Actively participate in discussions.
Ask questions and respond to others.

Engage in peer discussion forums

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Engaging with peers to exchange perspectives and ideas helps reinforce concepts covered in the course.

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Join or start a discussion thread on a topic related to the course material
Share your insights and respond to others' contributions
Reflect on the discussions and how they have enhanced your understanding

Review course materials regularly

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Improves retention and allows for periodic reinforcement of key concepts.

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Regularly revisit your notes, handouts, and assignments
Summarize and condense key ideas
Use spaced repetition or flashcards to retain information

Create a relationship management case study

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Develop a case study that applies the SSLD framework to a real-world relationship scenario.

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Identify a relationship challenge or issue.
Apply the N3C framework to analyze the situation.
Develop a problem translation.
Propose solutions based on SSLD principles.

Develop a communication plan

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Solidifies your understanding of communication principles by applying them to a practical scenario.

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Identify the goals and objectives of your communication plan
Determine your target audience and their communication preferences
Craft a message that is clear, compelling, and appropriate
Choose the most effective communication channels

Develop a presentation on a communication topic

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Challenges you to effectively convey information and ideas in a professional setting.

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Choose a specific communication topic
Research and gather relevant information
Structure your presentation logically and visually
Practice your presentation and seek feedback

Career center

Learners who complete The Arts and Science of Relationships: Understanding Human Needs will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Customer Success Manager

Customer Success Managers are responsible for managing relationships with customers and ensuring their satisfaction. They work with customers to identify and address their needs, resolve issues, and build long-term relationships. Strong relationship management skills are essential for Customer Success Managers, as they need to build rapport and trust with customers in order to help them achieve their goals.

See salaries and explore the career path for Customer Success Manager

Relationship Manager

Relationship Managers are responsible for managing relationships with customers and clients. They work to build and maintain strong relationships, identify and address customer needs, and resolve issues. Strong relationship management skills are essential for Relationship Managers, as they need to build rapport and trust with clients in order to help them achieve their goals.

See salaries and explore the career path for Relationship Manager

Coach

Coaches help people achieve their personal and professional goals. They work with clients to identify and develop goals, overcome challenges, and make positive changes in their lives. Strong relationship management skills are essential for Coaches, as they need to build rapport and trust with clients in order to help them achieve their goals.

See salaries and explore the career path for Coach

Counselor

Counselors help people with mental health and emotional issues. They work with individuals, families, groups, and couples to address issues such as depression, anxiety, trauma, and relationship problems. Strong relationship management skills are essential for Counselors, as they need to build rapport and trust with clients in order to help them make positive changes in their lives.

See salaries and explore the career path for Counselor

Social Worker

Social Workers help people navigate personal and social challenges. They work with individuals, families, groups, and communities to address issues such as mental health, addiction, poverty, and homelessness. Strong relationship management skills are essential for Social Workers, as they need to build rapport and trust with clients in order to help them make positive changes in their lives. The course on The Arts and Science of Relationships can provide Social Workers with the knowledge and skills they need to effectively build and manage relationships with clients, colleagues, and other stakeholders. The course's emphasis on understanding human needs and relationship dynamics can help Social Workers better understand the challenges and opportunities in their work.

See salaries and explore the career path for Social Worker

Community Health Worker

Community Health Workers build relationships with community members to improve their health and well-being. They work with diverse populations and backgrounds, so strong communication and relationship management skills are essential. The course on The Arts and Science of Relationships can provide CHWs with the knowledge and skills they need to effectively build and manage relationships with clients, colleagues, and other stakeholders. The course's emphasis on understanding human needs and relationship dynamics can help CHWs better understand the challenges and opportunities in their work.

See salaries and explore the career path for Community Health Worker

Sales Manager

Sales Managers are responsible for managing sales teams and driving sales growth. They work with sales representatives to identify and develop sales strategies, set sales targets, and close deals. Strong relationship management skills are essential for Sales Managers, as they need to build rapport and trust with customers and clients in order to drive sales.

See salaries and explore the career path for Sales Manager

Human Resources Manager

Human Resources Managers are responsible for managing the human capital of an organization. They work with employees to address issues such as recruitment, compensation, benefits, and performance management. Strong relationship management skills are essential for Human Resources Managers, as they need to build rapport and trust with employees in order to help them succeed in their roles.

See salaries and explore the career path for Human Resources Manager

Public relations manager

Public Relations Managers are responsible for managing the public image of an organization. They work with the media to disseminate information about the organization, build relationships with key stakeholders, and manage public relations crises. Strong relationship management skills are essential for Public Relations Managers, as they need to build rapport and trust with the media and other stakeholders to effectively manage the public image of the organization.

See salaries and explore the career path for Public relations manager

Project Manager

Project Managers are responsible for planning, executing, and closing projects. They work with project teams to identify and develop project plans, set project goals, and manage project timelines. Strong relationship management skills are essential for Project Managers, as they need to build rapport and trust with team members and stakeholders to ensure the success of the project.

See salaries and explore the career path for Project Manager

Event Planner

Event Planners are responsible for planning and executing events. They work with clients to identify and develop event plans, set event budgets, and manage event logistics. Strong relationship management skills are essential for Event Planners, as they need to build rapport and trust with clients and vendors to ensure the success of the event.

See salaries and explore the career path for Event Planner

Account Manager

Account Managers are responsible for managing relationships with key customers and clients. They work with customers to identify and develop sales strategies, set sales targets, and close deals. Strong relationship management skills are essential for Account Managers, as they need to build rapport and trust with customers in order to drive sales.

See salaries and explore the career path for Account Manager

Consultant

Consultants provide advice and expertise to organizations on a variety of topics. They work with clients to identify and address challenges, develop solutions, and implement change. Strong relationship management skills are essential for Consultants, as they need to build rapport and trust with clients in order to effectively help them achieve their goals.

See salaries and explore the career path for Consultant

Marketing Manager

Marketing Managers are responsible for developing and executing marketing plans. They work with marketing teams to identify and develop marketing strategies, set marketing budgets, and manage marketing campaigns. Strong relationship management skills are essential for Marketing Managers, as they need to build rapport and trust with customers and partners to drive sales.

See salaries and explore the career path for Marketing Manager

Reading list

We've selected 14 books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in The Arts and Science of Relationships: Understanding Human Needs.

Learning to Change Lives

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Introduces the Six Domains of Human Life, which framework for understanding the different aspects of human life and how they can affect relationships.

The Arts and Science of Relationships

Understanding Human Needs

Two deals to help you save

What's inside

Syllabus

Good to know

Save this course

Reviews summary

Unveiling human needs: a guide to relationships

Activities

Career center

Reading list

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