Small Group Communication: Process and Theory

Course Number:
COMM 215
Transcript Title:
Small Group Communication: Process and Theory
Created:
Aug 04, 2022
Updated:
Jun 29, 2023
Total Credits:
4
Lecture Hours:
40
Lecture / Lab Hours:
0
Lab Hours:
0
Satisfies Cultural Literacy requirement:
No
Satisfies General Education requirement:
Yes
Grading Options
A-F, P/NP, Audit
Default Grading Options
A-F
Repeats available for credit:
0
Prerequisites

placement into MTH 65 or MTH 98

Prerequisite/Concurrent 

WR 121 or WR 121Z

Course Description

Addresses problem solving aspects of small group activities. Includes process and task, leadership, verbal and non-verbal messages in the small group, norms and roles, conflict reduction, and decision making. Focuses on theory and practice. Prerequisites: placement into MTH 65 or MTH 98. Prerequisite/concurrent: WR 121 or WR 121Z. Audit available.

Course Outcomes

Upon successful completion of this course, students will be able to:

  1. Apply techniques and skills for developing and maintaining a positive, supportive climate in a small group.
  2. Manage projects and solve problems through learned group communication strategies.
  3. Demonstrate conflict management skills and strategies within the small group setting.
  4. Identify and understand impact of culture on team interaction and demonstrate intercultural sensitivity.

Alignment with Institutional Learning Outcomes

Major
1. Communicate effectively using appropriate reading, writing, listening, and speaking skills. (Communication)
Major
2. Creatively solve problems by using relevant methods of research, personal reflection, reasoning, and evaluation of information. (Critical thinking and Problem-Solving)
Not Addressed
3. Extract, interpret, evaluate, communicate, and apply quantitative information and methods to solve problems, evaluate claims, and support decisions in their academic, professional and private lives. (Quantitative Literacy)
Major
4. Use an understanding of cultural differences to constructively address issues that arise in the workplace and community. (Cultural Awareness)
Not Addressed
5. Recognize the consequences of human activity upon our social and natural world. (Community and Environmental Responsibility)

To establish an intentional learning environment, Institutional Learning Outcomes (ILOs) require a clear definition of instructional strategies, evidence of recurrent instruction, and employment of several assessment modes.

Major Designation

  1. The outcome is addressed recurrently in the curriculum, regularly enough to establish a thorough understanding.
  2. Students can demonstrate and are assessed on a thorough understanding of the outcome.
    • The course includes at least one assignment that can be assessed by applying the appropriate CLO rubric.

Minor Designation

  1. The outcome is addressed adequately in the curriculum, establishing fundamental understanding.
  2. Students can demonstrate and are assessed on a fundamental understanding of the outcome.
    • The course includes at least one assignment that can be assessed by applying the appropriate CLO rubric.

Suggested Outcome Assessment Strategies

  • Qualitative examinations      
  • Quantitative examinations
  • Essays 
  • Journals
  • Research papers
  • In-class participation
  • Portfolios
  • Projects
  • Oral presentations
  • Group work
  • Service Learning

Course Activities and Design

The determination of teaching strategies used in the delivery of outcomes is generally left to the discretion of the instructor. Here are some strategies that you might consider when designing your course: lecture, small group/forum discussion, flipped classroom, dyads, oral presentation, role play, simulation scenarios, group projects, service learning projects, hands-on lab, peer review/workshops, cooperative learning (jigsaw, fishbowl), inquiry based instruction, differentiated instruction (learning centers), graphic organizers, etc.

Course Content

Themes, Concepts, and Issues

  • Group Communication Theory
  • Conflict Management
  • Group presentational skills
  • Leadership
  • Rules and Norms
  • Task and Social Roles
  • Nonverbal Communication
  • Power
  • Diversity
  • Perception
  • Language
  • Decision making
  • Groupthink
  • Types of groups
  • Group development

Competencies and Skills

  • Be able to think critically, creatively, and systematically in groups.
  • Be able to recognize the relationships between task and social-emotional aspects of group decision-making.
  • Be able to recognize their own strengths and weaknesses as group participants.
  • Be able to demonstrate flexibility in assuming alternate roles to enhance the small group process.
  • Be able to monitor a small group’s progress towards achievement of its goals.
  • Be able to determine how their cultural perceptions, attitudes, values, and beliefs influence the communication process.
  • Be able to engage in discussion with an attitude of openness, interest, and respect.
  • Be able to give an effective oral presentation as part of a group project.