Course Syllabus

COMM 2120 Small Group Communications

Course Description

This course is an introduction to communication in group processes such as decision-making, leadership, power, conflict, deviance, and the development of group structures, functions, norms, and roles. It is designed to help students further understanding the various perspectives on small group communication theory and concepts. Special emphasis is placed on preparing and organizing various types of oral presentations and communication strategies for organizations. It is designed to provide students with multiple ways to enhance small group communication skills and develop a more comprehensive understanding of the communication process therein.

Justification

Communication is essential to any organization. Many business and organizational concerns (ie. mobility, human resource management, productivity, contact with the public, teamwork, and management of conflict) include communication activities addressed in this course. This course provides the student an opportunity to learn how the communication process works and how they can enter into that process more effectively. Additionally, students will learn how organizations work and how people get into and function in organizations. This class will maintain a balance between theory and practice. Organizational Communication courses are widely taught in the United States at the lower-division level, and in Utah, comparable courses are taught at other USHE institutions

General Education Outcomes

1. A student who completes the GE curriculum has a fundamental knowledge of human cultures and the natural world. Students will be encouraged to understand the characteristics of competent communication in a group setting. Students will learn that every culture has unique communication patterns, which influence one's perception of conversations, and views of the world. Communication skills are developed and may be enhanced or improved with increased knowledge and practice. Students will learn that every culture has unique communication patterns, which influence one's perception of conversations, and views of the world. Students will demonstrate an understanding of this outcome through a research project, written assignments, presentations, class discussions, quizzes, and exams.
2. A student who completes the GE curriculum can read and research effectively within disciplines. Students will write papers and/or essay-formatted tests that will demonstrate their comprehension and utilization of concepts, theories, and practices of interpersonal communication. Students are required to locate and read several articles from professional research journals, read the articles, and then write a summary (abstract) for each article. Each paper will be returned with suggestions for improving the student's written communication skills. Students will demonstrate an ability to read, retrieve, evaluate, interpret, and deliver information through assignments, a presentation, class discussions, quizzes, and exams.
3. A student who completes the GE curriculum can draw from multiple disciplines to address complex problems.  Students will deliver a minimum of two oral presentations and one research paper during the semester, which demonstrate their understanding of the cognitive psychology concepts and/or research ideas. Students will be encouraged to participate in a variety of activities used to enhance social relations and define roles within teams, often involving collaborative tasks. These activities are intended to improve performance in a team-based environment. Through classroom discussions, observations, and at least one group presentation students will demonstrate their ability to understand and manage conflict as part of a team.
4. A student who completes the GE curriculum can reason analytically, critically, and creatively. Students will participate in discussions about the role that human communication plays in the development and maintenance of organizations including academic, social, and professional endeavors. . Students will be encouraged to investigate and become aware to the knowledge that the more diverse an individual's cultural background is, the more different their styles of communication will be. Before effective communication can occur in organizations, individuals need to be able to reason analytically, critically, and creatively about each person's background, ideas, and beliefs and how these aspects influence the interpretation of their behaviors in relation to communication. . Students will demonstrate an understanding of this outcome through classroom discussions, a critical thinking assignment, quizzes, and exams.

General Education Knowledge Area Outcomes

1. (b) Students will present and communicate both in class and in groups. They will evaluate each other and receive grades and feedback from the instructor. Students will be taught to develop skills in selecting and using a variety of communication strategies and responses based on situational contexts, goals, and human needs. Students will receive feedback from peers and the instructor. (b) Students will present and communicate both in class and in groups. They will evaluate each other and receive grades and feedback from the instructor. Students will be taught to develop skills in selecting and using a variety of communication strategies and responses based on situational contexts, goals, and human needs. Students will receive feedback from peers and the instructor.
2.  (b) Students will study a variety of verbal influence techniques, and non-verbal techniques including questioning, presenting, and small group communication. They will practice these skills individually and will combine the skills in the signature assignment. Students will receive feedback from peers and the instructor.
3.  (b)Students will be taught group dynamics. This includes recognizing functional and dysfunctional group roles and how to improve role flexibility. Discussions will also be held on identifying and managing the source and effects of power in groups. Students will receive feedback from peers and the instructor.

Student Learning Outcomes

1. Students will be able to understand approaches to leadership, and how group communication climates develop.
2. Students will understand how to develop skills in selecting and using a variety of communication strategies and responses based on situational contexts, goals, and human needs.
3. Students will be able to identify needs through questioning and listening. Students will learn how to contribute effective group problem-solving and decision-making skills.
4. Students will be able to develop observational skills used to assess & improve communication competence.
   Students This will include effective conflict management techniques in group interaction.

Course Content

This course is designed to model communication theories that demonstrate the importance of effective communication in small groups. The following topics will be covered through lecture, reading, discussion, and collaborative activities:• Understand the characteristics of competent communication in groups • Understand the theories that explain small group interaction • Distinguish small groups from teams • Understand the phases of small group development • Understand the team-building process • Understand how group communication climates develop • Recognize functional & dysfunctional group roles and improve role flexibility • Understand approaches to leadership • Practice effective leadership skills and define a personal leadership approach • Contribute to effective group problem-solving and decision-making • Identify and manage the sources and effects of power in groups • Practice effective conflict management techniques in group interaction • Practice observational skills to assess & improve communication competence • Evaluate group members’ interaction in a constructive and educated manner • Recognize the need to self-monitor personal communication competence • Develop skill in selecting and using a variety of communication strategies and responses based on situational contexts, goals, and human needs