COMM 210 - Small Group Communication

3 Credits: (3 lecture)

Course Description
This course is an examination of the small group as a dynamic system. Using exercises and role playing, it analyzes the roles and interactions of group members, providing a basic under-standing of what makes an effective group.

Note  Spring semester only.

Text
Adams, Katherine, and Galanes, Gloria. Communicating in Groups: Application and Skills. 11th ed. McGraw-Hill, 2021.

Objectives
The student will be able to:

A. Define the nature of a small group.

B. Recognize the various approaches to the study of small groups.

C. Identify and have a working knowledge of the essential steps involved in problem solving.

D. Identify and have a working knowledge of strategies used to deal with conflict.

E. Identify and define the leadership styles and member roles commonly found in small groups.

F. Evaluate and analyze small group communications.

G. Work effectively in a small group.

Content
A. A review of the various types of small groups, including primary groups, study groups, therapy groups, problem solving groups, committees and symposiums.

B. A look at various theories and models, such as field theory, rules theory, system theory, Maslov’s hierarchy, and the Johari window.

C. An analysis of the membership of a small group examining roles, norms, status, power, size, climates, nonverbal signs, conflict, leadership styles, and goals.

D. An emphasis on turning concepts and principles into action involving the students’ application of what they learn in role-playing exercises.

Student Evaluation
Students will be evaluated based on their performance on examinations and/or quizzes covering readings, discussions and exercises. In addition they will be required to maintain a journal where they evaluate classroom and real life small group situations. Participation in group exercises and discussions will also be an important part of the grading process. One paper will be required.Bibliography
Bertcher, Harvey J. and Frank F. Maple. Creating Groups (Sage Human Services Guides (Cloth), Vol 2. 2nd ed. Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage Publications, 1996.

Brilhart, John K., Gloria J. Galanes and Katherine Adams. Effective Group Discussion: Theory and Practice. 10th ed. New York: McGraw-Hill Higher Education, 2000.

Folger, Joseph P., Marshall Scott Poole and Randall K. Stutman. Working through Conflict:Strategies for Relationships, Groups, and Organizations. 4th ed. New York: Addison Wesley Longman, 2001.

Frey, Lawrence R., ed., (Editor), Dennis S. Gouran (Editor) and Marshall Scott Poole. The Handbook of Group Communication Theory & Research. Thousand Oaks, CA: Corwin Pr, 1999.

Gesell, Izzy. Playing Along: 37 Group Learning Activities Borrowed from Improvisational Theater. Duluth, MN: Whole Person Associates, 1997.

Hein, Eleanor C., editor. Contemporary Leadership Behavior: Selected Readings. 5th ed. Lippincott Williams & Wilkins Publishers, 1999.

Hunter, Dale, Anne Baily and Bill Taylor. The Art of Facilitation: How to Create Group Synergy. Perseus Book Group, 1995.

Kiser, Glenn. Facilitation: Becoming a Catalyst for Meaningful Change. New York: AMACOM, 1998.

Napier, Rodney W. and Matti K. Gershenfeld. Groups: Theory and Experience. 6th ed. Dallas: Houghton Mifflin College, 1998.

Rieke, Richard and Malcolm O. Sillars. Argumentation and Critical Decision Making. 5th ed. New York: Longman, 2001.

Toothman, John M. Conducting the Experiential Group. University Press of America, 2000.