Course Outline for Communication Studies 3
Group Communication

Effective: Fall 2021
SLO Rev: 11/16/2020

Catalog Description:

COMM 3 - Group Communication

3.00 Units

Communication in small group situations. Role of communication in various group processes, including norms, roles, leadership and decision-making, with application to modern concepts of organizational communication. Includes participation in simulation exercises and group activities.
CB03: TOP Code 1506.00 - Speech Communication
Course Grading: Optional
Type Units Inside of Class Hours Outside of Class Hours Total Student Learning Hours
Lecture 3.00 54.00 108.00 162.00
Total 3.00 54.00 108.00 162.00

Measurable Objectives:

Upon completion of this course, the student should be able to:
  1. Demonstrate an understanding of the principles of small group communication theory;
  2. explain the psychological, social, and cultural basis and significance of communication in small and large groups;
  3. demonstrate the ability to listen actively and think critically in group situations;
  4. exhibit effective problem-solving skills, including effective brainstorming;
  5. engage in logical reasoning to reach a sound group consensus;
  6. identify and engage in various roles in group work, including leadership;
  7. organize and deliver group presentations effectively;
  8. adapt communication strategies to fit the goal, audience, and situation;
  9. demonstrate successful conflict-management strategies.

Course Content:

I.  Introduction to communication
  1. Definition of group communication
  2. Norms and roles
  3. Organizational communication 
  4. Delivery methods
II.  Application of small group theory/strategy
  1. Conflict, cooperation, and cohesion
  2. Group climate
  3. Leadership styles
  4. Listening & feedback in groups
  5. Decision-making processes
  6. Group problem-solving patterns for deliberation
  7. Group presentation organization and outlining
  8. Anxiety reduction in group situations
  9. Delivery styles
  10. Persuasive strategies

Methods of Instruction:

  1. Lecture/Discussion
  2. Group Activities
  3. Distance Education
  4. Multimedia

Assignments and Methods of Evaluating Student Progress:

1. Typical Assignments
  1. Summarize your research prior to your group deliberation.
  2. Prepare for a group deliberation using an effective problem-solving approach.
  3. Deliberate a controversial subject with your group, moving toward a logical group consensus based on the research, while maintaining a positive climate within the group.
  4. Evaluate a group deliberation following the guidelines for effective group decision making.
  5. As a group, prepare an outline for a persuasive group presentation.
  6. Deliver a persuasive presentation, adapting to this audience.
  7. Participate in a task-group.
2. Methods of Evaluating Student Progress
  1. Midterm Examination
  2. Final Examination
  3. Oral Presentation
  4. Papers
  5. Graded written paper
  6. Group Projects
  7. Quizzes
3. Student Learning Outcomes
Upon the completion of this course, the student should be able to:
  1. practice collaborative problems sloving and group decision making skills;
  2. recognize, define and apply the principles of practical communication and group communication theory;
  3. compare and contrast the variety of value systems people use in group communication;
  4. listen to, evaluate, and respond appropriately to the ideas of others.

Textbooks (Typical):

  1. Beebe, Steven A (2019). Communicating in Small Groups: Principles and Practices (12). Pearson Publishing.

Abbreviated Class Schedule Description:

This class will focus on how to become better participants in small groups, both by learning the theoretical principles and the application of skills and practices thus reducing uncertainty/anxiety in groups.