I. General Information

1. Course Title:
Small Group Communication

2. Course Prefix & Number:
COMM 2424

3. Course Credits and Contact Hours:

Credits: 3

Lecture Hours: 3

Lab Hours: 0

4. Course Description:

COMM 2424 introduces students to the practice and theory of communicating in small group settings. Working in groups is an integral part of living in today's society. Community and workplace situations require us to be able to lead, participate, and follow effectively. Participating in this course will assist students in developing the leadership, conflict management, problem solving and discussion skills necessary to function in group settings. Students will apply small group communication theory in small, task-oriented groups and develop presentation skills to showcase their understanding of what it means to be an effective group member. Evaluating the effectiveness of their own and others' group communication behaviors is also required. MnTC Goal 1

5. Placement Tests Required:

Accuplacer (specify test):

Reading College Level CLC or Reading College Level

Score:

6. Prerequisite Courses:

9. Co-requisite Courses:

There are no corequisites for this course.

II. Transfer and Articulation

1. Course Equivalency - similar course from other regional institutions:

COMM 2230 - Small Group Communication  - Inver Hills Community College
CMST 2251 - Small Group Communication - Anoka-Ramsey Community College
COMM1041 - Small Group Communication - Century College

III. Course Purpose

2. MN Transfer Curriculum (General Education) Courses - This course fulfills the following goal area(s) of the MN Transfer Curriculum:
Goal 1 – Written and Oral Communication

IV. Learning Outcomes

1. College-Wide Outcomes

College-Wide Outcomes/Competencies	Students will be able to:
Demonstrate interpersonal communication skills	Construct appropriate/effective verbal and nonverbal strategies for various group communication contexts
Utilize appropriate technology	Differentiate competencies needed for effective/appropriate communication through mediated group communication channels
Work as a team member to achieve shared goals	Effectively participate in a group to solve a problem.
Discuss/compare characteristics of diverse cultures and environments	Justify the need for intercultural communication competency as group members in our global and ever-changing world

2. Course Specific Outcomes - Students will be able to achieve the following measurable goals upon completion of the course:

• Develop skill sets in applying principles and practices of small group communication;
• Manage the interpersonal dynamics of small group communication;
• Demonstrate principles of leadership in the group process;
• Develop skill sets in a group problem-solving and decision-making to achieve desired goals;
• Critically analyze small group communication;
• Learn how to lead and participate in groups in a global mediated society; and
• Apply ethical issues and responsibilities of groups and their members to community and workplace.

 

V. Topical Outline

Listed below are major areas of content typically covered in this course.

1. Lecture Sessions

1. Introducing Group Principles and Practices
2. Understanding Small Group Communication
3. Facilitating Group Development and Identifying Roles
4. Working in Diverse Teams
5. Preparing to Collaborate
6. Relating to Others in Groups
7. Cultivating a Supportive Group Climate
8. Enhancing Communication Skills in Groups
9. Managing Conflict
10. Facilitating and Leading Group Meetings through different mediums
11. Making Decisions and Solving Problems
12. Using Problem-Solving Techniques
13. Enhancing Creativity in Groups