Course Description
Theory and techniques of small group discussion, with an emphasis on current experimentation and research. Emphasizes student involvement in groups working on socially significant projects of their own choice. Course content includes the factors which affect quality of communication and group outcomes; interpersonal and task behaviors, leadership, norms, conflict resolution, and creativity.
Athena Title
Small Group Communication
Equivalent Courses
Not open to students with credit in COMM 3600S
Semester Course Offered
Offered every even-numbered year.
Grading System
A - F (Traditional)
Course Objectives
1. To develop a working knowledge of small group communication processes and their relationships to outcomes such as group productivity and cohesion. 2. To develop communication skills relating to conflict management, leadership, and decision making in small group contexts. 3. To develop an ability to critically analyze group communication processes. 4. Students will complete research assignments which will involve computer-based research and paper preparation. 5. Students will consider the moral and ethical implications of a variety of communication situations.
Topical Outline
1. What is a small group: Issues in Group Size 2. Distinguishing individuals, groups, and aggregates 3. Deindividuation processes 4. Group Formation: Interpersonal Attraction 5. Group Affiliation and Support 6. Group Development: Group Cohesiveness 7. Group Performance: Social Facilitation 8. Social Facilitation and Group Task Types 9. Group Task Types: Brainstorming 10. Group Conflict: Intra-group Conflict 11. Group Conflict: Intra-Group Conflict 12. Group Influence Processes: A Typology of Influence Types 13. Group Influence Processes: Conformity and Minority Group Member Influence 14. Group Influence Processes: Obedience to Authority 15. Leadership: Traits versus Styles 16. Leadership: Styles and Leadership Emergence 17. Groupthink 18. Group Polarization 19. Biased Sampling of Information 20. Group Project Presentations
Syllabus