CMST& 230 Small Group Communication

5 credits

This course explores effective communication in small groups. Students will examine aspects of group process including leadership, conflict management, decision-making, and conformity. They will also examine informal co-operative decision-making methods of committee, conference, and roundtable groups. Students will work in groups to test theories and practice skills.

This course meets the Humanities general education distribution requirement.

Prerequisites: ABED 40 or AHSE 56 (or placement into MATH 87 or AHSE 66 or higher) and ABED 46 (or placement into ENGL 93 or higher)

Course Outcomes
Upon successful completion of this course students will be able to:

Identify and explain the language, listening, and non-verbal communication skills that are needed to promote a positive communication climate in a group setting
Analyze the influence of culture on group interaction
Identify the actions needed to conduct an effective meeting and promote group productivity
Analyze aspects of decision-making, problem-solving, leadership, and conflict management/resolution used by and within a group
Identify methods that groups can use to stimulate critical and creative thinking while problem solving
Produce group presentations, reports, proposals, and/or products and describe the steps involved in such production, including communication and group strategies used

General Education Distribution Area Outcomes
Students who successfully complete courses in the Humanities distribution area will be able to:

Discuss and explain methods of creative expression, social interaction, and aesthetic considerations employed by individuals and societies
Employ methods of intellectual and creative inquiry central to the selected Humanities course of study, using the vocabulary, concepts, historical perspectives and materials common to the chosen area
Dependent on the Humanities area selected, interpret specific artifacts from art, film, history, language, literature, philosophy, religious thought, or narrative form and develop one’s own viewpoint or artifact using the techniques common to that area

Total Hours: 50 Theory (Lecture) Hours: 50