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

College-Wide Learning Outcomes
This course teaches to the college-wide learning outcome of Communication, the ability to engage effectively in verbal, non-verbal, written, and/or symbolic expression.

Total Hours: 50 Theory (Lecture) Hours: 50