Course Description: This course is designed to help students improve their understanding of the principles of small group communication so that they may function more effectively in groups.  This course is designed to help one become familiar with theories and research in group communication.  In addition, this course will serve as a “workshop,” in essence, allowing students to experience the challenge of learning how to improve one’s group communication skills through actual participation in group projects and activities.  It is my goal to provide students with the “tools” and experiences that will enable them to become  comfortable and competent participants in the group communication process. 

Prerequisite:  Satisfactory completion of the English Placement Process or English 52 or equivalent with a grade of Credit or “C” or higher.

Course Goals:  Upon completion of this course, students should be able to:
    1. achieve a greater understanding of various factors that influence small
        group communication including leadership, decision making, problem
        solving, conflict management, group climate, and basic group dynamics.
    2. enhance one’s own small group interaction abilities and effectiveness.
    3. understand theory and research needed to facilitate effective group
        communication and interactions.
    4. develop the ability to apply conceptual ideas about effective group
        discussion techniques to practical communication situations.
    5. develop increased objectivity in the analysis of individual and group
        behavior.
    6. improve problem solving; decision making; and conflict management
        skills
    7. understand how to effectively participate in group projects that involve
        goal setting, planning, and presenting organized presentations.
    8. understand the important roles you and other members of your group
        can play in the group communication process/interactions.

Experiential Learning: This is a skills-based, experiential course.  Experiential learning requires active participation in the class.  To a large extent, you will get out of the class what you put into it.