Mar 28, 2024  
2023-24 Catalog 
    
2023-24 Catalog
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CMST& 230 - Small Group Communication

5 Credits
Explores leadership and discussion in small group contexts with the goal of developing communication behaviors that promote a more effective and satisfying experience in groups and leadership situations. Addresses the functional problems of leadership, organizations in groups, involvement strategies within groups, problem solving, conflict management, decision making, consensus building, conformity and critical thinking.

Pre-requisite(s) CMST 080 min 2.0
Placement Eligibility English 099 or higher
Course Note Completion of CMST& 101 recommended. Previously SPCH 210.
Fees

Quarters Typically Offered

Fall Day



Designed to Serve All students seeking to enhance their experiences within groups and teams, whether social or professional. Also, students interested in becoming competent and effective communicators with an emphasis on leadership and participation in groups and teams.
Active Date 2011-07-06

Grading Basis Decimal Grade
Class Limit 28
Contact Hours: Lecture 55 Lab 0 Field Studies 0 Clinical 0 Independent Studies 0
Total Contact Hours 55
Degree Distributions:
AA
  • Humanities Area I

Course Outline
A. Students will gain an understanding of the development of communication effectiveness through a critical analysis of leadership and discussion in small groups, particularly the physical and psychological conditions that influence communication and leadership in groups. B. Group communication theory: groups as systems, group development, group climate, roles and leadership in groups, developing effective teams, group discussion strategies (recognizing both defective and effective decision making and problem solving), power dynamics in groups, conflict management, technology and virtual groups, and group oral presentations.

Student Learning Outcomes
Students will gain a comprehensive knowledge of small group and team communication processes through readings, videos, and group activities.

Students will apply conceptual ideas about effective group discussion techniques to practical communication situations.

Students will develop communication competence in small group and team settings

Students will explore various decision making techniques (e.g., majority, minority, or unanimity/consensus rule) in problem solving situations

Students will think critically, analyzing arguments from different points of view and cultural/diverse perspectives, demonstrating how conflict can be a productive part of communication.

Students will develop communication behaviors that promote a more effective, efficient, and satisfying interaction in groups and leadership contexts.



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