CMST
230 Small Group Discussion
(Formerly Spch
225)
Course
Syllabus
Spring
2009
INSTRUCTOR:
Laura Driscoll Nudelman
OFFICE:
R 230 Office “V”
OFFICE PHONE:
425-564-2358
E-MAIL:
on the
COURSE TEXT: Galanes, Gloria. Effective Group Discussion
13th edition. McGraw-Hill Publisher. This text is available in the
bookstore or can be purchased as an electronic book at a reduced cost at www.coursesmart.com.
Please be sure to purchase this edition of the text. Previous editions
will not have the same page numbers or exact content.
COURSE OBJECTIVE:
This course is designed for the student to explore small group communication
theory and concepts and to develop an ability to apply this knowledge to
everyday small group experiences.
COURSE OUTCOMES:
By the end of this course students will be able to:
1.
Define small group communication.
2. Identify types and functions of groups.
3. Describe the phases of group development.
4. Explain the "group think theory" and develop strategies for
responding to its symptoms.
5. Demonstrate the ability to communicate effectively in a group context.
6. Demonstrate the ability to conduct an effective meeting.
7. Demonstrate the ability to think critically and stimulate critical thinking
in a group.
8. Define and demonstrate group leadership.
FORMAT-
You will be engaged in online discussions and group assignments designed to aid
your understanding of the concepts explored in class. This course also
includes an extensive group project. In addition, this area of study
contains complex theories and difficult social science jargon. I will do
my best to assist you, but a college reading level is needed to succeed
in this course.
GRADING BREAKDOWN
|
Exam #1 |
100 |
|
940-1000=A |
|
|
Exam #2 |
100 |
|
900- 939=A- |
|
|
Exam #3 |
100 |
|
860- 899=B+ |
|
|
Exam #4 |
100 |
|
830- 859=B |
|
|
Discussion Board Participation |
200 |
|
800- 829=B- |
|
|
Group Assignments |
100 |
|
760- 799=C+ |
|
|
Final Project and Paper |
200 |
|
730- 759=C |
|
|
Individual Participation in Groups |
100 |
|
700- 729=C- |
|
|
Total |
1000 |
|
660- 699=D+ |
|
|
|
|
|
600- 659=D |
|
|
|
|
|
0- 599=F |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
EXAMS: will cover the text and
uploaded material on the course website. Questions will be a combination
of true/false & multiple-choice. Exams will be worth 100 points
each. Review sheets will be provide for each exam. Review sheets can be
accessed through the learning modules on the website.
DISCUSSION BOARD PARTICIPATION Participation in
chapter discussions is required for completion of the course and is worth 200
points. Students must answer one
assigned question and respond to another
student's answer for each chapter being discussed. Postings
must address all aspects of the discussion question and consist of a
well-developed paragraph that includes references to the material found in the
text. One sentence responses are unacceptable. Emphasis should be
placed on discussing the concepts and theories explored in the text and
personal experience should only used as examples of course-related
material. You
are also required to read other students' postings. Please consult the Guide for Discussion Participation found in the Getting Started Learning Module.
GROUP
ASSIGNMENTS Students
will two assignments in online learning groups. These assignments will
require students to apply information from the text to specific case studies of
groups.
FINAL
PROJECT AND PAPER:
Students will work collectively to create a virtual presentation and will write
a paper as a group analyzing the communication demonstrated during the project.
INDIVIDUAL
PARTICIPATION ON GROUP ASSIGNMENTS: After each group assignment and the
final group project, students will submit their evaluation of the participation
of each member in the group. A rating/comment sheet will be
provided. I also can track your activity on the system and the combined
sources of information will help produce the grade in this section of the
course.
POLICIES