CMST 230 Small Group Discussion

Formerly Spch 225

 

 

 

INSTRUCTOR:                    Laura Driscoll Nudelman

OFFICE:                                R 230 Office “V”

OFFICE PHONE:                425-564-2358

E-MAIL:                                 on the Vista site or if you are experiencing trouble on vista contact me at: lnudelma@bcc.ctc.edu (lower case “L” not capital I)

 

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 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 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:  Students will work collectively to conduct an extensive analysis of the group communication demonstrated in a feature film.

 

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

  1. Late work or exams will not be accepted unless arrangements are made with me before the due date.
  2. Students caught cheating on an exam or plagiarizing an assignment will not receive any credit for that portion of the class.  Repeat offenses will be reported to the Dean of Student Programs. 
  3. If you have a documented disability and need to have some type of accommodation, please contact me as soon as possible.
  4. Students are expected to model the behavior discussed in the content of this course.  During online discussions you may certainly disagree and debate, but you are required to demonstrate tolerance and respect at all times in your postings.