Understanding small group principles can help individuals become productive ...
Students will learn about effective small group communication practices.
COM 355: Small Group Communication Syllabus & Course Policies
Instructor: Kristen Chamberlain Office: Foss 171B Office Hours: See Moodle Phone: 612.330.1258; 612.272.3625 Email:
[email protected] Course Description: The foundational premise of this course is that effective small group communication is an important component of decision-making. Understanding small group principles can help individuals become productive members of taskand problem-solving groups. This class teaches the fundamental principles of effective small group communication, gives students the opportunity to work in experiential learning groups, and to reflect on effective and ineffective group processes. Learning Objectives & Outcomes: Students will learn and recall the vocabulary and theoretical foundations of small group communications. Students will learn about effective small group communication practices. Students will apply and evaluate the effectiveness and function of small group communication concepts. Students will create a presentation that analyzes their group work. Students will create a case study that reflects on small group communication. Textbook: Beebe, S. A. & Masterson, J. T. (2010). Communicating in Small Groups. Allyn & Bacon: Boston. Assignments: Detailed description of assignments will be available on Moodle or via email. Individual Work Personal Skills and Goals Reflection – 25 points Exam – 100 points Group Work Group Contract – 25 points Literature Review - 50 points Teaching Presentation & Portfolio - 100 points Group Presentation – 100 points Group Presentation Portfolio – 50 points Case Study – 150 points Grading Scale: 100 – 94% = 4.0 93 - 90 % = 3.5 89 – 84 % = 3.0 83 – 80 % = 2.5 79 – 74 % = 2.0
73 - 70 % = 1.5 69 - 64 % = 1.0 63 - 60 % = .5 Below 59 % = 0.0
COM 355: Small Group Communication Syllabus & Course Policies Questions on Grading: If you have a question or challenge on a grade received in class, I encourage you to come see me outside of class. I appreciate a good persuasive argument; your grade appeal is much more likely to succeed if you can provide compelling evidence in a logical fashion. However, I reserve the right to stand by any grade I have given, regardless of the appeal. In addition, I WILL NOT discuss grades via email. If, at the end of term, you would like to discuss your grade, you should email me to set up an appointment. Class Discussion: Class discussion is an important element of this class. Diversity makes the world go ‘round, and I encourage students to share opinions and views, even if those opinions are different from mine or from other classmates. In order for this to work, I invite students to create and maintain a respectful classroom climate. We do not always have to agree, but we must listen with open minds and respect our differences. Writing Quality: Assignments turned in for this class will be held to a high standard of writing. This means that your paper should be proofread for spelling, grammar, punctuation, and mechanics. If you know you have a weakness if one of these areas (as I do with comma usage), I encourage you to find a proofreader that can catch mistakes you may miss. The only exception is writing turned in during Daily Assignments. Attendance: WEC classes meet a very limited amount of time. It is very important for students to attend every class session. If you need to miss class I would appreciate advanced notice. You will be responsible for the material and/or assignments covered while missed. Late assignments/missed work: I appreciate students who respect due dates. As we approach due dates throughout the semester, I am always open to a discussion of whether or not that date will allow students the appropriate amount of time to complete the requested work. The due dates are not arbitrary. I consider how much effort will be required to complete the assignment, what else is happening in class at that time, the time of the semester, and how much time and effort will be required by subsequent assignments. Extenuating circumstances aside, turning in work late creates more work for me and more work for you. I will endeavor to understand and respect your time throughout this course, and I would ask that you extend me the same courtesy. If, for some reason, you are not able to turn in an assignment on time I ask that you: 1. Email me on the due date to explain why it will not be turned in on time. 2. Provide an alternative due date to be considered. 3. Understand that the late assignment may be subject to a deduction of points for being turned in late. Academic Honesty at Augsburg: Augsburg has academic honesty policies in place that cover academic concerns like plagiarism and fabricating research. Academic dishonesty will not be tolerated in this class. If I discover you have violated Augsburg’s academic policies, you will fail the course. The academic honesty policies can be found at http://www.augsburg.edu/studentguide/academicpolicies.html. Academic Assistance: If you need any academic assistance like note takers or an alternate or revised testing situation please contact me after class.
COM 355: Small Group Communication Syllabus & Course Policies
The expectation is that you will have read the week’s chapter prior to class.
Topic Jan. 12 Course Introduction Chapters 1, 3 & 4 Forming Groups Assign: - Literature Review (Due Mar. 2) - Teaching Presentations - Skills & Goals Reflection (Due Jan. 26) - Group Contract (Due Jan. 26) Jan. 26 Chapters 2, 10 & 11 Assign Case Study Feb. 2 Chapters 5 & 6 Feb. 16 Chapters 7 & 8 Mar. 2 Chapters 9 & 12 Mar. 16 We will meet as a class for 10 minutes before the exam. Mar. 23 (Last Class) Mar. 25 - Monday
Due Anticipation and Excitement
Skills & Goals Reflection Group Contract Chapters 5 & 6 Teaching Presentations Teaching Portfolio Chapters 7 & 8 Teaching Presentations Teaching Portfolio Chapters 9 & 12 Teaching Presentations Teaching Portfolio Exam - 100 points - 2.5 hours to complete (8:30 - 11:00) Case Study Presentations Portfolios Case Study Paper
