COMM 3380 - Small Group Communication

Goals: To provide real-life experience in small task-oriented groups in order to examine communication interaction in small groups and teams; to gain an understanding of how group interactions and processes are influenced by communication, and how group interactions and processes in turn affect communication patterns; to gain an understanding of task issues as well as interpersonal relationships in groups and teams, and how communication affects both; to provide opportunities to examine individual communication interaction patterns.

Content: Theories of communication as it functions in teams and small groups; problem-solving processes; phases of small-group interaction; development of norms, roles, group cohesiveness, climate, productivity, and leadership; analysis of the impact of power, status, conflict, and conformity on small-group and team interaction; pragmatic skills related to group presentations; methods to enhance group productivity.

Taught: Every semester

Prerequisite: COMM 1100 or junior/senior standing

Credits: 4