CSS3304SmallGroupCommunication.docVIP

CSS 3304 | Small Group Communication Fall 2010 REQUIRED TEXT Rothwell, J. D. (2010). In Mixed Company: Communicating in Small Groups and Teams (7th ed.). Boston, MA: Wadsworth. COURSE DESCRIPTION Whether they are professional or leisurely, voluntary or mandatory, you will spend a significant portion of your life interacting with and participating in groups. Thus, this course is designed to strengthen your understanding of how communication affects your experience in small groups. Our goal is to become more competent communicators in these settings. By the end of the semester, you should be able to: Identify key theories and concepts concerning small groups; Understand how group dynamics (personalities, relationships, cultures, etc.) affect group communication processes; Contribute to group processes including creative and critical thinking, decision-making, conflict management, and problem-solving; Effectively plan and participate in group meetings and presentations. COURSE EXPECTATIONS POLICIES Attendance: As university policy states, you must attend at least 75% of class periods. Failure to meet this requirement will automatically result in a failing grade. In other words, upon your 11th absence (for MWF classes) and your 8th absence (for MW and TR classes), you will fail the course, as university policy mandates – no exceptions. As a word of advice, although you are technically allowed 7 or 10 absences (depending on the days your class meets), missing the maximum amount of classes allowed is strongly discouraged. Students who attend class regularly tend to earn better grades, plain and simple. Because this class focuses on the nature of healthy group functioning, attendance is particularly important! Therefore, for every absence above 5 (in MWF classes), 2 points will be deducted from your class participation grade. For every absence above 4 (in MW or TR classes), 3 points will be deducted from your cla