2. What theory and background knowledge help us to study interpersonal communication in small groups?
3. What is a group?
4. What are some conceptual and theoretical approaches to the study of groups?
5. What are the elements of an effective group?
6. What is the influence of self in groups?
7. How do groups grow and change?
8. What roles do people take in groups?
9. What kinds of verbal and non-verbal communications facilitate the work of the group?
10. How can groups become more effective?
11. What role does power play in group dynamics?
12. What ethical standards facilitate group work?
13. How does conflict manifest in and affect groups?
14. How can one help a dysfunctional group?
15. How do leaders emerge in a group?
16. What constitutes effective group participation and leadership?
17. How can one become a more effective group participant and leader?
18. What is the role of computer-mediated communication (CMC) in groups?
19. What are some tools for assessing group conduct and effectiveness?
This highly interactive course emphasizes learning through doing. Working individually, in partners or in small groups, students are involved in focused analysis and interpretation of interpersonal communication in group settings. A discussion-based teaching model is used with the expectation that students actively prepare for, participate in and extract meaning from class activities, case studies, simulations and role plays. Group meetings may be videotaped for analysis and evaluation of group process. Students may conduct research with human participants as part of their course evaluation. Instructors will ensure that such research is conducted in a manner consistent with College research ethics policies and federal policies.
Assignments will vary; the following is one example of how components and marks may be allocated:
| Quizzes on reading | 15% |
|
Group experience and skills inventory |
15% |
|
Group activity design |
10% |
|
Group leadership demonstration |
15% |
| Written assignments and reflective papers | 30% |
| Professional conduct, participation and attendance | 15% |
Overarching objective:
By the end of the course, successful students gain knowledge of foundational group theory and acquire interpersonal, team-work and leadership skills that allow them to communicate and work more effectively in groups.
Knowledge:
By the end of the course, successful students are able to:
Skills:
By the end of the course, successful students are able to:
diagnose and suggest effective remedies for group dysfunction
demonstrate foundational skills for managing conflict in groups
Attitudes:
By the end of the course, successful students gain appreciation for:
Suggested texts:
Sample of textbooks and materials appropriate for Communications 1210 to be purchased in current edition by students:
Beebe, Stephen A. and Masterson, John T. Communication in small groups: Principles and practices. Upper Saddle River, New Jersey: Pearson Education.
Galanes, G. and Adamas, K. Effective group discussion: Theory and practice. Columbus, Ohio: McGraw-Hill Ryerson.
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Course Guidelines for previous years are viewable by selecting the version desired. If you took this course and do not see a listing for the starting semester / year of the course, consider the previous version as the applicable version.
| Institution | Transfer Details | Effective Dates |
|---|---|---|
| Kwantlen Polytechnic University (KPU) | KPU CMNS 1XXX (3) | 2004/09/01 to - |
| Langara College (LANG) | LANG CMNS 1XXX (3) | 2004/09/01 to - |
| Simon Fraser University (SFU) | SFU CMNS 2XX (3) | 2004/09/01 to - |
| Trinity Western University (TWU) | TWU COMM 2XX (3) | 2004/09/01 to - |
| University of British Columbia - Okanagan (UBCO) | No credit | 2005/05/01 to - |
| University of British Columbia - Vancouver (UBCV) | No credit | 2004/09/01 to - |
| University of the Fraser Valley (UFV) | UFV CMNS 1XX (3) | 2004/09/01 to - |
| University of Victoria (UVIC) | UVIC SOCW 2XX (1.5) | 2004/09/01 to - |