Communication Studies The University of Iowa College of Liberal Arts and Sciences Search

36:011 Group Communication

Description of Course/Curriculum Fit:

This course is an introductory course in small group communication designed to acquaint students with the ways that group communication both contributes to, and inhibits, effective group problem-solving and decision-making performance. The overarching goal of the course is to provide students with the knowledge and skills necessary to function as competent members of small task-oriented groups. Pedagogically, the course seeks to attain this goal by blending lectures, classroom exercises, and real-life group involvement to provide an opportunity for students to put what they learn into practice while learning.

This is a practice course. These courses focus on the production and practice of communication. The primary objective of these courses is the acquisition of practical skillsÑhowever modest. At the introductory level students often spend a large part of the course learning to recognize and understand the communication skills of others (whether they be interpersonal, public speaking, or media communication skills). Students are trained to be skilled observers of communication practices, as well as informed practitioners.

There are no prerequisites for this course.

Course Goals:

  1. To introduce students to small group communication theory and research.
  2. To develop studentsÕ observational and analytical abilities with respect to studying communication in the small group.
  3. To increase studentsÕ small group communication competence.

Suggested Textbooks:

Adams, K. L., Brilhart, J. K., & Galanes, G. J. (2002). Communicating in groups: Applications and skills. Columbus, OH: McGraw-Hill Companies. ISBN: 0072483881

Frey, L. R., & Barge, J. K. (Eds.). (1996). Managing group life: Communicating in decision-making groups. Boston, MA: Houghton Mifflin Company College Division. ISBN: 0395779871

Keyton, J. (1998). Group communication: Process and analysis. Columbus, OH: McGraw-Hill Higher Education. ISBN: 1559347724

Typical Workload/Assignments:

Reading Responses, Group Participation/Attendance, Group Project/Paper, Quizzes, Midterm Exam, and Final Exam.