Comm 356: Communication in Small Groups
(TTh 1:40-2:55 p.m. MG107)
Instructor: Dr. John R. Fisher
Phone: 426 2450
Email: jfisher@boisestate.edu
Office: Room 104 Communications Building
Office hours: MW 9:40-10:30 p.m. Tues 4:40-5:30 p.m.

Course Description:

This course examines human interaction in small groups. It blends theory and practical experience focusing upon group
development, roles, norms, team building, problem-solving, conflict and leadership.

Course evaluation:

Assignment 1: Meeting analysis  (150 points)
         Marking sheet
         Table A: Participation Rates
         Table B: Requests for Participation
         Table C: Interruptions
         Table D: Asking for Clarification
         Table E: Cross-tabs Interruptions

Assignment 2: Problem solving in groups (150 points)
 Example of students' work "Safety of Boise's Greenbelt"

Assignment 3: Meeting analysis and problem solving  (200 points)
Group presentation (50 points)
Group discussion journal (50 points)
In-class exercises and tests (150 points)
Final exam (250 points)

Students will meet in group discussions each Thursday.  As part of the group discussion, they will prepare group assignments, discuss readings, and prepare for exams.  Each student is to keep a journal indicating dates and times and content of meetings they attended.

Textbook:

John K. Brilhart, Gloria J. Galanes, and Katherine Adams. Effective Group Discussion: Theory and Practice,
10th edition. Boston: McGraw Hill, 2001.
Week Date  Chapter Notes
1
 January 15, 17 1. Small Groups in Life Test 1 Answers
2
 January 22, 24 2. Small Group as a System Test 2 Answers
Notes, Transcript Exercise
3
 January 29, 31 15. Observing Group Discussions Test 15, Answers, Notes 
4
 February 5, 7 14. Discussion Techniques Test 14, Answers, Notes
5
 February 12, 14 11. Problem Solving Test 11, Answers
Assignment 1 due
6
 February 19, 21 12. Decision Making Test 12, Answers, Notes
7
 February 26, 28 3. Human Communication Processes Test 3, Answers
8
 March 5, 7 4. Verbal and Nonverbal Signals No class March 5, Test 4, Answers
9
 March 12, 14 5. Effects of Culture Test 5, Answers
10
 March 19, 21 6. Members Test 6, AnswersAssignment 2 due
11
 March 26, 28 No class
12
 April 2, 4 7. Norms and Roles Test 7 Answers
13
 April 9, 11 8. Fantasy and Cohesiveness Test 8 Answers
14
 April 16, 18 9. Leadership in Small Groups
10. Designated Leader		 Test 9 Answers
15
 April 23, 25 13. Managing Conflict
 16
 April 30, May 2 Group presentations, Potluck (Apr 30)
Exam (May 2)		 Assignment 3 due April 30
 17
 May 7, 9 Dr. Krista Forrest of University of Nebraska at Kearny. "Sex, lies and false confessions: Factors that place you at risk during a police interrogation." Monday, May 6 at 5 p.m. MP106