SPCH 120 - Small Group Communication
Course Description:

This course focuses on oral communication in small group settings. Emphasis is placed on rhetorical principles and practices relating to small groups. Additionally, the focus is on the assessment of the efficacy of communication processes such as problem-solving, conflict management, decision-making, and leadership. The course is intended for students pursuing a Communication Studies degree or any discipline requiring effective communication in group settings. Throughout the course, students are expected to speak their own words, not recite words written by others. This course includes faculty-supervised, faculty-evaluated oral presentations in the presence of others (physically or virtually). As a primary focus, this course provides students with the foundational knowledge and practice of public speaking in a democratic society to enable students to successfully communicate ideas of an informative and persuasive nature in the public speaking mode and to critically evaluate the speeches of others.

I. Cover

CC Discipline/Department: Communications and Languages
Planning Department: Speech
Course Number: SPCH 120
Course Title: Small Group Communication
Units: 3.000 Units
Lecture: 54.000 Hours
Lab: 0.000
Discussion Hours: 0.000
Total Contact Hours: 54.000 Hours
Outside-of-Class Hours: 108.000 Hours
Total Student Learning Hours: 162.000 Hours
Advisory: ENGL C1000
TOP Code: 1506.00 - Speech and Rhetorical Studies
CIP Code 09.0101 - Speech Communication and Rhetoric
SAM Code: Non-Occupational

II. Need/Justification/Goals

This is a degree appropriate course and a general education course at Rio Hondo and four-year institutions. This course is one of the core classes students need to major in Communication Studies 2.0 AA-T at Rio Hondo College.

Articulation to the Cal-GETC 1C Oral Communication area is appropriate given the rhetorical oral communication emphasis of the content of this course and the course's existing oral communication emphasis in informing and persuading audiences aligning with Cal-GETC 1C standards.

III. Title 5 Requirements

A. Entering Skills (“Upon entering the course, students should be able to…”):
Recognize the relationship between clear, logical thinking, and the composition of clear, logical essays. (ENGL C1000)
B. Exiting Skills (“Upon exiting the course, students should be able to”):
Create presentations that incorporate the concepts presented in the course through a variety of well-prepared faculty-supervised, faculty-evaluated speeches delivered to a live audience (one to many) using effective rhetoric and delivery techniques
In small group settings: understand the theoretical foundations of creating and sharing knowledge, including the understanding of the rhetorical situation, canons of rhetoric, and the Aristotelian proofs of ethos, pathos, and logos
Finding, critically examining, and using supporting materials from primary and secondary sources for credibility, accuracy, and relevance in their speeches, presentations, and small group reports
Conceptualizing and effectively using compelling arguments in support of a guiding thesis and organizational pattern appropriate for the audience, occasion, and across a variety of contexts, particularly a small group setting
Knowing and adhering to ethical communication practices which include truthfulness, accuracy, honesty, and reason as essential to the integrity of communication
Explain the psychological, social, and cultural basis and significance of oral communication as it occurs in small groups.
Demonstrate rhetorical sensitivity to diversity, equity, inclusion, belonging, and accessibility
Employing effective verbal and nonverbal practices while delivering a speech and managing communication apprehension to enhance the small group efficacy
Demonstrate effective critical listening to speakers and small group members
Applying rhetorical principles to analyze historical and contemporary public discourse in small groups
Identify and analyze the tasks, maintenance, and processes impacting the small group communication
Exhibit effective rhetorical choices to problem-solve and manage conflict in the small group setting
Identify and analyze the various roles participants play in small groups and the related rhetorical influences.
C. Minimum Required for a “C”:
Completion of all required work with at least 70% of all possible points.
D. Grade Options:
  • Standard Letter

IV. Course Content

Lecture Outline:
  1. Effective Public speaking, negotiation, and communicative interaction in group settings
    1. Finding, critically examining, and using supporting materials from primary and secondary sources for credibility, accuracy, and relevance in their speeches and presentations
    2. Employing effective verbal and nonverbal practices while delivering a speech and managing communication apprehension
    3. Public speaking and related rhetoric with a small group audience (e.g., effective rhetoric to an organizational audience).
    4. Oral Communication through small group negotiations (e.g., effective rhetoric in contractual negotiations)
    5. Oral Communication in small group interactions (e.g., communicating among members)
    6. Understanding the rhetorical challenges and opportunities in various speaking mediums (e.g., in person, online, etc.)
  1. Ethics of Small Groups
  1. Knowing ethical communication practices, which include truthfulness, accuracy, honesty, and reasoning as essential to the integrity of communication
  2. Adhering to ethical communication practices, particularly in the small group setting.
  1. Components of Small Group Communication
    A. Definition of Small Group Communication
    B. Features of Small Group Communication
    C. Types of Small Groups
     
  2. Communication Principles for Group Members
         A. Communication is symbolic
         B. Communication is personal
         C. Communication is a transactional process
         D. Communication involves content and relational dimensions
     
  3. The Small Group Socialization Process
         A. Why Individuals Join Groups
         B. Small Group Socialization
         C. Model of Small Group Socialization
         D. Outcomes of Socialization
         E. Socialization Guidelines
     
  4. Diversity Among Small Group Members
         A. Definition and Outcomes of Diversity
         B. Diversity of personality
         C. Cultural Diversity
         D. Demographic Diversity: Sex and Gender
         E. Cognitive Diversity: Learning Styles
     
  5. Models of Small Group Development
         A. Group Development
         B. Developmental Models
         C. Characteristics of Group Development
         D. The small group as a system
      1. Defining a system
      2. Characteristics of systems
         
  6. Characteristics of Small Group Tasks
         A. Characteristics of a Task
         B. Engaging in Decision-Making and Problem-Solving Tasks
         C. Functional Perspective of Small Group Communication
         D. Groupthink
     
  7. Small Group Decision-Making Procedures
         A. Definition of Decision-Making Procedures
         B. Types of Decision-Making Procedures
         C. Decision-Making Procedures
     
  8. Development of Small Group Roles
         A. Functional Approach to Roles
         B. General Propositions of Roles
         C. Role Development
         D. Types of Roles
     
  9. Approaches to Small Group Leadership
         A. Being a Leader vs. Sharing Leadership
         B. Classic Leadership Approaches
         C. Leadership Dynamics
      1. The functional concept of group leadership
      2. The contingency concept of group leadership
  1. Popular Communication Leadership Approaches
  2. Guidelines to Enhance Leadership Competence
     
  1. Using verbal and nonverbal communicative messages in a group
               A. Verbal Communication in Small Groups
      1. Adjust to the symbolic nature of language
      2. Organize remarks
      3. Be sensitive to the feelings of others
      4. Following the rules of the group
      5. Functions of verbal communication
    2. Nonverbal Communication in Small Groups
      1. Categories of nonverbal communication
      2. Principles of nonverbal communication
      3. Functions of nonverbal communication
         
  2. Listening: Receiving, interpreting, and responding to messages from other group members
  1. Listening defined
  2. Listening actively 
  3. Effective critical listening
  4. Effective comprehensive listening
  5. Listening and peer critiques of an oral presentation

 

  1. Conflict in the Small Group
         A. Definition of Conflict
         B. Types of Small Group Conflict
         C. Conflict Management Styles
         D. Guidelines for  managing conflict effectively
     
  2. Effective Oral Communication Presentations
    1. Rhetorical Principles
      1. The study of effective communication in formal speeches
      2. The study of effective communication and social interaction
    2. How to organize an Oral Presentation
    3. Conduct Scholarly Research
    4. Organize the Speech
    5. Traditional Rhetoric and Public Speaking
    6. Rhetorical Devices
    7. Effective Delivery
  3. Communication as the Process of Human Symbolic Interaction
    1. Reasoning and Advocacy
    2. Organization and Accuracy
    3. Critical Evaluation and Reporting of information
    4. Reading and Listening effectively as well as Speaking and Writing
  4. Rhetorical theories and genres of communication (e.g., Aristotle), including informative and persuasive speaking.

V. Course Objectives

The Student Will Be Able To:
Create presentations that incorporate the concepts presented in the course through a variety of well-prepared faculty-supervised, faculty-evaluated speeches delivered to a live audience (one to many) using effective rhetoric and delivery techniques
In small group settings: understand the theoretical foundations of creating and sharing knowledge, including the understanding of the rhetorical situation, canons of rhetoric, and the Aristotelian proofs of ethos, pathos, and logos
Finding, critically examining, and using supporting materials from primary and secondary sources for credibility, accuracy, and relevance in their speeches, presentations, and small group reports
Conceptualizing and effectively using compelling arguments in support of a guiding thesis and organizational pattern appropriate for the audience, occasion, and across a variety of contexts, particularly a small group setting
Knowing and adhering to ethical communication practices which include truthfulness, accuracy, honesty, and reason as essential to the integrity of communication
Explain the psychological, social, and cultural basis and significance of oral communication as it occurs in small groups.
Demonstrate rhetorical sensitivity to diversity, equity, inclusion, belonging, and accessibility
Employing effective verbal and nonverbal practices while delivering a speech and managing communication apprehension to enhance the small group efficacy
Demonstrate effective critical listening to speakers and small group members
Applying rhetorical principles to analyze historical and contemporary public discourse in small groups
Identify and analyze the tasks, maintenance, and processes impacting the small group communication
Exhibit effective rhetorical choices to problem-solve and manage conflict in the small group setting
Identify and analyze the various roles participants play in small groups and the related rhetorical influences.

VI. Methods of Instruction:

Activity (individual)
Activity (group)
Critique
Discussion (classroom)
Discussion (group)
Guest Speakers
Guided Instruction
Lecture
Observation
Performances
Presentations
Reports

VII. Assignments:

  1. Individual Oral Presentation - Plan, create, and deliver a persuasive speech to a group (audience).
  2. Group Oral Presentation - Oral group presentation to a group or audience
  3. Classroom Discussion - Orally clarifying, advocating for, or refuting a class discussion topics
  4. Case Study (individual) - Small group case study analysis
  5. Term Paper
  6. Individual Oral Presentation - Plan, create, and deliver an informative speech to a group (audience).
  7. Conceptual Mapping - Outlines of speeches and small group meeting agendas

VIII. Methods of Evaluation:

Measure understanding of course material through objective exams and quizzes containing multiple choice, true-false and/or short answer questions.
Assess group projects for evidence of collaborative work, organization, clarity and accuracy.
Evaluate individual presentations for evidence of individual work, organization, clarity and accuracy.
Evaluate group presentations for evidence of collaborative work, organization, clarity and accuracy.
Assess individual case studies for evidence of individual work, organization, clarity and accuracy.
Evaluate assigned videos for evidence of relevant course content.
Appraise group collaboration for innovation and problem solving skills.
Measure understanding of homework for accuracy and relevancy through quizzes, exams and/or short writing assignments.
Other Methods:

  1. Multiple research related writing assignments, examinations, oral communication, discussions, speech presentations, and group projects.

  2. This course includes faculty-supervised, faculty-evaluated oral presentations in the presence of others (physically or virtually).

IX. Student Learning Outcome

  1. While participating in a small group meeting, students will demonstrate effective oral communication skills.
  2. Students will be able to explain the impact of culture on member interaction.
  3. Students will be able to describe the member roles and corresponding functions in small groups.
  4. Students will be able to compare and contrast the effectiveness of conflict management styles.
  5. Students will identify and appraise the various leadership styles in small group interaction.

X. Texts/Instructional Materials:

Textbooks:
Adams, K. & Galanes, G. , Communicating in Groups: Applications and Skills, McGraw Hill, (ISBN: 9781260804942) (2021)
Beebe, S. & Masterson, J. , Communicating in Small Groups: Principles and Practices, Pearson, (ISBN: 13-9780135712160) (2020)
Rothwell, J. D., In Mixed Company: Communicating in Small Groups and Teams, Oxford University Press, (ISBN: 9780197602812) (2021)
Other Instructional Material:
OER: Linabary, J.R., & Castro, M. Small Group Communication: Forming & Sustaining Teams. Version.. 2021. https:// https://open.umn.edu/opentextbooks/textbooks/1049. Licensed under CC BY 4.0.
OER: Barton, K. and Tucker, B. G. Exploring Public Speaking (Latest edition). Version 2019 [4th edition]. https://socialsci.libretexts.org/Bookshelves/Communication/Public_Speaking/Exploring_Public_Speaking_4e_(Barton_and_Tucker)