Skyline College Speech 140 AX/AH Small Group Communication Spring 2008 Class meets M & W 12:10-1:25 pm 3 units Professor Fermin Irigoyen E-mail (irigoyen@smccd.net) Phone: 650.738.4276 Office hours: T & TH 11:10 am-12pm and by arrangement 1-1133 http://www.smccd.net/accounts/irigoyen/index9.html Required Text: In Mixed Company- J. Dan Rothwell Sixth Edition Scantrons: Four half-sheet green scantrons, Form No. 882-ES. Course Description Recommended: Eligibility for ENGL 100 or 105, or equivalent. Understanding of the principles of group interaction and decision making. Participation in discussion groups to share information, solve problems, and reach consensus. Plus one hr/wk by arrangement. Transfer: UC; CSU
Student Learning Outcomes After completion of Speech Communication 140, students will be able to: a) Describe how communication is a transactional process and how this knowledge relates to communication in small groups b) Analyze a group discussion based on the definition and elements of communication competence c) Explain how using systems theory can help increase a group's productivity and cohesiveness d) Explain and elaborate on the task and social dimensions of a problem-solving group e) Discuss the pros and cons of competitive and cooperative group climates f) Apply the four major perspectives on leadership to different group situations g) Demonstrate how major critical thinking errors occur in problem-solving groups and what to do to avoid them h) Explain how different methods of group decision making, critical thinking, and creative problem-solving techniques can enhance a group in its decision making
Speech Requirements Topics need to be approved by the instructor prior to delivering your presentation. Each speech will have a specified time requirement to be determined by the instructor. Each speech will require a complete sentence outline and will be turned in at the time you make your speech. If you do not have your outline ready, you will earn a zero for the assignment. Each speech will require a list of references, which will be attached to the end of your outline. All materials turned in must be typed or word-processed. Attendance will be taken the first 5 minutes of class, and is mandatory on speech days If you do not attend class during presentations, your presentation score will be lowered by 5% each day you miss.	Grading (Final Grading is on a straight scale and percentages are rounded down.) Attendance/Participation 10% Small Group Project One 15% Small Group Project Two 30% Mid-term Exam One 15% Mid-term Exam Two 15% Mid-term Exam Three 15% A (90-100%) B (80-89%) C (70-79%) D (60-69%) F (Below 59%) ASSIGNMENTS Click Here for Group Assignments GROUP ASSIGNMENTS HELPFUL LINKS Guidelines for Public Speaking Transition Words Reagan - Skilled Communicator Citing Your Sources

	Click on Chapter and Topic
Week Date (Week Of)	Chapter & Topic
Week 1 January 21	Introductions/Course Overview
Week 2 January 28	CH 1 Communication Competence in Groups
Week 3 February 4	CH 2 Groups as Systems
Week 4 February 11	CH 3 Group Development
Week 5 February 18	Exam 1 (February 20, 2008) SPCH 140 STUDY GUIDE TEST ONE
Week 6 February 25	Group Project (1) Presentations "Group Adventure"
Week 7 March 3	CH 4 Developing the Group Climate
Week 8 March 10	CH 5 Roles in Leadership in Groups
Week 9 March 17	Spring Break
Week 10 March 24	CH 6 Developing Effective Teams
Week 11 March 31	CH 7 Group Discussion: Defective Decision Making and Problem Solving
Week 12 April 7	Exam 2 Wednesday, April 9, 2008 SPCH 140 STUDY GUIDE TEST TWO
Week 13 April 14	CH 8 Group Discussion: Effective Decision Making and Problem Solving
Week 14 April 21	CH 9 Power in Groups : A Central Dynamic
Week 15 April 28	CH 10 Conflict Management in Groups
Week 16 May 5	CH 11 Technology and Virtual Groups
Week 17 May 12	Exam 3 (Wednesday, May 14, 2008) (Business Plans Due May 12, 2008) SPCH 140 STUDY GUIDE TEST THREE
Week 18 May 19 Week 19 May 22nd	Group Project (2) Presentations "Business Plan Assignment" Final Exam 11:10-1:40 Final (Wednesday) Back to Instructor Home Page * The above schedule and procedures in the course are subject to change in the event of extenuating circumstances