COMMUNICATION 224 - SMALL GROUP PROCESSES
Winter 2010
Professor: Jennifer Hays
Office Phone: 650-2571
Class Location: AW406
Office: CF 287
Class: T/R 2:00-3:50
Office Hrs: M, W, R 10-11
Email: Jennifer.Hays@wwu.edu
or by appointment
Note: *The most efficient way to communicate with me is face to face.
TA: Kendall Barnett Phone: 425-239-3649 Office Hours: TBA Email:barnetk4@students.wwu.edu
“Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world.
Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has.” (Margaret Mead)
WELCOME TO SMALL GROUP PROCESSES. In this course, students will learn and practice
the skills necessary to function effectively in work teams and civic and social groups, including effective
member roles, leadership skills, problem solving and decision-making.
COURSE DESCRIPTION AND GOAL
This course will explore the dynamics of human interaction and diversity in small group settings. Group
tasks will include the development of problem-solving, decision-making, diversity, critical thinking skills,
and much more. The following will be learned in-class and through group projects, including direct
community-based learning (CBL). Students will learn about small group processes through theory and
application while working in a group setting (i.e. in-class and out of class). Students will learn how to be
more effective members of small groups by immediately practicing course theories. The class is designed
to give students a diverse perspective while being a part of a team working on several group projects.
Examples of topics covered in this course include verbal and nonverbal communication, culture, leadership,
managing conflict, group discussions, observation, small group as a system, etc . By participating in class,
students will have the communicative ability to work in diverse small groups, and apply the
professionalism learned throughout the course and the community-based project.
NOTE: The instructor reserves the right to make changes to the course syllabus and content throughout
the quarter; therefore, it is your responsibility to be current with updates made in class, via emails and on
blackboard. All students are required by WWU to be present throughout the quarter and finals week. I will
not permit anyone to leave early nor will I give students assignments or exams in place of the final exam.
LEARNING OBJECTIVES
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
To acquire skills that contribute to successful small group participation and satisfaction.
To improve critical thinking, problem-solving, and decision-making skills in small groups during class
and out of class.
To develop an understanding of current research, theories, and principles of small group processes to
provide the basis of effective application.
To function as a participant-observer within a small group in order to improve skills and succeed in
group work.
To gain direct hands on experience by working in small groups with a community partner.
REQUIRED TEXT

Adams, K., Galanes, G. J. (2009). Communicating in Small Groups: Applications and Skills, 7th Ed.
New York: McGraw-Hill. *(Bring to class daily)
REQUIRED MATERIALS
 One 3-ring binder notebook and dividers for each group – for community-based project (optional)
 Journal
 Positive Attitude 
ACADEMIC DISHONESTY POLICY AND PROCEDURE
Academic integrity is demanded of students, and academic dishonesty at Western Washington University is
a serious infraction dealt with severely. Students shall not claim as their own the achievements, work or
arguments of others, nor shall they be a party to such claims. It is the instructor’s responsibility to confront
a student and to take appropriate action if academic dishonesty, in the instructor’s judgment, has occurred.
(Appendix D, Western Washington University)
PLAGIARISM
Plagiarism is presenting as one's own in whole or in part the argument, language, creations, conclusions, or
scientific data of another without explicit acknowledgement. Examples include but are not limited to: (1)
Using another person's written or spoken words, (2) Using information from a World Wide Web site, CDROM or other electronic sources, (3) Using statistics, graphs, charts and facts without acknowledging the
source of the ideas, and (4) Paraphrasing, which is using someone else's argument without acknowledging
the source by imitating the argument using other words. (Appendix D, WWU; Western Washington
University Library, http://www.library.wwu.edu/ref/plagiarism.html)
ACCOMMODATIONS FOR STUDENTS WITH DISABILITIES
ADA Statement: the Americans with Disabilities Act requires that reasonable accommodations be provided
for students with physical, sensory, cognitive, systematic, learning, and psychiatric disabilities. Reasonable
accommodations are available for students who have a documented disability. Please notify the instructor
and Office of Student Life during the first week of class of any accommodation(s) needed for the course.
Late notification may cause the requested accommodations to be unavailable. All accommodations must be
approved through the Director of Disability Resources, Student Support Services, David Brunnemer, Old
Main 110, 650-3083.
EVALUATION CRITERIA:
The purpose of student evaluations is to inform students of their performance throughout the quarter by
written and verbal feedback. Overall, the grading standard is as follows:
A= Outstanding/ Significantly exceeded all criteria
B=Above average/Exceeded portions of the criteria
C=Average/Met basic criteria
A= 100 – 94%
A-= 93-90%
B+= 89-87%
B= 86-84%
B-= 83-80%
C+= 79-77%
C= 76-74%
C-= 73-70%
D+= 69-67%
D= 64-66%
D-= 63-60%
F = 59% and below
*Note: Proofread all assignments submitted to the professor. Points will be subtracted for spelling and
grammatical errors.
GRADE DISTRIBUTION (100 POSSIBLE POINTS)
Group Name/Logo Presentation– 5 points
Quizzes – 10 for 10 points total
Journaling – 10 points (up to 5 pts each time turned in)
Chapter Presentation – 15 points
Community-Based Project – 35 points
15 pts – presentation; 5 pts – community partner; 5 pts - project completion by deadline; 2.5 pts
each – weekly emails to partner; weekly emails to TA; midpoint update presentation;
invitation/thank-you letter to the partner
In-class video and discussion– 5 points
Class Participation and involvement – 10 points (includes attendance, group contract, thank-you cards)
Final Exam – 10 points
GRADING
Every effort will be made to grade and return course materials within a week of their completion. Research
papers and exams will take extended time to grade. All assignments given to the instructor need to be
stapled. The instructor will not be responsible for unstapled papers. It is the student’s responsibility to
keep extra copies of all turned in and graded assignments. Word-processed, size 12 font, hard copy is
required for all assignments and NO email and/or attachments may be substituted. Please proofread all
assignments before turning them in. *Always review the syllabus, Bb, assignment requirements, and/or see
me for clarification for assignments. It is the student’s responsibility to complete all assignments. The
instructor has the right to change/alter point distribution throughout the academic quarter.
GOALS FOR DIRECT COMMUNITY-BASED LEARNING: *As a class we have a civic
responsibility to serve others as team members, to learn from one another, and to be active learners. This
assignment includes community service. All students will work in small groups with a non-profit agency.
The project may include assisting the elderly or children, helping with an event, creating a manual, etc.
The purpose of the project is to allow group members to observe their own interactions in non-academic
settings as well as the interactions of the community partner organization.
Note: You are to implement small group communication concepts from class in every aspect of your
community-based learning experience and other situations. Every student is expected to be professional.
Professionalism includes, but is not limited to, being on time for every meeting, participating in all
aspects of the group process, communicating your ideas effectively, and demonstrating respect for
everyone. You are representing WWU therefore your performance at the C.B.L. agency must be
professional. You are to join the community partner in your small group by providing service to citizens
the agency serves. You are required to take theories learned and apply them, as well as, use the project as a
way to better understand the concepts discussed in class and the text. You are providing a service to the
organization and the organization is giving you the opportunity to gain experience and apply the small
group theories. The goals of direct community-based learning are:
 To effectively work with a community partner organization as a small group.
 To gain hands on experience with the community and gain knowledge of diversity.
 To identify communication styles, leadership, conflict management, and group formation.
NOTE: It is my expectation that your community partner provides you with a positive learning and
working environment conducive to the development of your knowledge and skills. If you believe the items
negotiated in your contract (e.g. goals, objectives) are not being upheld or if the working environment is
less than satisfactory, it is your responsibility to contact me right away. This experience will give you great
experience and will be a useful resource. It has many applications to life, not just this class. It is a resume
builder, opportunity to network, and provides references for future endeavors.
Group Member Problems: Peer Dismissal/Fire
Teams are responsible to adjust to group issues just as you would in any class/job, but if a particular
member(s) continues to be a problem and social loafer please notify the professor. This member may be
fired by the team if the problem persists. Teams must document the student behavior and submit it to the
professor in writing during a face to face scheduled meeting.
Assignments: See description below and the professor for more information. No make-up assignments.
Group Name and Logo: Each group will create an image which can use a variety of means (pictures,
words, drawings, etc) to represent their group. You will also describe the meaning of your group name to
the class. Each group will present a group logo image to the class, describe their group logo and discuss
their first group meeting and fun activity. Each group member must take equal part in the presentation to
receive points for this assignment. No make-up presentations will be scheduled.
Quizzes: There will be 10 quizzes over the course of the quarter. They will cover the text, syllabus,
exercises and group discussion. They will take the place of a midterm. Each quiz will be worth 1 point of
the 100 points that make up this class.
Journaling: Students are required to keep individual observation reflective notes of each team meeting
in-class and out of class. The goal is to critically evaluate yourself each week based on your small group
communication and course content. As you reflect, please be sure to integrate the chapters and your
community project experience in order to get the most from this assignment and earn full credit for the
journal entries. Each week’s journaling should be a minimum of 2 pages. If you wish to discuss other
aspects of group work outside of our class please do so. Make sure to let me know when you are writing
observations about other classes/situations. Your journal will be collected twice during the course of the
quarter. There are also journal topics you may discuss on Blackboard.
Chapter Team Discussion Leaders (DL): Students (depending on class size) will be responsible for
presenting an organized discussion based on the chapter/article reading. In other words you are responsible
for including the class in a 40-45 minute interactive discussion. Each leader must 1) discuss how the
chapter or article best relates to self, group work, and personal experiences and should include examples
from community-based learning; 2) ask questions of the audience regarding the chapter; 3) cover three
aspects of the chapter that were most interesting or important; 4) bring in outside resource material or
literature if necessary; and 5) implement an applied activity (no more than 10 minutes). Points will be
deducted if you merely present the text material. Find your own unique approach to the subject matter –
apply it to us, you, other small groups, previous presentations, etc. Keep it simple. Be sure to identify the
purpose of your presentation (including chapter topic), discuss text terms and concepts (as necessary),
include an introduction and a conclusion, and be familiar with any diagrams in the chapter that might
enhance your presentation, but also look for examples from other areas (i.e. video clips, other texts, etc.).
You will be required to evaluate team members. This is due the day after your presentation.
Community-Based Project (CBP): Your small group will be responsible for working as a team to
complete a project that fulfills aspects of small group communication and requirements needed by the
community partner. This assignment requires you apply what we have covered in class as you complete
your work for the community partner. It also allows you to practice the role of participant-observer which
is a goal for this class. Further explanation can be found under the Community-Based Project section,
Grade Distribution, and on Blackboard.
In-Class Film Analysis: We will show one film during the course of this class. On the specified day, a
film will be shown for the class period. We will spend a portion of the next class discussing the video and
how it ties to the readings and class discussions. This is primarily an in-class assignment and part of your
participation grade. In order to get the full 5 points you must be present for the film, complete the exercise
sheet, and actively participate in the discussion. Do not plan to be absent.
Exam: One in-class final will focus on integration of the following: lectures, community project,
application, skills, concepts and vocabulary learned from the text, articles, analysis, in-class discussions,
film, video clips, etc. The exam will combine multiple choice, T/F, fill in the blank, and short answer and
essay. We will not cover everything studied throughout the quarter; rather highlight the most important
material. You will be provided a study guide prior to the exam.
Participation: Students are expected to participate daily…in class discussions, exercises, feedback to
discussion leaders, past & personal experiences, activities assigned, role plays, skills, and most
importantly…professionally present yourself daily. Due to the nature of this class, punctual attendance is
important for in and out-of-class meetings. You have one "free" absence but two points, per class, will be
deducted after the first absence. Arriving late to or leaving early from class may result in points deducted
from the participation portion of your grade. Please remember that the one “free” absence does not excuse
you from missing an exam, activity or assignment. There is a document called “In Class Participation
Criteria” on Blackboard under the documents section. Please read it to understand how you may earn the
full points awarded for participation.Point break down for participation is as follows: 5 points for
attendance, 2 points for group contract, 1 point for group member thank-you cards, and 2 points professor
discretion.
COURSE OUTLINE: Complete readings by the first class meeting of each day. Discussion leaders
will be responsible for presenting on their assigned day. Students are responsible for all chapters and
articles that may not be discussed in class. It is the students’ responsibility to review all assignments. Keep
in mind that chapters are not read in order.
Week
Date
1
1/5
3
Chapter/Topic
Turn cell phones and I-pods off before entering the classroom.
*Orientation: Course, expectations, get to know each other
Discuss: Syllabus, policies, questions/comments per chapter reading, projects,
especially the Community Project, & rationale.
Assign: Chapter 1 is due next class.
1/6
*Schedule and Preference list due to me via email by 5:00pm
1/7
*Groups: Assign and break up into groups. Chapter presentation dates.
Assign: Group name and logo activity - due 1/19. Fun activity due by 1/19
Group Contract due 1/19. Must have list of questions for partner due 1/12.
Chapter 2 is due next class.
1/12
Due: Meet with your community partner. Chapter 2
Discuss: Group name/logo presentation. Assign: Chapter 3 due next class.
1/14
Due: Chapter 3
Assign: Group Name and Logo Presentation and Group Contract due 1/19.
1/19
Due: Group name and logo activity (10 minute presentation), GroupContract.
Assign: Work on your group’s chapter. Chapter 11 prelim outline due 1/21.
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
1/21
Due: In-Class work on Chapter Presentation. Chapter 11 prelim outline due.
Assign:Chapter 11 presentation due next class.Chapter 4 prelim outline due 1/26
1/26
Due: Chapter 11 Presentation. Chapter 4 prelim outline due.
Assign: Chapter 4 presentation due next class. Chapter 5 prelim outline due 1/28
1/28
Due: Chapter 4 presentation. Chapter 5 prelim outline due.
Assign: Chapter 5 presentation due next class. Chapter 6 prelim outline due 2/2
2/2
Due: Chapter 5 Presentation. Chapter 6 prelim outline due.
Assign:Chapter 6 presentation due next class. Chapter 7 prelim outline due 2/4
Journals due 2/4.
2/4
Due: Chapter 6 presentation. Chapter 7 prelim outline due. Journals.
Assign: Chapter 7 presentation due next class. Invite to CP due 2/9.
2/9
Due: Chapter 7 presentation. Invite to CP.
Assign: Prep time in class for Community-based project. Chapter 8.
2/11
Due: Midterm discussion about community-based project.
Assign: Chapter 8. In-class prep time.
2/16
Due: Chapter 8
Assign: Chapter 9
2/18
Due: Chapter 9
Assign: Chapter 10
2/23
Due: Chapter 10
Assign: Rough draft of thank-you letter due 2/25.
2/25
Due: In-class prep for Community-Based Project Presentation. Rough draft of
CP thank-you letter. Assign: Presentations for 3 groups on 3/2
3/2
Due: Presentations; thank-you letter for community partner
Assign: Presentations for final 2 groups due 3/4
3/4
Due: Presentations; thank-you letter for community partner
Final discussion of community projects
3/9
In-class film – complete a worksheet as we watch the film
Assign: Each group is responsible for party food, journals, and thank-you cards
due 3/11
3/11
Due: Journals, party goodies, thank-you cards for your group members.
Discuss: Film
FINALS WEEK –
Tuesday, March 16 from 1-3:00
Professor Course Policies
Note: Each student is responsible for reading and following the policies listed.

Attendance: Students are expected to attend and actively participate in class discussions, exercises, and reading of
assigned materials. Not only is this expectation reflected in the participation points listed, but quizzes and the
exam will include information covered in class discussions and lectures, as well as material covered in the
readings. Therefore, failure to attend class will detract from more than just the participation points. For every
unexcused absence (absences not waived by the university) two points will be subtracted. You are given one
unexcused absence from class. Assignments that are missed will not be rescheduled. For emergencies please
contact me in person and in advance. The key is to attend class and communicate with me at all times. Failure to
show up for a presentation, exam, or assignment will result in a zero for that given assignment.

Cell Phones and I-Pods: All cell phones MUST be turned off before entering my class room. Disruptive
members will be asked to leave and points may be subtracted after the initial ring. Please be courteous to your
peers and professor. Treat others with the respect you expect. Absolutely NO I-Pods may be worn or turned on
during class time.

Collaborative Learning/Participation: To be able to apply interpersonal communication concepts it is crucial
that students actively take part in class discussions by sharing personal experiences. Your voice is important to
your peers and me. This is an environment for students to express their thoughts. Questions will be randomly
asked about the readings, so please come prepared.

Communicate: Be sure to communicate with me for anything. This includes uncertainty of an assignment,
feedback needed for improvement, perhaps you are having a bad day and you’re unable to meet a deadline, you’re
suffering from a stomachache, etc. Communicate with me so that I may meet your concerns.

Constructive Criticism AKA ‘Giving Love’: I expect all students to give one another constructive feedback on
their assignments and presentations. I define constructive criticism as giving your honest feedback with helpful
suggestions for your peers to improve. This should be done with respect, care, and thought. Do NOT offend
anyone or their work in any way. The key is to assist your peers in becoming more effective communicators.

Email Etiquette: When sending email to the professor: please indicate which communication class you are from
in the subject line, keep your message direct and to the point, do not send personal or emergency messages (a
phone call or face to face would be best for your confidentiality), use formal not informal language, and double
check for spelling/grammar. If you wish to discuss your grade, you may use email to make an appointment. All
discussions about grades will take place face-to-face. Once you have sent an email expect a response in a few
days not in 24 hours.

Late to class: Get to class on time. If you are on the other side of campus and happen to come in late, don’t
disrupt the class or presenter. Please wait outside the room until it is less distracting to enter. Being late is
distracting in any class especially a communication course. Points may be subtracted for ongoing late arrivals.

Late Work: Assignments are due at the beginning of class, NOT IN MY BOX OR EMAIL. Late work may not
be accepted. Print your assignment in advance to prevent printing errors. If you have concerns please see me as
soon as possible.

Media Services & Student Technology Center: You can obtain media related equipment for your presentations
such as video cameras (digital video or still video), tape recorders, and laptops, etc. Contact Media Services or
student technology Center one week prior to your presentation. You will still be responsible for presenting even if
your equipment is not available.

Papers: All written assignments must be double-spaced and typed in 12 point font. Hand-written papers will not
be accepted. All papers must follow APA format and be accompanied by a title page for professionalism unless
noted otherwise by the instructor. Points may be subtracted for incorrect formats, grammatical, and spelling
errors. Include your name, class title, title of the assignment, date, and student number. Be sure to re-read your
papers for grammatical errors.

Reminder: If you have any questions about my expectations please ask. Keep in mind that my policies may
change. This course is exciting, fun, and students enjoy it. Have fun! I truly want you to succeed. Please come
to me with any questions or concerns so this can be an enjoyable and rewarding experience for all.

Respect & Attitude: I expect common courtesy when your peer (s) and instructor are speaking. This means no
talking while your peer is presenting, no reading material such as the Western Front or other materials, and no
surfing the web. Also, profanity and derogatory language of any sort is not permitted in this class.

Syllabus: You are responsible to bring your syllabus, text and other materials to class DAILY.

Text and Readings: Bring your text and syllabus to class daily. You are required to read the text in its entirety.
Students are responsible for reading the text, reflecting on its contents through writing, and using it as a basis for
class discussion/participation. Also, it is important that you apply the text to your personal life and interactions.
EXPECTATIONS
*4 CREDIT HOURS: Students are expected to study a minimum of two hours for every credit hour outside of class
time. This means that each student is required to study for Communication 224 at least 8 hours per week outside of
class time. This is university guidelines (see WWU bulletin pp. 31-33). If you are not able to meet the credit study
hours, this class may be taken at a more suitable quarter for you.