University of North Texas

Small Group Communication—COMM 3720

Instructor: Christie Rovi, M.A. / Time/Day: T/R 12:30-1:50
Email: / Class Room: Frisco Campus Room 121
Office Hours: By appointment only on T/R / Office Location: Frisco Campus Room 126

COURSE INFORMATION

Course Description:

Groups are an integral part of our personal and professional lives and this trend is increasing. Regardless of what career or life path you’ve chosen, you’ll ultimately spend a great deal of time in group settings. The purpose of this course is to aid your understanding of groups and particularly relevant communication issues within groups. This course will provide you with an understanding of the major communication theories, issues, and concepts related to the study of small groups.

Course Objectives:

Students completing this course should be able to:

·  Identify and confidently discuss major issues regarding group communication.

·  Use communication in ways that allow them to work effectively in group settings.

·  Use proper group communication techniques to plan/execute/evaluate major projects.

·  Appropriately evaluate group and group member performance, and remedy problems.

Required Text:

Rothwell, J. D. (2014). In Mixed Company: Communicating in Small Groups and Teams

(9th ed.). Boston, MA: Cengage.

COMM Library Copier Use Policy
Students conducting research in the Communication Studies Library associated with departmental coursework have access to a printer/photocopier located in the office adjacent to the library on the main campus.Students may not use this resource for other purposes, such as printing courses assignments, class notes, scripts, etc.

UNIVERSITY POLICIES

Access Policy

“The University of North Texas is on record as being committed to both the spirit and letter of federal equal opportunity legislation; reference Public Law 92-112-The Rehabilitation Act of 1973 as amended. With the passage of new federal legislation, entitled Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) pursuant to section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, there is renewed focus on providing this population with the same opportunities enjoyed by all citizens.”

I will cooperate fully with the University’s Office of Disability Accommodation to provide reasonable accommodation to students who require help. Students who wish to self-identify should register with the ODA no later than the second day of class.

Firearms Policy

It is unlawful to bring firearms on the campus of the University- even if you hold a permit.

Policy on Incompletes

An “Incomplete” will be awarded only in cases where 75% of the coursework has been completed AND the grade is warranted by an excuse (e.g., medical, military). Inability to complete coursework in a timely fashion does not constitute an acceptable reason for requesting or receiving an incomplete.

Code of Student Conduct

All persons shall adhere to the Code of Student Conduct regarding academic dishonesty, including acts of cheating and plagiarism.

Cheating. The willful giving or receiving of information in an unauthorized manner during an examination, illicitly obtaining examination questions in advance, using someone else’s work or written assignments as if they were your own, or any other dishonest means of attempting to fulfill a requirement in this course.

Plagiarism. The use of an author’s words or ideas as if they were your own without giving proper credit to the source, including but not limited to failure to acknowledge a direct quotation. Exact wording from a source must be identified by quotation marks and citation of the author. Concepts and ideas from sources should also be identified by citation of the author. Rules for citing quotes and ideas can be found in the Publication Manual of the American Psychological Association, 6th edition.

Punishments for cheating or plagiarism range from (and are not limited to) a grade of ZERO points on an assignment in question to failure of the course. Any action taken will be at the discretion of the professor.

Acceptable Student Behavior:

Student behavior that interferes with an instructor’s ability to conduct a class or other students' opportunity to learn is unacceptable and disruptive and will not be tolerated in any instructional forum at UNT. Students engaging in unacceptable behavior will be directed to leave the classroom and the instructor may refer the student to the Center for Student Rights and Responsibilities to consider whether the student's conduct violated the Code of Student Conduct. The university's expectations for student conduct apply to all instructional forums, including university and electronic classroom, labs, discussion groups, field trips, etc. The Code of Student Conduct can be found at www.unt.edu/csrr

Attendance Policy

Your attendance will be factored into your final grade. Because COMM 3120 emphasizes cognitive as well as experiential learning, it is important that you attend every class. I do not make the distinction between “excused” or “unexcused” absences (includes absences due to University or athletic events). Because of this, three absences will not affect your grade. Four or more absences will however lower your final grade by 20 points for each day missing. Students with excessive absences will be strongly encouraged to drop the course since a passing grade will be difficult to attain. Students who are present and on time to every class will get 10 points added to their final grade. Not only is it important to me that you are present, but being on time is integral to your success as well. I take attendance before class. Class starts at a certain time, and that is when I will put the attendance away and begin class. If you are late, you are responsible for approaching me after class to let me know you were not absent. Please do not interrupt the class by asking me to check you on the attendance. If you fail to stay after and make sure I mark you on the attendance for that day, you will be counted absent. Every 3tardies earned count as one absence in this course.

*Note on tardies: I understand some of you will be travelling from Denton to this campus and traffic happens. I will take these issues on a case-by-case basis with provided documentation if your tardies due to unforeseeable traffic out of your control frequently occur. However, I reserve the right to remain rigid with the current tardy policy discussed above. Please remember there is often traffic, so give yourself plenty of time to get here so that you are not late.

Method of Evaluation: Grades are not given, but rather earned. Assignments will be turned in on time and usually via Blackboard. However, if assignments are due in class, they are expected at the beginning of class, and stapled (2+ pages) with no exceptions. I do not take emailed assignments unless there are extenuating circumstances (acceptance per my approval). If you know an assignment is due and cannot attend class that day, it is your responsibility to turn it in to me early, or find someone in your class who can print out and hand in your work to me. If there is an extenuating circumstance preventing you from completing your work on time, I must receive proper documentation supporting your case. I will use my discretion in these cases as is necessary.

COURSE GRADE SUMMARY

Assignment / Point Value / Points Earned
Assignments
Group Identity Presentation / 50
12 Angry Men Analysis / 100
Group Analysis/Dialectic Paper / 150
Exams
Exam #1 / 100
Exam #2 / 100
Exam #3 / 100
Shark Tank Group Project / 150
Class Participation / 50
Final Course Discussion / 50
Total / 850

Final Grade Calculation

765-850 A

680-764 B

595-679 C

510-594 D

509 and below F

Exams. You will complete 3 exams worth 100 points each. Students will complete exams as a group and a shorter section individually. 75 points will be a group grade, and 25 points will be for the individual portion of the exam.

Shark Tank Group Project. You will engage in collaborative learning in order to select a topic, do research, and provide an effective presentation to persuade the class. Further details regarding the project will be provided later on in the semester.

Class Participation. We will be engaging in classroom discussions, activities, etc. so this grade takes into consideration your behaviors and presence throughout the semester. For example, there is more to being present than a warm body sitting in a chair. How often and what you contribute to class discussion will be factored into your grade. Also, how you approach and behave during activities will be graded.

Everyday Policies in Ms. Rovi’s class
Use of cell phones, iPods, or other electronics is not allowed. Turn them off and put them away before class begins.
·  Any type of cell phone use during class is prohibited. It is very disrespectful and if there are reoccurring issues with students texting during class, you will be asked to leave.
·  If you are texting during class, I reserve the right to mark you as absent.
-  Please listen respectfully to your peers and refrain from talking while others are contributing to class discussion. Any differences in opinion and perspective will be expressed thoughtfully and respectfully. This classroom is considered a safe environment where everyone may contribute his/her perspective in a respectful manner.
-  I do not accept late work.
-  Refrain from other activities during class discussions and activities (i.e. reading the newspaper, texting, laptop work, sleeping, etc.). I promise to give you my undivided attention—please give me yours.
-  Turning in assignments consisting of 2+ pages must be stapled. I will not accept work unstapled, dog-eared, or paper-clipped.
-  Check your email at least twice EVERY DAY. You are responsible for knowing information I send you via email. Saying “I did not see your email” is not an excuse for not being prepared.
-  Please be on time to class. I understand every once in a while things happen, but there is no excuse for being 10 minutes late every class session. Also, it is very distracting to the class when people walk in late while a lesson, discussion, activity, etc. is in progress.
-  I take attendance at the beginning of class each day. If you come in after I have taken attendance/started class, it is your responsibility to stay after class and make sure I count you as present. If you fail to do so, you will be marked absent for that day—no exceptions.
-  I like to have a good time in class and love to laugh/joke around, however please do not take that to mean that I do not care about the quality of work you complete and submit in this course.

Note on Technology:

Sometimes technology just doesn’t work like it is supposed to. Begin assignments using technology in advance and always save your work to a USB, or another method because saying “my printer ran out of ink, my paper got deleted, the website didn’t work” etc. will never be an excuse for not having an assignment.

Technology Usage in Class:

I usually do not allow ANY laptops in my class, however there are times where you will be allowed to use your laptop. Unless I specifically specify that laptops may be used, they should not be out.

If you do not have a personal laptop/tablet (having a laptop on group workshop days is highly encouraged), you may check out a laptop to use from the main desk (at our campus) for class. However, if you are going to do that, be sure you are AT LEAST 20 minutes early to allow for the check-out process. A tardy will not be excused due to you coming late to check out a laptop from the building.

Office Hours:

Please feel free to email me if you would like to set up a time to meet at any point throughout the semester—I wish to foster comfortable, open opportunities for discussing any issues or concerns you may have throughout the semester. Even if you want to discuss something that has nothing to do with our class and just need someone to talk to, please do not hesitate to email me.

Email:
Email is the best way to get ahold of me. It is my promise to always respond to emails within 48 hours during business days. I will not, however, respond to last-minute emails (i.e., less than 1 hour before class). If you do not receive a response from me within 48 hours, it is because of the content and tone of your message. Please keep the content of your emails professional—it is email, not Facebook or a text message. Also, please keep in mind the medium by which you are communicating with me. While I get emails to my phone, please do not expect an instant reply from me. If you are unsure about something, the first resource you should refer to is your syllabus. If after looking at the syllabus your question is still not answered, please email me.

**Please do not email/contact me through Blackboard**

For some reason, I have a student email in the system (no, I did not attend UNT as a student) so PLEASE do not mistake a student email for mine. I will not receive those emails. Email me ONLY at

Grade Discussions:

Any grade discussions or disputes need to be addressed within 7 days of receiving your grade. Please wait 24 hours to contact me regarding a grade. Keep in mind due to FERPA laws, I cannot discuss grades via email.

Blackboard:

This class will utilize Blackboard as a classroom-learning site so it is imperative that you are familiar with this and use it for our class. Additional information will be provided as needed. Your grades will be available throughout the semester on BB and you may have various assignments that will be due utilizing BB. Failure to come to class with the proper materials from Blackboard will result in a grade deduction. If you cannot access the site or experience problems with Blackboard, take the necessary steps to contact the correct people.