(Mr. Peterson reserves the right to drop a student from the class role, anytime during the semester, if he perceives the student is not meeting the course requirements and/or guidelines set forth in these documents.)

Course Textbook Engleberg, Isa N. & Dianna R. Wynn, Working in Groups 5th edition, Houghton Mifflin, Boston, 2010.

Course Objectives 

1.) Develop an awareness and appreciation of the dynamics and complexities of the small group communication process and development;
2.) Effectively prepare for group meetings and discussions;
3.) Participate in group meetings through the use and understanding of agendas, discussion techniques, technological aids, decision methods, and public discussion.
4.) Understand the basic principles of human communication theory;
5.) Recognize and reduce semantic problems in small group communication and problem solving.
6.) Encourage positive group development and satisfaction through the understanding and management of group roles, responsibilities, climate, cohesiveness and group-think;
7.) Positively manage conflict in a small group effectively;
8.) Analyze, evaluate, and critique small group effectiveness, decision making, interaction, and process; and,
9.) Demonstrate an understanding of John Dewey's "Pattern of Reflective Thinking" and employ systematic problem-solving strategies in the small group process.

Your accomplishment of the course objectives will be determined by:

1.) Reading, understanding, and complying with the specific standards and directives listed in this course syllabus and any other addenda presented by Mr. Peterson;
2.) Attending class regularly, actively participating in classroom discussion and structured activities, taking copious notes, and developing good listening habits when not speaking;
3.) Reading the course textbook and supplemental material as directed;
4.) Successfully completing all oral and written exercises and assignments as directed; and,
5.) Taking the initiative in obtaining whatever information missed when absent.

You are responsible for comprehending and following the specific standards and policies established for this course:

Attendance Policy: Regular attendance is imperative. You need to be present to learn--by observing and practicing the various skills introduced in the classroom. This is a participation course. Roll will be taken at the beginning of each class meeting. You will be allowed 2 absences; there is no distinction between "excused or unexcused." The only official absences are for MCC sponsored activities or religious days, but they require advanced written notice. If you are absent when you are to give an oral assignment or presentation you will be given a zero for that exercise -- THERE ARE NO MAKE-UP PRESENTATIONS. You will not receive the "Class Participation" portion of your final grade if you have more than 2 absences. You may also be dropped from the class for excessive absences.

Late Work Policy: All written work must be turned in on the date it is due whether you are absent or not. Student's grade will be lowered one grade per class period late on any written assignment. Remember, there are NO late oral assignments. All written work must be typed, double-spaced with 1" margins, and adhere to the principles of college writing. No "Rewrites." The student must arrange make-up quizzes and tests within one week of the absence.

Classroom Procedure: The process of learning will be cumulative, but your instructor will also attempt to achieve individual and group "gestalt". In each unit of study you will be expected to show a grasp of the essential elements taught in previous units as well as the one under investigation. The instructional style will be balanced between lecture, open discussion, and learning activities.
You are expected to behave in a mature, responsible, and professional manner--Keeping an open mind to new ideas and opinions and respecting the values and privileges of all concerned.  Just being in the classroom does not satisfy the participation requirement of this course!  You are expected to be actively involved, verbally and nonverbally, in the various topic discussions and learning activities, showing interest and a willingness to share.

Cell Phones, Pagers, Food & Drink: Please turn the sound off on your phone and pager before entering class.  Do not talk on your phone during class: I will ask you to leave for the day.  School policy does not allow food in the classrooms, and drinks must be in a spill proof container.

Disabilities: If you have a disability that may have an impact on your work and for I will make reasonable accommodations, so see me as soon as possible to discuss any accommodation needs. which you may require accommodations, please notify the Recourses and Disability Office at 461-7447. 
http://www.mc.maricopa.edu/services/disability/

Assignments:     

Examinations and Reading/Lecture Quizzes: There will be three (3) lecture quizzes over the material covered and highlighted in class, an on-line chapter quiz for each chapter from the textbook, as well as a comprehensive Final Essay Test. 
For the first lecture quiz will need one (1) scantrons - form 882-E.   You will not be able to take this lecture quiz without the proper scantron form.

There will be an oral Quiz on the last day of the week for each textbook chapter assigned that week. Mr. Peterson will call randomly on two or three class members to respond to one of the week’s quiz questions orally in class. An on-line link to each week's possible questions is posted in the course schedule below. You will not know who will be called upon or which question they will be asked to respond to. Your quiz grades will be determined by how well you answer and respond publicly to the questions posed to you. Each student will be required to respond twice during the semester. Be prepared each week; you do not know when you will be called upon. (See Course Schedule)

The Final Essay Exam is a take-home essay due on the day and class period of the final exam period.
"Good Writing or Pet Peeves and Higher Grades"

In-Class Participation Activities:  The purpose of each activity is to provide you with an opportunity to work together in collaborative groups on tasks designed to create greater depth and knowledge.

Community Group Observation and Critique:  The purpose of of this assignment is to provide you with the opportunity to observe over time a real community meeting or group in action to determine effective structure and dynamics, as well as make noteworthy recommendations. Assignment Details

The Perfect Date:  The purpose of of this assignment is to provide you with an introduction to the small group problem solving process, and the opportunity to present a persuasive group presentation. Assignment Details

Movie Critique:  The purpose of of this assignment is to provide you with the opportunity to observe a small group interaction in a feature film and work together with a group of fellow students to present a critique of the group interaction in the film. Assignment Details

Semester Group Problem Solving Project:  This assignment will provide you with the opportunity to participate in a small group over time, to practice leadership skills and various group tasks and roles, identify group norms and culture, understand group structure and dynamics, learn appropriate group communication, support group productivity, evaluate yourself and peer's performance, and construct and present a professional team presentation. Assignment Details

  Grade Computation System: The various assignments\requirements will account for the following percentages of your final overall grade in this course. 

Class Participation	5%
Thought Paper on Your College Education	5%
Community Group Observation and Critique	10%
The Perfect Date	10%
Movie Critique	15%
Semester Group Problem Solving Project	20%
Reading and Lecture Quizzes	20%
Final Written Examination	15%

Mr. Peterson will use the following grading system. There will be no exceptions or substitutions to it. Your oral and written work will be assigned a letter grade. The respective values for each letter grade are indicated below.

Letter System:  

A = 4.0	A- = 3.7	B+ = 3.4
B = 3.0	B- = 2.7	C+ = 2.4
C = 2.0	C- = 1.7	D+ = 1.4
D = 1.0	D- = 0.7	F = 0.3

If you have any questions and/or concern about your classroom performances and/or earned grades, please make an appointment to confer with Mr. Peterson as soon as possible. This course requires more than a casual effort and deals with specific terminology and the ability to apply your learning to course projects. I will use the following criteria in evaluating your work during this course.

You are responsible for knowing the overall plan of this course, meeting all activity/assignment deadlines, and reading all applicable material before it is discussed in the classroom. This schedule is interactive and may change as the course progresses.  Links will be added and subject dates and due dates may change.  I will announce changes in class, but visiting the syllabus on the web weekly is strongly recommended.

Week #1 Aug. 25 Read: The Syllabus, Chapter #1 in Engleberg, "Bring Our Schools Out . . .", Time, and The Art of Rhetoric Week's Discussions: Course and Instructor Introductions  The Syllabus and the Computer.      Chapter #1 Quiz	Week #2 Sept. 1 Read: Chapter #2 in Engleberg "Only Connect" by Bill Cronon Week's Discussions: Peer Introductions Community Group Observation Discussion Chapter #2 Quiz Thought Paper on College Education: Short Paper Assignment due (Friday)	Week #3 Sept.8 Monday is Labor Day; No Class Read: Chapter #3 in Engleberg Take Personality Test Week's Discussions: Semester Projects Discussion Intro to Human Communication Chapter #3 Quiz Personality Test (due Friday)
Week #4 Sept. 15 Read: Chapters #4 in Engleberg Kenneth Burke's Definition of "Human" Week's Discussions: Exchanging NOTHING Nothing.ppt 4th ed. Chapter #4 Quiz 5th ed. Chapter #4 Quiz	Week #5 Sept. 22 Read: Chapters #5&6 in Engleberg Week's Discussions: The Island Problem & Small Groups Introduction to the Group Process Slide Review 4th ed. Chapter #5 Quiz 4th ed. Chapter #6 Quiz 5th ed. Chapter #5 Quiz 5th ed. Chapter #6 Quiz	Week #6 Sept. 29 Read: Chapters #7 in Engleberg Week's Discussions: John Dewey's Pattern of Reflective Thinking.ppt Preparing for group Meetings Group Meetings Lecture Quiz #1 4th ed. Chapter #7 Quiz 5th ed. Chapter #7 Quiz
Week #7 Oct. 6 Read: Chapters #8 in Engleberg Week's Discussions: Group Roles, Responsibilities, and Leadership Dr. Fay's Speaker's Mentor 4th ed. Chapter #8 Quiz 5th ed. Chapter #8 Quiz Perfect Date Presentation Due	Week #8 Oct. 13 Read: Chapters #9 in Engleberg Week's Discussions: Group Roles, Responsibilities, and Leadership Group Dynamics.ppt Chapter #9 Quiz Perfect Date Essay Due	Week #9 Oct. 20 Read: Chapters #10 in Engleberg Week's Discussions: Improving Group Climate, Cohesiveness, and Satisfaction Research tools and skills Organize and Research.ppt Group Meetings Chapter #10 Quiz
Week #10 Oct. 27 Read: Chapter #11 in Engleberg Assertion & Win-Win Week's Discussions: Conflict Negotiation Conflict Negotiation.ppt Group Meetings Lecture Quiz #2 Chapter #11 Quiz MOVIE CRITIQUE DUE	Week #11 Nov. 3 MOVIE PRESENTATIONS	Week #12 Nov. 9 Wednesday Nov. 11 the college will observe Veterans Day; the campus will be closed. Week's Discussions: Introduction of Problem Solving Project Group Meetings Deciding Question Sheet Due
Week #13 Nov. 17 Week's Discussions: Pattern of Reflective Thinking Worksheet/Agenda Due with 1 Research Card Lecture Quiz #3	Week #14 Nov. 22 Thursday and Friday Nov. 22-23 is the Thanksgiving Holiday; the campus will be closed. Group Meetings	Week #15 Dec. 1 Group Meetings Community Group Critique (Semester Paper) is Due Friday
Week #16 Dec. 8  Week's Discussions: Final Exam Instructions Final Essay GROUP PROBLEM SOLUTION PRESENTATION DUE	Finals Week Dec. 15 Final Exam Date & Time Tuesday, December 15, 7:40-9:30pm