CMST 2655 - Communication in Groups
Fall 2026 Syllabus, Section 02, CRN 41285,
Credit hours: 3
Course Meeting Times
Log in to view more
Instructor
Molly Burdette
Email: mmburdette@ysu.edu
Course Description
Course Readings
| Group | Title | Author | ISBN |
|---|---|---|---|
| Required | Small group communication: Forming and sustaining teams |
- Technology: This course will be facilitated through Blackboard and Webex
To successfully complete this course, you will need access to a computer with internet and Microsoft Office Suite (available free). I will be utilizing Blackboard regularly for this course. It is free to use with your YSU login here.
- Textbook: This is a free online textbook. https://pressbooks.pub/smallgroup/
Linabary, J.R. (Ed.). (2021). Small group communication: Forming and sustaining teams. Pressbooks
The course readings are subject to change in the event of extenuating circumstances, research developments, current events, and/or to ensure better learning.
Assignments/Assessments
Log in to view more
Schedule of Topics and Assignments
| Week of | Reading(s) | Proposed Topic | Due/To Prepare for Class |
|---|---|---|---|
| 8/24 | Syllabus; Ch. 1 | Course Introduction; Introduction to Small Group Communication | |
| 8/31 | Ch 2 | Group Formation & Development; Personality & Group Communication | Group Member Assessment |
| 9/7 | ch 3 | Roles in Groups | in class activity |
| 9/14 | ch 4 | Group Norms | Group application activity |
| 9/21 | review CH 3 & 4 | Applying Group Rules and Norms | Small Group Project |
| 9/28 | ch 5 | Working in Diverse Teams | Group Application Activity |
| 10/5 | Ch 6 | Power and Influence in Groups | Group Activity |
| 10/12 | Ch 7 | Group Climate; Supportive & Defensive Communication | Group Application Activity |
| 10/19 | Ch 8 | Conflict in Groups; Managing Group Conflict | Small Group Project; Final Project Introduced |
| 10/26 | Asynchronous Group Collaboration | Asynchronous Group Assignment | |
| 11/2 | Virtual Group Communication & Team Development | Group check-ins | |
| 11/9 | Ch 9 & 10 | Social Loafing, Accountability & Group Decision-Making | Group Activity |
| 11/16 | Ch 11 & 12 | Group Problem Solving and Leadership | |
| 11/23 | Ch 14 & 15 | Creativity; Effective Group Work | Final Project Work |
| 11/30 | Final Group Project Presentations | Final Group Project Presentations | |
| 12/7 | Course Reflection and Integration | Final Individual Group Reflection |
The course schedule, policies, procedures, and assignments in this course are subject to change in the event of extenuating circumstances, by mutual agreement, and/or to ensure better learning.