COMS 120 - Small Group Communication - Lauren Rome
| Course: | Small Group Communication |
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| Professor: | Lauren Rome |
| Email: | lauren.rome@canyons.edu |
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Introduction
Welcome to Small Group Communication! I am your instructor, Lauren Rome. I am excited to teach you all about effective communication techniques within a small group and interpersonally. This class will focus on methods and theories of communication for leaders, leadership, and among members of a formalized group. I have been in your shoes before and try my best to empathize with your situation. I actually took this course at College of the Canyons because I was terrified of public speaking. As I learned more about what it takes to be an effective communicator, I became more confident with my own voice.
You can reach me anytime via email at lauren.rome@canyons.edu. I will do me best to reply to you within24-48 hours.
Course Description
Small group communication is a course designed to give you real world experience working and communicating in a group with the practical application of theoretical concepts in a supportive environment. This course is not based around finding an easy way out of any group situation. Rather, you will problem solve and make decisions as a group. Be open-minded, responsible, mature, and accountable.
Our class is Online& OnlineLIVE, which means that a majority of your coursework will be completed online, with required meetings dates to deliver your group presentations. The idea is that you can use the days we aren't required to meet as time to complete online assignments, or to schedule group meetings when you know you're all available.
Required class sessions will be from 9:30 am - 10:50 am on the following dates:
- 8/24 - Class Orientation
- 8/26 - Introduction Speeches
- 10/12 - Group Identity Presentations
- 10/14 - Group Identity Presentations
- 11/2 - Travel Presentations
- 11/4 - Travel Presentations
- 11/30 - Making a Difference Presentations
- 12/2 - Making a Difference Presentations
- 12/7 - Making a Difference Presentations
- 12/9 - Final day!
If you are not able to be in class for the entirety of each of these class sessions, you should reconsider taking this class.
What to Expect in this Course
This is a college level course. Many students expect that an online course will be easier, or entail less time. This is not true. This online class will take just as much time as a traditional classroom course. College credits are based on the Carnegie Unit, the structure of the US Education system, for a system of “units”. A 3-unit semester-long course occurring over a period of 16 weeks represents three lecture hours of required classroom time and six hours of student preparation time per week; in other words, be prepared to dedicate nine hours per week to this 3-unit online course. Please feel free to contact me if you would like assistance with developing a time management plan.
Computer Requirements and Technical Skills
- To succeed in this class, you need basic computer skills. You must be able to send and receive email, cut and paste text, send attached files in emails, access the Internet, search the Web, and download/install software programs from the internet. You will need to know how to use Microsoft word OR Google Docs.
- Remember with technology there will be things that go wrong or glitches in the system. If there is an error as a result of my oversight and/or problem, I will fix it as soon as it comes to my attention and make whatever changes are necessary, including extended due dates, so that students’ grades are not adversely affected. Your grace and patience are appreciated when it comes to matters of technological difficulties.
Types of Assessments
Discussion boards, quizzes, presentations, and written assignments.
Textbook Information
An Introduction to Group Communication (free online textbook)
Other Relevant Course Information
Staying engaged and on-task is imperative for success in online courses. I expect students to log in and participate (submit assignments) at least once per week. After a student has gone over two weeks without logging on, they will be considered as “missing class” and they may be dropped from the course. I will do my best to check in and reach out when I notice that a student has not been participating but it is the student's responsibility to communicate with me if they can’t log on for an extended period of time.
Even though this course is happening virtually, during our required course sessions it is to be treated the same as if we were in a physical classroom on campus. That means attendance, and participation, on required class days and being engaged on Canvas are vital to your success in this class. My motto is “you can only get out of the class what you put into it!” That means you:
- log into class on time (or a few minutes before),
- are prepared for class (presentation and audience member ready),
- have your camera on (unless otherwise noted to your instructor),
- are not “multitasking” (driving, working, exercising, etc. is not tolerated.)
Additional Resources
Canvas
This course can be accessed on the first day of class via Canvas at https://coc.instructure.com. Log into Canvas using your CanyonsID single sign-on:
- CanyonsID Username is your COC student email address (Ex: username@my.canyons.edu)
- CanyonsID Password is your COC student email password
Please visit the Get to Know Your Online Classroom page for help logging into Canvas and for tips on using Canvas and Zoom. Canvas Chat Support is also available 24/7 for any Canvas related issues.
Online Education
Check out the Online Education website for more information on a variety of topics that can help you be a successful online student such as: exam proctoring, learning styles, computer skills, and tips for student success. If this is your first online course, feel free to take our online learning readiness assessment to assess your skills.
The Learning Center (TLC)
The TLC provides FREE online tutoring resources to COC students!
Academic Accommodation Center (AAC)
College of the Canyons AAC provides educational services and access for eligible students with documented disabilities who intend to pursue coursework at COC. A variety of programs and services are available which afford eligible students with disabilities the opportunity to participate fully in all aspects of the college programs and activities through appropriate and reasonable accommodations. For more information on their services visit the Academic Accomodation Center website.
Online Counseling
The Counseling Department offers appointments online. You can schedule an appointment by visiting the Online Counseling website. Counselors can help you map out a plan to reach your educational goals as well as advise you on course selection and registration.
Management of Stress and Mental Health
Often the pressure on our students is very strong, involving academic commitments, relationships, outside jobs and family pressure to name a few. The staff and faculty of College of the Canyons are here to see you succeed academically and care about your emotional and physical health. You can learn more about the broad range of confidential student services, including counseling and mental health services available on campus by visiting the Student Health & Wellness Center in the Student Services Building (across from the bookstore). The phone number is 661-362-3259 that you can call 24/7. You can also e mail for an appointment at StudentHealthCenter@canyons.edu. At the Canyon Country Campus the Health Center will be in the new Student Services Building.
Also, the National Suicide & Crisis Lifeline number is now 988. All students at COC are encouraged to enter that phone number in their cells. You can call it when you, or someone you know, is having thoughts of suicide or is in severe distress.
You can also now use the Crisis Text Line: Just text "Courage" to 741741. Someone will get back to you immediately. Its free, 24/7, and confidential.
Veterans Resource Center
The College of the Canyons Veterans Resource Center is a department within the Student Services Division at the college, created to help veterans and veteran dependents with applying to College of the Canyons, enrolling in classes, and requesting VA Education or Vocational Benefits. For more information please visit the Veterans Resource Center website, email veterans@canyons.edu or phone (661) 362-3469.
Library
The Library provides live online and in-person research help, access to a full range of e-resources and physical materials that support the curriculum, individual and group study areas, and much more!
Last updated: 08/19/2021 Sub#: 557