Methods of understanding, planning and presenting a conference with oral and written components. Task groups will be used to explore creativity, controversy, power, and process in leadership situations.

Prerequisites & Corequisites: Prerequisites: COM 1040 or IME 3160 and Junior standing.

Credits: 3 hours

Lecture Hours - Laboratory Hours: (3 to 0)

By the end of the semester the student should be able to:

1. Identify / describe major components of group dynamics: group characteristics, power bases, leadership roles and styles, advantages and disadvantages of groups, conflict management, aptitude, thinking, and personality differences, active listening, nonverbal communication, and effective meeting guidelines. (f, g)
2. Apply the communication terms and theories explained in the text and lectures. (g)
3. Function as a member of a team while researching and presenting a group presentation on some current engineering topic, incorporating primary and secondary research. (d, g, h, j)
4. Utilize the on-line computer network through computer conferences and researching their semester group projects. (g, i)
5. Incorporate computerized word processing software when writing and editing their papers and finalizing their APA bibliographic reference list for the group project. (g, k)

Letters in parentheses refer to ABET TAC Criterion 2 categories a – k.

Objective 1

• Discuss orally in class and via electronic discussion the key concepts of group dynamics presented in the text and during lecture discussions. [1, 3]
• Pass the midterm and final examinations, which contain by objective and essay questions, with a 70 % or better. [4]

Objective 2

• Write essays that apply course concepts to the students’ individual experiences in group-work. [1]
• Organize a team presentation on a topic that expands a course concept. [2]

Objective 3

• Organize group presentations including one on a current engineering or technology topic. [2]
• Write an essay describing the roles, conflicts, personality differences, and communication styles of team members. [1]

Objective 4

• Use a computer network to access sources for the group presentation. [2]
• Communicate via WebCT to discuss class concepts. [3]

Objective 5

• Proofread and edit papers with the assistance of computerized word processing software. [2]
• Compose a reference list in APA format for the group presentation source material wit the assistance of the APA Manual and web page. [3]