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COMM 351 Communication in Work Groups

This course covers theory and practice of communication in small task-oriented groups. Communication topics include team management, models of group problem solving and decision making, leadership, building cohesiveness, resolving conflict, managing diverse views, negotiating roles, and norms. Students learn to interact productively in small task groups as members and leaders. Numerous group activities, group assignments and laboratory work require an extended class time and group meetings outside of class. Overlap: COMM 351T Communication in Work Groups Theory Seminar.

Special information

Overlap: COMM 351T Communication in Work Groups Theory Seminar.
4 Undergraduate credits

Effective August 1, 1998 to present

Meets graduation requirements for

Learning outcomes

General

  • Demonstrate quality description and illustration from of group communication through explaining group concepts and describing actual specific incidents or behaviors from group meeting to apply theory appropriately and insightfully.
  • Demonstrate skills of communication In problem analysis, discussion, running and observing group meetings at an intermediate level.
  • Expand repertoire of actions for improved group functioning beyond basics.
  • Know and can apply common group methods such as analytic thinking steps, Delphi and nominal group, voting alternatives, PERT analysis, and software programs developed for virtual groups and project management.
  • Know and can manage common group issues, such as: voting alternatives, decision making and group process as it differs between in-person and virtual situations, sub-grouping and coalitions, conformity and deviance, conflict, politics, symbolic convergence and leadership.
  • Know group and teamwork concepts, definitions and trends.

Minnesota Transfer Curriculum

Goal 1: Communication

  • Understand/demonstrate the writing and speaking processes through invention, organization, drafting, revision, editing and presentation.
  • Participate effectively in groups with emphasis on listening, critical and reflective thinking, and responding.
  • Locate, evaluate, and synthesize in a responsible manner material from diverse sources and points of view.
  • Select appropriate communication choices for specific audiences.
  • Construct logical and coherent arguments.
  • Use authority, point-of-view, and individual voice and style in their writing and speaking.
  • Employ syntax and usage appropriate to academic disciplines and the professional world.

Spring 2026

Section Title Instructor books eservices
50 Communication in Work Groups Thomas, Milton E Books for COMM-351-50 Spring 2026 Course details for COMM-351-50 Spring 2026

Summer 2026

Section Title Instructor books eservices
50 Communication in Work Groups Thomas, Milton E Books for COMM-351-50 Summer 2026 Course details for COMM-351-50 Summer 2026

Fall 2026

Section Title Instructor books eservices
50 Communication in Work Groups Thomas, Milton E Books for COMM-351-50 Fall 2026 Course details for COMM-351-50 Fall 2026