COM 170 Communication Environments

Assignment 8

Reading: Goffman, Chapter 2, "Teams."

1.  Goffman's model of communication is called "dramaturgical," reflecting his metaphor of the theater.  He uses terms like "act," "role," and "performance" but then switches to a different metaphor, "team" instead of using the more likely, "cast."  After reading this chapter, why do you think he did this?

2. Think of an example where there is disagreement between members of a team.  What does the team have to do in such a case?

3.  What or when makes a team member untrustworthy?  What does a team have to do when one of the members can't be trusted?

4.  Can you form a team with yourself?  How?

5.  What is one way a team expresses exclusivity?

6.  Describe two very different teams you are a member of (note:  NOT any literal teams, like football).