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ALABAMA STATE UNIVERSITY
COLLEGE OF EDUCATION
SYLLABUS
FOR
Business Communication
COURSE NUMBER: BUS 204
CATALOG DESCRIPTION: This is a management/communication course
applied to office supervision of personnel, work
flow, reports, regulations of office
communications, banking, payrolls, tax records,
office equipment, supplies and career
opportunities in office occupations. The student
will make decisions on how to write business
letters and other forms of business communication
PREREQUISITES: None
CREDIT HOURS: 03
INSTRUCTOR: Dr. Jacqualine D. Myers
TELEPHONE: 334-229-4447
OFFICE: 206 McGehee Hall
OFFICE HOURS: As Posted
ATTENDANCE POLICY: See University Bulletin
Any student requiring alternative formats for testing and/or handouts for this course, or other types of accommodations, due to a disabling condition, should advise the instructor within the first week of class.
The university does not permit students to bring into the classroom anyone who has not registered for the course.
Prepared by:_______________________________
Jacqualine Myers Date
Approved by:______________________________
Department Chair Date
______________________________
Dean Date
MISSION STATEMENT FOR THE TEACHER EDUCATION PROGRAM
The mission of the Business Teacher Education Program is to prepare future business educators to enter a profession that requires content and professional knowledge, skill competence, and the appropriate dispositions. To this end, our development of professional educators is grounded in a comprehensive liberal arts education integrated with a professional teacher preparation program that relies heavily on the complimentary field experience.
Course Description
This course will provide updated concepts, methods, and guides for developing student awareness of—and competence with—the business of communication.
Behavioral Objectives
Upon completion of Business Communication, the student will be able to:
A. Write an autobiography.
B. Use proper grammar and punctuation in writing.
C. Write a variety of business letters, memos, messages.
D. Write business reports.
E. Compile an employment portfolio.
F. Write an annotated bibliography.
G. Compose and deliver a well-organized five-minute speech.
ALABAMA QUALITY TEACHING STANDARDS
Knowledge of standard oral and written
Knowledge of the impact of native language and linguistic background on language acquisition.
Knowledge of media communication technologies that enrich learning opportunities.
SDE Standards
As a result of business communication, class discussion and demonstrations, students will:
(7) (a) 2. (vi) (1) Compose business letters, reports, and memoranda according to accepted
business forms;
(1) Apply current business terminology in the writing, speaking, and
interpreting of business information;
(IV) Select from alternative communication systems in terms of using
accepted procedures in view of the cost and time factors;
(V) Select and use appropriate references in solving business-related
Problems.
Know accounting, business communications, information processes, business law, economics, management, administrative procedures, office procedures which serve as a foundation for all business subjects and develop specific abilities needed to perform satisfactorily in business occupations. 290-3-3.25 (1)(a).
Compose business letters, reports, and memoranda, process incoming and outgoing telephone messages applying cost and time factors, apply current business terminology in writing, speaking, and interpreting business information, select alternative communications systems by applying procedures based on cost and time factors, process incoming and outgoing mail, select and use references in solving business-related problems, and plan, develop, and deliver oral presentation using presentation software.
(VI) Office procedures to:
(1) Process from pre-dictated or written materials business papers
such as reports, memoranda, letters, charts, forms, form letter,
labels, envelopes, bills, index cards, manuscripts, and itineraries with the speed and accuracy necessary for employability;
(2) Professional qualities essential to effective teaching, such as
Punctuality, communication skills, and acceptance of responsibility; CF (CA) NCATE #1
(3) Apply the concept of mathematics, science, and communication
In the workplace;
(4) Prepare students to participate in contests and demonstrations;
INTASC Standards
Standard 6, Communication
The teacher uses knowledge of effective verbal, nonverbal, and media communication techniques to foster active inquiry, collaboration, and supportive interaction in the classroom.
6.10 Knowledge
6.11
The teacher understands communication theory, language development, and the role of
language development, and the role of language in learning.
6.12
The teacher understands how cultural and gender differences can affect communication
in the classroom.
6.13
The teacher recognizes the importance of nonverbal as well as verbal communication.
6.14
The teacher knows about and can use effective verbal, nonverbal, and media
communication techniques.
6.20 Dispositions
6.21
The teacher recognizes the power of language for fostering self-expression, identity
development, and learning.
6.22
The teacher values many ways in which people seek to communicate and encourages
many modes of communication in the classroom.
6.23
The teacher is a thoughtful and responsive listener.
6.24
The teacher appreciates the cultural dimensions of communication, responds
appropriately, and seeks to foster culturally sensitive communication by and
among all students in the class.
6.30 Performance
6.31
The teacher models effective communications strategies in conveying ideas and
information and in asking questions (e.g. monitoring the effects of messages,
restating ideas and drawing connections, using visual, aural, and kinesthetic cues,
being sensitive to nonverbal cues given and received).
6.32
The teacher supports and expands learner expression in speaking, writing, and other
media.
6.33
The teacher knows how to ask questions and stimulate discussion in different ways for
particular purposes, for example, probing for learner understanding, helping students
articulate their ideas and thinking processes, promoting risk-taking and problem-
solving, facilitating factual recall encouraging convergent and divergent thinking,
stimulating curiosity, helping stimulate students to question.
6.34
The teacher communicates in ways that demonstrate a sensitivity to cultural and gender
differences (e.g. appropriate use of eye contact, interpretation of body language and
verbal statements, acknowledgment of and responsiveness to different modes of
communication and participation).
6.35
The teacher knows how to use a variety of media communication tools, including audio-visual aids and computers, including educational technology, to enrich learning
opportunities.
Pre-Assessment
A written test will be administered to determine student’s strength and weaknesses.
INTASC Standards
Standard 6
NATIONAL MARKETING EDUCATION STANDARDS
COMMUNICATION AND INTERPERSONAL SKILLS
(These will be applied throughout the course objective)
01.0 EXPLAIN THE NATURE OF EFFECTIVE COMMUNICATION-The student
will be able to.
01.01 Explain the nature of effective communication in business and marketing
01.02 Identify types of communication that are important in business and marketing.
01.03 Identify characteristics of effect communication.
01.04 Identify barriers to effective communication and describe techniques for overcoming those barriers.
02.0 APPLY EFFECTIVE LISTENING SKILLS-The student will be able to:
02.01 Distinguish between active and passive listening.
02.02 List reasons that you choose to listen to others.
02.03 Identify rewards associated with listening to others.
02.04 Describe the importance of listening to others.
02.05 Discuss barriers to effective listening.
02.06 Explain the elements of effective listening.
02.07 Discuss guidelines for effective listening.
02.08 Practice active listening.
03.04 USE PROPER GRAMMAR AND VOCABULARY-The student will be able to:.0
03.01 Identify proper subject/verb agreement in sentences.
03.02 Identify proper noun/pronoun agreement in sentences.
03.03 Identify proper use of adverbs and adjectives in sentences.
03.04 Identify complete sentences.
03.05 Identify correct word usages in sentences.
03.06 Explain the importance of using a technical vocabulary.
03.07 Explain the relationship of business success to proper grammar.
03.08 Demonstrate the proper use of grammar and vocabulary.
04.0 REINFORCE SERVICE ORIENTATION THROUGH COMMUNCIATION-The
student will be able to:
04.01 Define the term: service orientation
04.02 Explain the relationship between communication and service.
04.03 Identify ways in which employees in business and marketing can
demonstrate a service orientation.
04.04 Demonstrate procedures for reinforcing a service orientation through
communication.
05.0 EXPLAIN THE NATURE OF EFFECTIVE VERBAL COMMUNIATION-The
student will be able to:
05.01 Explain t he importance of voice in communicating with others.
05.02 Identify characteristics of effective verbal communication.
05.03 Describe how nonverbal communication affects verbal messages.
05.04 Explain the importance of effective verbal communication in business
and marketing.
06.0 ADDRESS PEOPLE PROPERLY-The student will be able to:
06.01 Identify situations in which business and marketing employees need to
address others in a business like manner.
06.02 Explain the importance of addressing others in a business like manner.
06.03 Discuss guidelines for addressing other properly.
06.04 Address others in a business like manner.
07.0 HANDLE TELEPHONE CALLS IN A BU SINESSLIKE MANNER-The student
will be able to:
07.01 Describe proper verbal skills needed to handle telephone calls.
07.02 Explain attitude needed when handling telephone calls.
07.03 Explain standard procedures for taking messages.
07.04 Describe and demonstrate procedures for handling telephone call in a business like manner.
08.0 PERSUADE OTHERS-The student will be able to:
08.01 Explain the importance of being able to persuade others.
08.02 Describe occasions in business for persuading others.
08.03 Identify factors that determine a person’s credibility with others.
08.04 Explain and demonstrate procedures for persuading others.
09.0 GIVE DIRECTIONS FOR COMPETING JOB TASKS-The student will be
able to:
09.01 Explain the importance of giving directions for completing job tasks.
09.02 Describe characteristics if effective directions.
09.03 Give directions for completing job tasks to staff members.
10.0 MAKE ORAL PRESENTATIONS-The student will be able to:
10.01 Identify occasions when oral presentations are required.
10.02 Explain the importance of communication skills in oral presentations.
10.03 Describe characteristics of effective oral presentations.
10.04 Discuss the role of visual support in making oral presentations.
10.05 Demonstrate procedures for making oral presentations.
11.0 EXPLAIN THE NATURE OF WRITTEN COMMUNICATIONS-The student
will be able to:
11.01 Identify types of written communication used in business.
11.02 Identify characteristics of effective written communication.
11.03 Explain the importance of neatness/accuracy when using written
communication in business.
11.04 Explain the importance of effective written communication.
12.0 WRITE BUSINESS LETTERS-The student will be able to:
12.01 Identify types of business letters.
12.02 Describe the components of an effective business letter.
12.03 Explain the guidelines for business letter writing.
12.04 Write a business letter.
13.0 WRITE INFORMATIONAL MESSAGES-The student will be able to:
13.01 Define the term: informational messages.
13.02 Identify examples of informational messages used by businesses.
13.03 Explain the purposes of informational messages.
13.04 Demonstrate procedures for writing informational messages.
14.0 WRITE INQUIRIES-The student will be able to:
14.01 Define the term: inquiries
14.02 Identify occasions when inquiries are written by businesses.
14.03 Describe the importance of writing inquiries.
14.04 Demonstrate procedures for writing inquiries.
15.0 WRITE PERSUASIVE MESSAGES-The student will be able to:
15.01 Define the term: persuasive messages.
15.02 Identify types of persuasive messages written by businesses.
15.03 Explain the importance of writing persuasive messages.
15.04 Describe characteristics of effective persuasive messages.
15.05 Demonstrate procedures for writing persuasive messages.
16.0 PREPARE SIMPLE WRITTEN REPORTS-The student will be able to:
16.01 Identify types of simple written reports used in business.
16.02 Explain characteristics of simple written reports.
16.03 Prepare a simple written report.
17.0 USE COMMUNICATIONS TECHNOLOGIES/SYSTEMS-The student will be
able to:
17.01 Identify communications technologies/systems often used in businesses.
17.02 Describe the benefits of communications technologies/systems.
17.03 Explain procedures of using communications technologies/systems.
17.04 Demonstrate use of communications technologies/systems.
18.0 FOLLOW DIRECTIONS-The student will be able to:
18.01 Explain the importance of following directions at work.
18.02 Discuss sources that provide directions at work.
18.03 Distinguish between oral and written directions.
18.04 Describe and demonstrate procedures for following directions.
19.0 EXPLAIN THE NATURE OF STAFF COMMUNICATION-The student will be
able to:
19.01 Identify channels of staff communication.
19.02 Explain the types of information transmitted through different channels of
staff communication.
19.03 Explain the importance of effective staff communication to business.
19.04 Describe guidelines for communicating with other employees.
20.0 EXPLAIN THE USE OF INTERDEPARTMENTAL/COMPANY
COMMUNICATIONS-The student will be able to:
20.01 Explain the importance of interdepartmental/company communication.
20.02 Identify the types of interdepartmental/company communication.
20.03 Explain the kinds of information that would be transmitted through
internal channels.
20.04 Discuss barriers to effective interdepartmental/company communication.
21.0 DESCRIBE ETHICAL CONSIDERATIONS IN PROVIDING INFORMATION-
The student will be able to:
21.01 Define the following terms: confidential information, confidentiality, and
gossiping.
21.02 Identify reasons for safeguarding confidential information.
21.03 Explain circumstances in which confidential information should be
divulged.
21.04 Explain potential impacts of spreading workplace gossip.
21.05 Describe the importance of providing honest information to and about
consumers.
21.06 Explain ethical methods for communicating information to others.
22.0 RESPECT THE PRIVACY OF OTHERS-The student will be able to:
22.01 Define the term: privacy.
22.02 Explain the importance of respecting the privacy of others’ electronic
communication.
22.03 Discuss privacy issues associated with sharing a computer/office space
with a coworker.
23.0 TREAT OTHERS FAIRLY AT WORK-The student will be able to:
23.01 Define the following terms: gender, sexual orientation, physical condition,
ethnic heritage, lifestyle, and harassment.
23.02 Describe ways in which people in the workplace differ.
23.03 Explain the importance of valuing differences in the workplace.
23.04 Describe and demonstrate ways of treating others fairly at work.
24.0 DEVELOP CURLTURAL SENSITIVITY-The will be able to:
24.01 Define the term cultural sensitivity
24.02 Explain the importance of exhibiting cultural sensitivity.
24.03 Describe and demonstrate ways of treating others fairly at work.
25.0 FOSTER POSITIVE WORKIG RELATIONSHIPS-The student will be able to:
25.01 Define the following terms: human relations, interdependence, defeatist
attitude, inferior attitude, superior attitude, mature attitude, authoritarian
leaders, democratic leaders, and laissez-faire leaders.
25.02 Explain how human relationships are significant aspects of our daily lives.
25.03 Describe the importance of effective human relations at work.
25.04 Identify skills needed to develop effective relationships.
25.05 Discuss the significance of interdependence among workers.
25.06 Describe attitudes that are common among workers.
25.07 Describe leadership styles.
25.08 Explain actions employees should take to establish effective working
relationships with each leadership style.
26.0 PARTICIPATE AS A TEAM MEMBER-The student will be able to:
26.01 Define the following terms: teamwork, teams, committee, standing
committee, short-term committee, quality circles, project teams, and
work teams.
26.02 Distinguish between teams and groups.
26.03 Identify types of teas used by businesses.
26.04 Explain the importance of teams.
26.05 Describe what it means to be a team member.
26.06 Demonstrate guidelines for being a good team member.
27.0 EXPLAIN THE NATURE OF POSITIVE CUSTOMER/CLIENT RELATION-
The Student will be able to:
27.01 Explain what it means to have positive customer/client relations.
27.02 Identify factors that affect customer/client relations.
27.03 Discuss the importance of positive customer/client relations.
27.04 Describe techniques for building positive customer/client relations.
28.0 DEMONSTRATE A CUSTOMER-SERVICE MINDSET-The student will
be able to:
28.01 Identify beliefs held by employees who have a customer-service mindset.
28.02 Describe the importance of exhibiting a customer-service mindset.
28.03 Identify occasions when marketing employees can exhibit a customer-
service mindset.
28.04 Describe and demonstrate a customer-service mindset.