Business Communications Syllabus

BUSINESS COMMUNICATIONS SYLLABUS

FALL 2010

SorrellCollege of Business Vision STATEMENT

Sorrell College of Business will be the first choice for higher business education students in their quest to succeed in a dynamic and global economy. Sorrell College of Business will create the model for 21st century business education and community service.

SorrellCollege of Business Mission STATEMENT

Through operations that span the State of Alabama, the United States, and the world, Sorrell College of Business equips our students with the knowledge, skills, abilities and competencies to become organizational and community leaders who make a difference in the global village and global economy. Through this endeavor, we serve students, employers, faculty, and TroyUniversity at large as well as the local and global communities.

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COURSE TITLEBUSINESS COMMUNICATION

COURSE NUMBERBUS 3382:

COURSE DESCRIPTION AND OBJECTIVES

The course involves the development and use of skills in critical analysis and composition of business and personal communications. This includes evaluating the mechanics and content of letters, reports and memoranda.

COURSE PURPOSE

The purpose of the course is to introduce the student to all aspects of written, electronic and oral communication applicable to the business world. Both theoretical knowledge and practical experience in business communications are included as part of instruction.

Upon completion of the course the student should be able to:

A.Correctly select, plan and compose letters, resumes, memoranda and reports.

B. Explain business communication concepts, methodologies and

formats

C.Plan and deliver a well organized oral presentation

D.Participate effectively in business discussions with peers

E.Critically review work, accept suggestions and make revisions

F.Discuss essential facets of intercultural business communication.

COURSE TERM - FALL 2010

COURSE PREREQUISITE

Successful completion of ENG 1102 or 1104

COURSE SCHEDULE (DAYS AND TIME)

MWF - TBWA - 08:00 AM- 08:50 AMGAB 302

MWF – TEWA – 11:00 AM - 11:50 AM,McCartha 120

MWF – TFWA – NOON - 12:50 PM, GAB 302 302

COURSE INSTUCTOR

James M. Orendorff, J.D.

INSTRUCTOR’S OFFICE HOURS

MWF 8:00 AM – 2:00 PMunless teaching class, or by appointment

INSTRUCTOR’S OFFICE LOCATION –203 McCARTHA HALL

INSTRUCTOR’S OFFICE TELEPHONE - 334.670.3290

INSTRUCTOR’S E-MAIL -

COURSE REQUIRED TEXT

GUFFEY, BUSINESS COMMUNICATION, 8TH ED

COURSE RELATED MATERIALS

The university library, in addition to the Internet, has substantial additional informative and instructive materials applicable to the subject matter of this course. Group study rooms, on an as available or reserved basis, are available at the library. Do not hesitate to make use of the available resources and research facilities, and if in doubt make inquiry of the instructor.

COURSE SUPPORT MATERIAL

There are available to those with appropriate needs, support classes at Computer Works, WritingCenter, Tutorial Lab, ESL and the American Idiom etc. See the instructor if you are interested.

COURSE PROCEDURES

1.Socratic Method:Instruction will include the “Socratic Method” of dialogue between the students and instructor examining the principles under consideration. Each student MUST have read the relevant material for the class, considered the concepts individually as well as in a study group and be prepared to discuss aspects of the course as scheduled. The instructor’s presentation will not necessarily cover all material of the course for which the student is held responsible.

2.Team and Topic Assignments.Students are arbitrarily assigned to a study group or team and it is arbitrarily assigned a subject for graded written and oral reports. Development of a business-like ability to handle the situation and work in such an atmosphere is part of the course.

2.Classes:Classes will be a combination of the instructor’s leadership

and supervision of class discussion on the applicable chapter material, and presentation and class evaluation of team prepared written and oral reports of chapter material.

3.Grades:Final grades following a review of the student’s efforts throughout the semester are A – for outstanding performance, B – for excellent performance, C – for adequate performance, D – for barely passing performance, and F – for failure to perform at an acceptable level. The standard is set by the instructor. Inquiry is welcomed, but a grade challenge will be considered solely after receipt of an explanatory memorandum in proper form.

Combined grades of the five scheduled testsare one half of a student’s grade for the course. Combined grades for the reports due near the end of the semester represent the substantial balance of the student’s grade. Homework/quizzes, chapter (oral and written) presentations and class participations, i.e., discussions and demeanor, are considered by the instructor in assessing the propriety of each student’s final grade.

The scheduled tests (including a comprehensive final examination)are derived from the text. The graded reports are based on the use of the principles of the course applied to student development and presentation of information concerning the assigned subject. The reports are:

(a) an individual informal memorandum on the student’s college, not to exceed three pages,

(b) a team developed formal report, with a “body” of not less than ten pages, on an assigned subject (Part 1 of first examination)’

(c) a team developed informal memorandum on meeting the criteria check list, a part of thissyllabus, and the course principals used in preparing the formal reportnot to exceed ten pages (Part 2 of first examination), and

(d) a team developed oral report on the assigned subjectof not less than ten minutes.

(e) team developed oral and written reports on the units; each group will prepare a not less than three page informal memorandum on each unit, due the date of that unit’s examination, and an oral report on one chapter of the text, starting with team 1 presentation Chapter 2, etc.

4.Student Participation. Effective communication with peersand supervision or coordination of other’s work is part of the business communication course evidenced in the arbitrarily assigned group work. In addition, relating to authority figures requires similar development and exercise of communication skills. It is the student’s responsibility to become known to the instructor as an authority figure, through oral, electronic and written communication.

5.Homework:Homework entails reading and understanding the principles of the assigned chapters and, as appropriate, individual or team (as applicable) preparation of an informal memorandum for each unitto be an analysis of the important matters presentedby the unit of notless than three ten pages in length, and an assignedchapter team oral report presentation. These efforts are for experimentation and do not directly lead to quantification of a grade - efforts are recognized though.

To assist in class participation, graded quizzes may replace discussion if the class is not timely prepared to discuss the principles of the chapter

6.Due Dates:Every memorandum is due on the scheduled due date All homework, to receive full credit, must be turned in on the date scheduled and prior to the beginning of class on that date. All memoranda and reports must have the student’s name or study group in the upper right hand corner. Evaluation will be in the format as set forth on the attached evaluation criteria sheet.

7.Tests:At the endof the first unit, “first test” will be an individual student prepared memoranda, using the applicable principles of text including the criteria check sheet and memoranda forms that are part of this syllabus.The subject will be that student’s college, career goals and applicable extra-curricular experience. The personal memorandum should not be more than three pages.

Thereafter tests will be held following completion of each unit. The non—final tests will be 50 minutes of 25 true/false, 25 multiple choice and5essay questions. Other than the individual personal memo (first test) all test essay answers must be in ink and in a “Blue Book.” Only a “Scranton Card” may be used foe answering the true/false, multiple choice questions. All test answer papers must clearly state, on the front, the student’s name, date of examination and class time.

8.Study Groups:The implementation and regular meeting of the arbitrarily assigned study groups or teams for this course is strongly suggested. Study groups will be formed, arbitrarily, at an appropriate time, for memoranda and report preparation and to develop skills of working together as a team, for the balance of the semester.

9.Formal Report Subject:At the time of study group assignment the subject for the study group’s formal report will also be made. The subject will be arbitrarily assigned by the instructor. It is intended that each student will fully participate in the team effort so that the businesslike experience of working with others on topics, neither of which the student is acquainted, can be fully experienced.

10.Classroom Behavior:Students are expected to act at all times with appropriate and businesslike respectful behavior. This includes, in the classroom, a student’s rudeness to others or other unacceptable behavior, by action, attitude, comment or dress. Poor behavior is inappropriate business communication

PLEASE NOTE:

FOOD OR DRINK IN THE CLASSSROOM IS NOT ALLOWED AT ANY TIME.

THE FRPONT ROW OF SEATS IS RESERVED FOR THOSE WHO ARE TARDY.

11. CourseSchedule:The course schedule for the semester is attached. The five scheduled examinations cover the following chapters:

First test:Unit 1, etc.

Second test:Unit 2

Third test:Unit 3

Fourth test:Units 4 and 5

Fifth test:Comprehensive final.

12.Missed Examinations:THERE ARE NO MAKE UP EXAMINATIONS for missed tests. Once during the semester if a test is to be missed, arrangements can be made to take the test prior to the scheduled test date. Otherwise, once during the semester other than the final, if a test is missed, with a valid excuse, a not less than three page memoranda on an assigned topic anda “take home” test may be substituted. If done well it will be treated as a “pass,” if not, or if not returned within a week of returning to school, it will be treated as a “F.”

13.Reports/Memoranda:There are approximately 10 memoranda to be prepared, one for each text unit and four topic reports. This includes the team or study group responsibility for a chapter oral reports These unit and chapter related team efforts, except as otherwise stated, are not graded, but are used for instruction evaluation (Be aware that their preparation and timely filing are noted for grading purposes). Reports graded are two individual personal reports (one - the first test, discussing goals etc., and a second relating to experience gained), a team prepared formal report on an assigned topic, an oral report on the same topic with a memorandum explaining the principles of the course used in the topic reports.

14.Attendance Policy: All classes commence promptly at the time stated. Late arrival is disrespectful and to be avoided. Chronic (more than three unexcused classes missed) non-attendance or chronic tardiness (more than three) will be deemed unacceptable. This behavior affects a student’s performance and will be appropriately reflected in the student’s final grade. Excused absences or tardiness require an explanatory “e-mail” in proper memorandum form from the student within the week of the missed class or the behavior will be considered as not excused.

15.Incomplete work policy:Incomplete and missed examinations otherwise meeting the criteria for a make up, such as an accepted written excuse, will require appropriate completion not later than one week after the assigned due date with a reducing adjustment of the student’s applicable grade reflecting the situation. A student’s failure to meet the extended time arrangement, and unexcused missed examinations, will result in a grade of an “F” for the work or examination.

16.Anti-cheating policy:See the Troy University Student Handbook. All work is expected to be that of the named student(s). Team or group activities will require the full participation of each member, for each member to get the credit earned. Plagiarism and other forms of fraudulent behavior are not acceptable and such unacceptable behavior will be appropriately reflected in the student’s grade.

ADAand other statements of policy: Any student, whose disabilities fall

within ADA, must inform the instructor at the beginning of the term of any special needs of equipment necessary to accomplish the requirements of this course.

AMERICANS WITH DISABILITIES ACT:TroyUniversity supports

Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, which insure that postsecondary students with disabilities have equal access to all academic programs, physical access to all buildings, facilities and events, and are not discriminated against on the basis of disability. Eligible students, with appropriate documentation, will be provided equal opportunity to demonstrate their academic skills and potential through the provision of academic adaptations and reasonable accommodations. Further information, including appropriate contact information, can be found at the link for TroyUniversity’s Office of Human Resources at

Students who have or may be dealing with a disability or learning difficulty should speak with the instructor, contact the Adaptive Needs Office or call 670-3220. Various accommodations are available through the Adaptive Needs Program.

The faculty in the School of Business makes every effort to accommodate unique and special needs of students with respect to language, speech, hearing, vision seating or other possible disabling conditions. Please notify the instructor the first class day of any special needs

Dates of importance:

August 116classes begin

August16last day to add or drop a class

September 5Labor Day Holiday

November 20 – 25Fall beak and Thanksgiving

December 1classes end

December 2

Finals

NOTES:

*BUT FOR THE PERSONAL EXPERIENCE REPORT, AFTER TEAM AND TOPIC ASSIGNMENT UNIT AND CHAPTER MEMORANDA WILL BE BY TEAM ONLY!

*TEAM ORAL CHAPTER PRESENTATION WILL BE ON THE SECOND DAY OF CHAPTER CONSIDERATION

*MANDATORY ATTENDANCE BY ALL STUDENTS IS REQUIRED DURING TEAM TOPIC ORAL REPORTS.

*CELL PHONE AND OTHER ELECTRONIC DEVICES:Use of any electronic devise by students in the instructional environment is prohibited unless explicitly approved on a case-by-case basis by the instructor of record or by the Office of Disability Services in collaboration with the instructor. Cellular phones, pagers, and other communication devices may be used for emergencies, however, but sending or receiving non-emergency messages is forbidden by the University. Particularly, use of a communication device to violate the TroyUniversity “Standards of Conduct” will result in appropriate disciplinary action (See the Oracle.)

In order to receive emergency messages from the University or family members, the call receipt indicator on devices must be in the vibration mode or other unobtrusive mode of indication. Students receiving calls that they believe to be emergency calls must answer quietly without disturbing the teaching environment. If the call is an emergency, they must move unobtrusively and quietly from the instructional area and notify the instructor as soon as reasonably possible. Students who are expecting an emergency call should inform the instructor before the start of the instructional period.

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ATTACHMENTS:

a.Memorandum form:

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MEMORANDUM(AUTHOR’S NAME)

(TEAM NUMBER )

DATE: (DUE DATE)(TIME OF CLASS )

TO: (INTENDED RECIPIENT)

FROM: (AUTHOR)

RE: (SUBJECT OF MEMO)

(Must be included:

AINTRODUCTION INCLUDING TOPIC AND PURPOSE OF MEMO

BBODY/DISCUSSION

CSUMMARY/REVIEW

With a clear, concise and compelling statement or the topic

and purpose of the memorandum)

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b.EVALUATION CRITERIA CHECK LIST & FORMAT FOR BUSINESS MESSSAGES:

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DATE: [when was presentation made]

MESSAGE:[what was the subject]

PRESENTER(S):[who is the author and who made the presentation]

PRESENTATION:

AUDIENCE’S ATTENTION SEIZED?

AUDIENCE’S INTEREST MAINTAINED?
THEME DEVELOPED & MAINTAINED?
AUDIENCE REACTION AS INTENDED?
CORRECT FORM, MECHANICS ETC. USED?
TOPIC CLEARLY STATED?
PURPOSPE CLEARLY STATED?
EFFECTIVE INTRODUCTION?
MESSAGE LOGICAL AND COMPLETE?

10. EFFECTIVE CONCLUSION?

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PROVISIONAL CLASS SCHEDULE

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BUSINESS COMMUNICATIONS Fall 2010,subject to change at instructor’s sole discretion

COURSE SCHEDULE

*** CHAPTER ORAL REPORTS ARE DUE THE SECOND DAY OF CHAPTER’S STUDY

***TEAM UNIT MEMORANDA ARE DUE THE DAY OF THE EXAMINATION

CALENDAR FALL 2010

AUGUST 9 - 11 Introduction and Assign Internet articles

Homework:read assigned articles and Unit 1

16Discuss function of course – UNIT 1

23continue discussion assign subjects and groups

30“First Test” memorandum o f college experience due CO

UNIT 2THE WRITING PROCESS

SEPTEMBER 6CHAPTER 2 – Planning Business Messages

15CHAPTER 3 - Composing Business Messages

23CHAPTER 4 – Revising Business Messages

22review, Unit memo due, and “Second Test”

UNIT 3COMMUNICATING AT WORK

29CHAPTER 5 – Electronic Messages and Memorandums

OCTOBER 15CHAPTER 6 – Positive Messages

CHAPTER 7 – Negative Messages

CHAPTER 8 – Persuasive Messages

18 Unit memo due and “Fourth Test”

UNITS 4 & 5REPORTING WORKPLACE DATA

20CHAPTER 9 – Informal Reports

CHAPTER 10 – Proposals and Formal Reports

PROFESSIONALISM, TEAMWOROK, MEETINGS AND SPEAKING SKILLS

CHAPTER 11 - Professionalism etc.

CHAPTER 12 – Business Presentations

NOVEMBER12ALL PAPERS FOR GRADING DUE

15ORAL PRESENTATIONS

22FALL BREAK

UNIT 6EMPLOYMEMNT COMMKUNICATION

CHAPTER 13 - Discuss November 30th

29THE JOB SEARCH, RESUMES AND COVER LETTERS

CHAPTER 14 – Discuss November 30th

INTERVIEWING AND FOLLOWING UP

Note:Unit written memoranda are due at the end of the subject unit.

Chapter oral presentations are due on the day following the initial discussion of the subject chapter.