NORTH CENTRAL TEXAS COLLEGE COURSE SYLLABUS

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1 NORTH CENTRAL TEXAS COLLEGE COURSE SYLLABUS Course Name & Number Instructor s Name Business Correspondence & Communication POFT2312 Semester & Year Fall 2011 Office Phone # , x4416 Dawn Dias Instructor s Office # Corinth, Room 201 Office Fax # Address Office Hours By appointment Grading Policy & Procedures Catalog Description WECM Learning Outcomes Letter grades for this course will be assigned in accordance with NCTC standard grading policy. Extra credit points may be assigned at random times during the semester for extra work. Extra points are added to the final grade. A 90%-100% C 70%-79% F 0-59% B 80%-89% D 60%-69% 48 Lecture hours 3 Credit hours Compose and produce effective business documents appropriate to meet industry standards; apply critical evaluation techniques to business documents; and demonstrate the importance of coherent, ethical communication principles in business and industry. Compose, produce, and present effective business documents appropriate to meet industry standards; apply critical evaluation techniques to business documents and demonstrate the importance of coherent, ethical communication principles in business and industry. POFT2312 Syllabus Fall 2011 p. 1

2 Required Textbooks & Materials Textbook: Essentials of Business Communication, 8 th Edition by Mary Ellen Guffey. Publisher South-Western, ISBN: The following materials are bundled with the textbook: Aplia Learning Program Standalone Textbook ISBN: Standalone Aplia Learning Program (instant Access) ISBN: Student Learning Outcomes Attendance Policy Upon successful completion of the course, the student will be able to: Compose effective business documents appropriate to meet industry standards. Produce effective business documents appropriate to meet industry standards. Apply critical evaluation techniques to business documents. Apply critical evaluation techniques to business communication. Demonstrate the importance of coherent communication principles in business and industry. Demonstrate importance of ethical principles in business/industry. Attendance PIN Students must login to class at least three times a week. A week in this class begins on Tuesday and ends on Monday at midnight. It is each student s responsibility to enter their attendance in this course. The ANGEL course page will display an attendance PIN that you must enter in the attendance box to mark yourself present when you login to the course. Do not forget to complete this task each time you work in the course in order to receive credit for attendance. Attendance Students will be evaluated by regularly logging into ANGEL, participating in discussion forums, and contact with the instructor. Make-up for missed examinations or course assignments will not be permitted. POFT2312 Syllabus Fall 2011 p. 2

3 Calendar Online Communications August 22 Classes Begin September 5 - Labor Day, no classes October 7 Professional Development - Classes Dismissed November 12- Last day to drop a class with grade of "W" November 24-Nov Thanksgiving Break begins at 3 pm on Nov.23 December Final Exams Week December 9 - Commencement The best way to contact me is through the Angel . Please be sure to state your questions or statements clearly. It is helpful to know what chapter, page and section you are talking about. Other Pertinent Information Monday through Thursday ANGEL s will be answered within 24 hours of receipt. Friday Sunday ANGEL s will be answered within 48 hours. All course work is available via the Internet through NCTC s ANGEL Learning Management System. Access ANGEL at Please go to and bookmark (save to favorites) this site. It is not necessary to access ANGEL through the NCTC Website. It is the student s responsibility to check the Course website and his or her course mail at least three times weekly. If a student should experience problems accessing the course material in ANGEL OR sending/receiving course mail, it is the student s responsibility to notify the instructor immediately. Assignments are due on the assigned date. All weekly assignments are due at midnight on the following Monday and due dates are clearly identified for each chapter in Angel. The instructor will not be available to answer questions from Friday after 3pm to 8am Monday. There will be no late assignments accepted period. Each student should have an account through their ISP or an Internet account such as Hotmail or Gmail to aid in course communication should the ANGEL site be down. Expect to spend 10 to 15 hours a week working in this course, the same amount of time it would take to attend and complete the assignments for an on-campus class. Assignments are due as posted. Students are required to complete 75% of all assignments and exams to receive a passing grade in this course. POFT2312 Syllabus Fall 2011 p. 3

4 The instructor reserves the right to change course assignments, grading policies, and assignment schedules at any time. Scholastic Integrity ADA Statement Scholastic dishonesty shall include, but not be limited to cheating on a test, plagiarism, and collusion. See Student Handbook Student Rights & Responsibilities: Student Conduct [FLB-(LOCAL)] #18. North Central Texas College does not discriminate on the basis of disability for admission or access to its programs. The College is committed to providing equal access to its students with disabilities by providing appropriate accommodations; a variety of services and resources are made available through the ACCESS Department. Students are responsible for notifying the ACCESS Department of their need for assistance. Students with documented disabilities, such as mobility impairment, hearing or visual impairment, learning, and/or psychological disorders are eligible for services. ACCESS and NETWORKS Program: The ACCESS Program provides accommodations for students who have a documented disability. A disability is anything that can interfere with learning, such as a learning disability, psychological challenge or physical illness or injury. Accommodations may include extra time on tests, tests in a non-distracting environment, note taker in class, etc. On the Corinth Campus, contact: Wayne Smith, ACCESS Coordinator, at or Penny Cogbill, Departmental Assistant, at or William Leija, Departmental Assistant, at in Suite 170. For the Gainesville, Bowie, or Graham Campuses, contact Yvonne Sandmann, ACCESS Specialist, at (940) ext. 4321) in Room 110 on the Gainesville Campus. NETWORKS is a childcare reimbursement program that may assist technical students with partial childcare reimbursement for those that apply and qualify. Contact Yvonne Sandmann, ACCESS Specialist, for more information. Students can also access the Department of Student Success website by going to and clicking on the Student Services link and Student Success or Tutoring and Other ACADEMIC SUPPORT SERVICES, or by going directly to udentsupportservices.htm EEOC Statement North Central Texas College does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, gender, religion, age, or disability in the employment or the provision of services. POFT2312 Syllabus Fall 2011 p. 4

5 Web Page Visit the North Central Texas College web page for information on registration, financial aid, counseling/advising, and cost of tuition and fees. You will also find information on the catalog and semester schedules as well as courses of study. You can keep up with what is happening on campus by checking the calendar of events and the sports news. The web has information on the library as well as links to other areas of interest. Check out our web page at POFT2312 Syllabus Fall 2011 p. 5

6 UNIT I Competencies The student will demonstrate the importance of coherent communication principles in business and industry by: Examining the communication process. Analyzing nonverbal communication. Discussing how to become an effective listener. Identifying techniques that improve effective communication in the diverse workplace. Chapter Exercises Critical Thinking Exercises in Discussion Board. Rewriting Chapter Exercises Chapter Quiz UNIT II Competencies The student will compose and produce effective business documents appropriate to meet industry standards by: Identifying and applying the three phases of the writing process. Creating messages that are audience focused. Using positive language in business correspondence and communication. Using technology to improve business writing. Organizing ideas into communication. Identifying strategies for composing a message. Revising and proofreading business messages. Chapter Exercises Rewriting Chapter Exercises Grammar/Mechanics Checkup & Challenges Chapter Quizzes Unit Test UNIT III Competencies The student will compose and produce appropriate internal business communication by: Examining the characteristics and writing process for Fall 2008 messages and memos. Explaining and demonstrating a writing plan for Fall 2008 messages and memos. Identifying and composing appropriate types of Fall 2008 messages and memos. Critical Thinking Exercises in Discussion Board Chapter Exercises Rewriting Chapter Exercises Grammar/Mechanics Checkup/Challenges Chapter Quizzes POFT2312 Syllabus Fall, 2011 p. 6

7 The student will demonstrate the importance of ethical principles in business and industry by: Identifying reasons companies crack down on workplace computer use. Identifying components of a reasonable employee use policy. Discussing the problems of workplace abuse of Fall 2008 and the Internet. Discussion Board Project The student will compose and produce appropriate external business communication by: Writing letters requesting information and action, ordering merchandise, and making claims. Writing letters responding to information requests, customer orders, and granting claims. Writing letters of recommendation and goodwill messages. Chapter Exercises Writing Improvement Exercises Re-Writing Exercises Chapter Quizzes The student will apply critical evaluation techniques to business documents by: Identifying persuasive strategies to be used in requests. Identifying a writing plan for gaining attention. Identifying strategies for motivating action. Identifying direct and indirect writing strategies Describing a plan for resolving business problems. Listing components of a bad-news message. Determining whether the direct or indirect pattern is appropriate for breaking bad news. Critical Thinking Exercises Chapter Review Exercises Writing Improvement Exercises Re-Writing Exercises Unit Unit Test UNIT IV Competencies The student will demonstrate the ability to work in a team to create and produce an informal report by: Describing business report functions, organizational patterns, and formats. Following guidelines for developing informal reports. Examining and identifying six kinds of informal reports. Writing an informal report. POFT2312 Syllabus Fall 2011 p. 7

8 Critical Thinking Exercises Chapter Review Exercises Writing Improvement Exercises The student will demonstrate the ability to create and produce a formal report by: Researching, collecting, and documenting data. Identifying primary and secondary data types. Organizing and outlining data. Illustrating data using tables, charts, or graphs. Describing the parts of a formal report. Presenting a formal report. Chapter Review Exercises Presentation of Formal Report for Final Project Chapter Quizzes UNIT V Competencies The student will apply critical evaluation techniques to business communication by: Identifying procedures for promoting positive workplace relations through conversation. Evaluating techniques for offering constructive criticism and resolving workplace conflicts. Identifying ways to improve business telephone skills. Identifying techniques for using voice mail as a communication tool. Attending and analyzing a business or professional meeting. Chapter Review Exercises Report on Meeting Analysis Chapter Quizzes The student will demonstrate the ability to make an oral presentation by: Identifying the major elements in organizing an oral presentation. Demonstrating the use of effective imagery. Identifying verbal signposts and nonverbal messages. Designing an electronic presentation (PowerPoint). Identifying presentation techniques. Chapter Review Exercises Oral Presentation Component of Final Project Unit Unit Test UNIT VI Competencies The student will demonstrate the ability to communicate for employment by: Identifying sources of career information. POFT2312 Syllabus Fall 2011 p. 8

9 Identifying personal interests and evaluating personal qualifications. Describing the different types of résumés. Composing and producing a job application letter. Composing and producing a résumé. Describing the different types of job interviews. Describing positive nonverbal messages portrayed during job interviews. Identifying appropriate job interview questions. Composing and producing an interview follow-up letter. Chapter Review Exercises Chapter Quizzes Unit Test POFT2312 Syllabus Fall 2011 p. 9

10 POFT Fall, 2011 ASSIGNMENT, QUIZZES, EXAMS SCHEDULE Week Chapter Assignment ORIENTATIO Aplia Introduction/Orientation Exercises 1 N Point Value 387 Discussion Board 10 Total Points Chapter 1 Aplia Textbook Reading and Problem Set and: 76 Chapter 2 Aplia Textbook Reading and Problem Set 77 Chapter 1 and 2 Review Quiz 40 Total Points Chapter 1 & Chapter 3: Aplia Textbook Reading and Problem Set 67 Total Points Chapter Chapter 4: Aplia Textbook Reading and Problem Set 66 Total Points Chapter 4 86 UNIT 1 Test Chapter 5: Aplia Textbook Reading and Problem Set 57 Total Points Chapter Chapter 6: Aplia Textbook Reading and Problem Set 61 Total Points Chapter Chapter 7: Aplia Textbook Reading and Problem Set 57 Total Points Chapter Chapter 8: Aplia Textbook Reading and Problem Set 47 Total Points Chapter 8 67 UNIT 2 TEST Chapter 9: Aplia Textbook Reading and Problem Set 49 Total Points Chapter Chapter 10: Aplia Textbook Reading and Problem Set 71 Total Points Chapter POFT2312- Syllabus Fall 2011 p. 10

11 Week Chapter Assignment Point Value 12 Chapter 11: Aplia Textbook Reading and Problem Set 48 Total Points Chapter Chapter 12: Aplia Textbook Reading and Problem Set 64 Total Points Chapter Unit 3 Test Chapter 13: Aplia Textbook Reading and Problem Set 56 Total Points Chapter Chapter 14: Aplia Textbook Reading and Problem Set 52 Total Points Chapter UNIT 4 Text FINAL 100 Total Points 2025 *The above schedule is tentative and is subject to change* Exam scores will count 26% of the grade. Assignments and quizzes count for 74% of the grade. You are responsible for keeping up with your grade. All grades will be posted in the Angel grade book including the grades from Aplia. Check the Angel grade book for comparison. The grade posted is the grade you will receive. Please contact the instructor within a week of the posting if you have any questions. Note that the grade book may not always be current. POFT2312 Syllabus Fall 2011 p. 11

12 Workforce Education Program Elements (SCANS Skills) The Secretary s Commission on Achieving Necessary Skills (SCANS) conducted extensive research and interviews and determined that workplace know-how consists of two elements: foundations skills and workplace competencies. Upon successful completion of the courses in this program, students will have demonstrated the following competencies: (1) Foundation Skills (a) Basic Skills: A worker must (i) read, (ii)write, (iii) perform arithmetic and mathematical operations, (iv) listen, and (v) speak effectively. (b) Thinking Skills: A worker must (i) think creatively, (ii) make decisions, (iii) solve problems, (iv) visualize, (v) know how to learn, and (vi) reason effectively. (c) Personal Qualities: A worker must display (i) responsibility, (ii) self-esteem, (iii) sociability, (iv) self-management, (v) integrity, and (vi) honesty. (2) Workplace Competencies (a) Resources: A worker must identify, organize, plan, and allocate resources effectively. This includes (i) time, (ii) money, (iii) material and facilities, and (iv) human resources. (b) Interpersonal Skills: A worker must work with others effectively to (i) participate as a member of a team, (ii) teach others new skills, (iii) serve clients/customers, (iv) exercise leadership, (v) negotiate, and (vi) work with diversity. (c) Information: A worker must be able to (i) acquire and use information, (ii) organize and maintain information, (iii) interpret and communicate information and (iv) use computers to process information. (d) Systems: A worker must understand complex interrelationships as in (i) understanding systems, (ii) monitor and correct performance, and (iii) improve and design systems. (e) Technology: A worker must be able to work with a variety of technologies, e.g. (i) select technology, (ii) apply technology, and (iii) maintain and troubleshoot equipment. POFT2312 Syllabus Fall 2011 p. 12