COURSE TITLE: Business Communication COURSE NUMBER: COMM 332 SEMESTER HOURS: 3.0 PREREQUISITES: Placement in ENG 101 and 102 Instructor: Melanie P. Jackson Department: Communication Office Phone: Office Location: Communication Department Office Email: jacksonm@cofc.edu Fax Number: Office Hours: Monday and Wednesday Evenings from 5:00 pm-5:45 pm All others by appointment only. Course Description: This course is a study of the skills used for effective communication in the decisionmaking and problem solving process including electronic communication, business presentations, and multicultural considerations. Required Text and Other: Contemporary Business Communication by Scott Ober, 6 th Edition, 2006. Other supplies needed to complete assignments may be required; sample supplies include stationery, envelopes, file folders, and access to a reliable printer. Business Communication COMM 332 I. COURSE OBJECTIVES Upon successful completion of this course, students will have developed effective communication skills that will enable them to: 1. Identify the components of the communication process, including potential barriers. 2. Identify the criteria necessary for successful communication in teams and small groups. 3. Identify the different components of nonverbal and intercultural communication. 4. Develop skills in using technology as an effective communication tool. 5. Enhance writing skills in order to prepare various types of business documents. 6. Explain the steps involved in the writing process. 7. Compare and Contrast routine messages, persuasive messages, and bad news messages. 8. Develop skills in using reports and proposals as business tools. 9. Explain the steps necessary to prepare for a successful business presentation. 10. Develop skills in preparing for a job interview.
II. PLAN OF INSTRUCTION REFERENCES TOPICS METHOD Chapter 1 Understanding Business Communication Lecture/Conference Discussion or Chapter 2 Work Team Communication Lecture/Conference Discussion or Chapter 3 Communicating Technology Lecture/Conference Discussion or Chapter 4 Writing with Style: Individual Elements Lecture/Conference Discussion or Chapter 5 Writing with Style: Overall Tone and Readability Lecture/Conference Discussion or TEST ONE CHAPTERS 1-5 IN-CLASS TEST Chapter 6 The Process of Writing Lecture/Conference Discussion or Chapter 7 Routine Messages Lecture/Conference Discussion or Chapter 9 Bad-News Messages Lecture/Conference Discussion or Chapter 10 Planning the Report Lecture/Conference Discussion or Chapter 11 Collecting and Analyzing Data Lecture/Conference Discussion or TEST TWO CHAPTERS 6-11 IN-CLASS TEST Chapter 12 Writing the Report Lecture/Conference Discussion or Chapter 13 Planning the Business Presentation Lecture/Conference Discussion or Chapter 14 Illustrating and Delivering the Business Presentation Lecture/Conference Discussion or Chapter 15 Employment Communication Lecture/Conference Discussion or TEST THREE CHAPTERS 13-15 IN-CLASS TEST
Portfolio As Assigned by the Instructor III. COURSE REQUIREMENTS Due Dates: All assignments must be hand-delivered to the instructor either during class time or during scheduled office hours. Five points will be deducted for each calendar day that the assignment is late. Work Expected of Students: 1. Study Assigned Chapters: Read and study the assigned chapters in the text. Students can access the companion website at www.college.hmco.com. Within the site, students will have access to Chapter Quizzes, Document Makeovers, and Student PowerPoints. The Chapter Quizzes provide an excellent review for the Chapter Tests. Chapter Tests will be given and the average of the Chapter Test grades will count 40 percent of your total grade. 2. Portfolio: There will be a major project assigned by your instructor. The portfolio will count 30 percent of your total grade. 3. Your participation will be monitored throughout the course. You will be expected to participate in class discussions, activities, quizzes and complete any assigned out-of-class work. A participation grade will be assigned based on my assessment of your work and will count 10 percent of your grade. 4. Quizzes will be assigned throughout the course. Quizzes (announced and unannounced) may NOT be rescheduled and will count 10 percent of your grade. 5. An objective Comprehensive Final Exam will be given and will count 10 percent of your total grade. IV. GRADING AND EVALUATION Your final grade will be calculated by the following: Average of Chapter Tests = 40% Portfolio = 30% Participation = 10% Quizzes = 10% Comprehensive Final Exam = 10% V. CLASSROOM PROCEDURES 100%
1. Regular classroom attendance and participation is required. Students are expected to arrive on time and prepared to discuss the assigned materials. Extenuating circumstances leading to class absence should be reported to the instructor prior to the class missed. Given the nature of the course schedule, students are permitted two (2) absences. Any absences beyond two (2) will reduce the student s participation grade by 10 points for each absence. 2. Due dates for all assignments are expected to be submitted at the beginning of each class period. Late work is not accepted unless a documented emergency exists. Assigned deadlines are critical, not only in a classroom setting but also in the business world. It is the student s responsibility to notify the instructor when and if assignments are not completed on time. 3. If a student is absent from class, he/she is responsible for all class work, materials, assignments, handouts and notes. It is the student s responsibility to check with other students prior to contacting the instructor to determine what was missed. 4. The Final Exam must be taken on the date indicated on Cougar Trail. If the student must be absent for the final exam due to illness or a death in the immediate family, the student is responsible for notifying the instructor prior to the final exam or within 24 hours following the exam. VI. Tests/Projects: Please refer to the course outline for information pertaining to tests, papers/projects, and the Final Exam. In general, there will be NO make-up tests. Under extreme circumstances and at the discretion of your instructor: a student may make up one test, or if a student misses one test, he/she will achieve the same grade as on the final exam. In either case, it is the responsibility of the STUDENT to make arrangements with the instructor. Anyone missing two tests or the assigned portfolio will receive a failing grade in the course. Without exception, all students are required to take the comprehensive final exam. Quizzes (announced or unannounced) can only be taken during scheduled class time. VII. Grading: Grading Scale: 95-100 = A 90-94 = A- 87-89 = B+ 84-86 = B 80-83 = B- 77-79 = C+ 74-76 = C 70-73 = C- 67-69 = D+ 64-66 = D 60-63 = D- 59 or below = F The ability to communicate ideas clearly and concisely is a key to success in the world of business and management. Writing assignments will be assigned in order to ensure that writing skills are developed throughout the student s academic experience. While essays will be graded primarily on content, organization, and conceptual understanding, GRAMMAR, PUNCTUATION, AND SPELLING WILL ALSO BE CONSIDERED IN THE OVERALL GRADE. Students who need to improve their writing skills should see their instructor for assistance. VIII. Student Information:
Student Code: Lying, cheating, attempted cheating, and plagiarism are in violations of the Honor Students and students should have a clear understanding of the College of Charleston s Honor Code and be familiar with the content of such code. Students can access the Honor Code and other pertinent college information by accessing the Student Handbook at http://www.cofc.edu. Cougar Trail: Students are expected to be access their Cougar Trail account on a regular basis. Cougar Trail provides access to important information which can assist students in meeting their academic goals. Student Disability Services (formerly Special Needs): All students who have a disability and need accommodations should visit, call or email the instructor within the first two weeks of class so that arrangements can be made prior to each class meeting. Business Division Curriculum Policy Pertaining To Academic Matters: If at any time during the semester a problem should arise pertaining to this class or any other academic matter, you should consult your instructor first. If further assistance is needed after this consultation, your instructor will make an appointment for you with the department head.