BUSBUS 9292

BusinessBusiness CommunicationsCommunications

Fall Semester, 2007 Dixon High School

Instructor: Michael Garnier, MBA Email: [email protected] Class Time: Mondays and Wednesdays 6:00pm to 9:00pm Students are expected to have read chapter materials and be prepared to discuss topics prior to the start of class. It is recommended that a minimum of two hours of study be performed for each class session.

All homework is due at the beginning of class session on the day assigned.

Week Class Dates Assignment Wed Oct 17 Class Introduction 1 Lecture Unit 1 / Ch. 1,2 Building Blocks for Effective Messages Mon Oct 22 Lecture Unit 1 Continued / Ch. 3,4,5 2 Wed Oct 24 Quiz on Unit 1 Lecture Unit 2 / Ch. 6,7 Creating Goodwill Mon Oct 29 Lecture Unit 2 Continued / Ch. 8

3 Wed Oct 31 Quiz on Unit 2 Lecture Unit 3 / Ch. 9,10 Letters, Memos, Email and Web Writing Mon Nov 5 Lecture Unit 3 Continued / Ch. 11,12,13

4 Wed Nov 7 Quiz on Unit 3 Lecture Unit 4 / Ch. 14, 15 Polishing Your Writing Mon Nov 12 HOLIDAY! 5 Wed Nov 14 Lecture Unit 4 Continued / Ch. 16 / Prep for Mid-Term Mon Nov 19 MID-TERM Units 1-4 6 Wed Nov 21 HOLIDAY! Mon Nov 26 Lecture Unit 5 / Ch. 17, 18 Interpersonal Communication 7 Wed Nov 28 Lecture Unit 5 Continued / Ch. 19, 20 Mon Dec 3 Quiz on Unit 5 Lecture on Unit 6 / Ch. 21, 22 8 Research, Reports and Visuals

Wed Dec 5 Lecture Continued on Unit 6 / Ch. 23, 24, 25 Mon Dec 10 Quiz on Unit 6 Lecture Unit 7 / Ch. 26, 27, 28 Job Hunting 9 Wed Dec 12 Lecture Unit 7 Continued / Ch. 29, 30 10 Mon Dec 17 FINAL EXAM Course Description: A study of communication theory in the planning and preparation of various types of letters, reports, resumes, and oral presentations along with analysis of group dynamics, symbolic communication, interview techniques and listening skills. Stresses audience analysis, style, appearance, and the importance of grammar, punctuation and vocabulary. Strong focus on gender and cultural communication issues and strategies in the workplace. Critical thinking encouraged through written and oral assignments and case studies on business communication and ethical issues.

Course Objectives: As a result of successful completion of this course, a student will be able to: 1. Plan and write business letters, memos and reports effectively. 2. Plan and offer oral presentations effectively. 3. Understand and effectively communicate in group and team situations. 4. Plan and use career development skills and strategies, including personal assessment, resume writing and interview techniques. 5. Understand the importance of non-verbal and symbolic communication in the work environment. 6. Recognize and understand gender and cultural communication issues in the work environment. 7. Effectively use communication technology, such as email, voice mail, fax, text messaging, video and teleconferencing.

Text: Locker, Kaczmarek; Business Communication, 3rd Edition, ISBN 0072932104

Grading Policy: Your final course grade will be determined based upon the number of points you earn throughout the semester. Points will be given for completing assignments, quizzes, mid-term exams and the final exam. The approximate weighting of your course grade will be as follows:

Homework =40% Test & Quizzes =50% Participation =10%

Note: If the assignments do not equate exactly to the above totals, they will be weighted accordingly. Final grades will be earned based on the following scale:

100% to 90% A 89% to 80% B 79% to 70% C 69% to 60% D Less than 60% F Classroom Policies:

Attendance: Attendance is expected and required at all class sessions. You are expected to arrive on time and stay until its conclusion. Regular attendance is an obligation assumed by every student at the time of registration. College policy on attendance is that the absences per semester should not exceed the number of hours or the number of days that the class meets per week. If your absences exceed two weeks of class work, you likely will fail. Students dropped from the class due to poor attendance will not be reinstated. If something prevents you from continuing with the class, it is your responsibility to fill out the proper withdrawal forms. If you quit attending and do not drop, you will likely fail.

Outside exercises/assignments: The student should understand the need for additional time outside of class to complete hands-on application and programming assignments. Most students will need two to four hours per week of “on-computer” time, but more time may be needed on some assignments—depending upon the student’s background and skill level. Additional time will be needed to carefully read the text material.

Late Assignments: All assignments given will have a specific due date and will be considered late if not submitted by that date. All assignments are due at the beginning of class. Late assignments will be penalized and will not receive full credit. No assignments will be accepted after the final class date.

Missing an Exam: Exams must be taken when scheduled unless prior arrangements have been made. If the student does not take the exam at the scheduled time, the student will be penalized 10 percentage points on the make-exam. After the exam has been discussed and reviewed in class, the student cannot take the make-up exam and will receive a score of “0” for the exam.

Extra Credit: The instructor does not allow “extra credit” assignments to take the place of missing assignments or to compensate for the student having a low grade due to missing class.

Working Together: Students are required to do their own homework and assignments. “Collaboration” on assignments is not acceptable. Studying together is recommended, and encouraged, but each student must do their own individual work.

Other: Learning is supposed to be both fun and challenging. Your instructor hopes you will enjoy the class and be sufficiently challenged. If you do not understand the concepts or are having difficulty, please bring this to his attention. It is the student’s responsibility to ask for assistance or extra help when it is needed.

Please do not bring children or “Walkman-type” units into the classroom. Please also set cellular telephones and beepers to vibrate, not ring. It is the student’s responsibility to make sure the assignments are received by the instructor in a timely manner to receive full or partial credit. It is also the student’s responsibility to ask for assistance or extra help when it is needed.

The Business Division has set up a special line for information about class cancellations due to instructor illness. If you are not sure if class will be held, listen to the recording at 864-7000 ext. 5340

Headings on Homework: Business 92 Prof. Garnier Student Name Due Date

The appearance of your homework is important. Assignments should be neat in appearance, stapled together, and labeled appropriately in the upper right-corner of the first page or on a cover sheet.

** Let’s make this a great semester for learning!**