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JOHN CABOT UNIVERSITY

COURSE CODE: "BUS 220-3"
COURSE NAME: "Business Communications"
SEMESTER & YEAR: Fall 2017
SYLLABUS

INSTRUCTOR: Teresa Triglia
EMAIL: [email protected]
HOURS: MW 8:30-9:45 AM
TOTAL NO. OF CONTACT HOURS: 45
CREDITS: 3
PREREQUISITES: Prerequisite: EN 110 with a grade of C or above
OFFICE HOURS:

COURSE DESCRIPTION:
This course deals with the definition and analysis of problems and the production of written and oral business reports. Use of appropriate computer software (e.g. word processing, spreadsheets, graphics) is an integral part of the course
SUMMARY OF COURSE CONTENT:
This course will help students enhance their understanding of the strategic role that communication plays in the business world, and how effective communication can make or break a deal, an idea, a proposal, etc. The course will analyze how communication is used to inform, motivate, facilitate change and create value in today’s rapidly evolving organizations, and how the means of communication are changing constantly.

It will evaluate what determines effective business communication, and how to achieve it. Students will learn how to develop, support and organize arguments and how to strengthen their research skills. They will develop their written, oral and interpersonal communication skills in business settings and across a range of tasks including letters, memoranda, resumes, press releases, emails, reports and presentations. Students will learn how to effectively deliver negative and positive business news while maintaining a confident tone, how to communicate persuasively, how to present themselves to the business world through resumes and cover letters and how to create and present effective visual aids.

Students will participate in JCU elevator pitch competition.
LEARNING OUTCOMES:
Students will learn what makes written and oral business communication effective, how to think strategically about communication and achieve their aims by communicating successfully. Routine, negative news and persuasive communication will be covered in depth, both in writing and speaking.

Specifically, students will learn how to write routine emails, letters and memos, how to write effective negative news and persuasive letters, how to effectively research and write a business report and how to prepare an effective resume and cover letter. The course will spend considerable time on oral communication: how to structure and deliver a business presentation, including visual aids.
TEXTBOOK:
Book TitleAuthorPublisherISBN numberLibrary Call NumberCommentsFormatLocal BookstoreOnline Purchase
Business Communication Today, Global Edition Bovee Courtland and Thill John PEARSON EDUCATION LTD978-1292099866     
REQUIRED RESERVED READING:
NONE

RECOMMENDED RESERVED READING:
NONE
GRADING POLICY
-ASSESSMENT METHODS:
AssignmentGuidelinesWeight
Midterm 10
Final 20
Participation 10
Resume and Cover Letter 20
Interview techniques 10
Power Point Presentation and Report 20
Elevator Pitch 10

-ASSESSMENT CRITERIA:
AWork of this quality directly addresses the question or problem raised and provides a coherent argument displaying an extensive knowledge of relevant information or content. This type of work demonstrates the ability to critically evaluate concepts and theory and has an element of novelty and originality. There is clear evidence of a significant amount of reading beyond that required for the course.
BThis is highly competent level of performance and directly addresses the question or problem raised.There is a demonstration of some ability to critically evaluatetheory and concepts and relate them to practice. Discussions reflect the student’s own arguments and are not simply a repetition of standard lecture andreference material. The work does not suffer from any major errors or omissions and provides evidence of reading beyond the required assignments.
CThis is an acceptable level of performance and provides answers that are clear but limited, reflecting the information offered in the lectures and reference readings.
DThis level of performances demonstrates that the student lacks a coherent grasp of the material.Important information is omitted and irrelevant points included.In effect, the student has barely done enough to persuade the instructor that s/he should not fail.
FThis work fails to show any knowledge or understanding of the issues raised in the question. Most of the material in the answer is irrelevant.

-ATTENDANCE REQUIREMENTS:
This is a highly interactive class. Absences directly affect the participation grade.
ACADEMIC HONESTY
As stated in the university catalog, any student who commits an act of academic dishonesty will receive a failing grade on the work in which the dishonesty occurred. In addition, acts of academic dishonesty, irrespective of the weight of the assignment, may result in the student receiving a failing grade in the course. Instances of academic dishonesty will be reported to the Dean of Academic Affairs. A student who is reported twice for academic dishonesty is subject to summary dismissal from the University. In such a case, the Academic Council will then make a recommendation to the President, who will make the final decision.
STUDENTS WITH LEARNING OR OTHER DISABILITIES
John Cabot University does not discriminate on the basis of disability or handicap. Students with approved accommodations must inform their professors at the beginning of the term. Please see the website for the complete policy.

SCHEDULE

Understanding the Foundations of Business Communication   
  • Professional Communication in a Digital, Social, Mobile World   
  • Collaboration, Interpersonal Communication, and Business Etiquette  
  • Communication Challenges in a Diverse, Global Marketplace   
Applying the Three-Step Writing Process   
  • Planning Business Messages   
  • Writing Business Messages   
  • Completing Business Messages   
Digital, Social, and Visual Media   
  • Digital Media   
  • Social Media   
  • Visual Media   
Brief Messages  
  • Writing Routine and Positive Messages   
  • Writing Negative Messages
  • Writing Persuasive Messages   
Reports and Proposals   
  • Finding, Evaluating, and Processing Information   
  • Planning Reports and Proposals  
  • Writing and Completing Reports and Proposals 
Developing and Delivering Business Presentations   
  • Developing Presentations in a Social Media Environment   
  • Enhancing Presentations with Slides and Other Visuals  
Writing Employment Messages and Interviewing for Jobs   
  • Building Careers and Writing Résumés   
  • Applying and Interviewing for Employment   

Please note that the scedule may vary depending on class needs.