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JOHN CABOT UNIVERSITY

COURSE CODE: "BUS 220-4"
COURSE NAME: "Business Communications"
SEMESTER & YEAR: Fall 2016
SYLLABUS

INSTRUCTOR: Pal Belenyesi
EMAIL: [email protected]
HOURS: MW 3:00PM 4:15PM
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:
Students will receive guidance on how to communicate in business environments:

- how to form clear and comprehensive messages,
- how to report clearly,
- how to give feedback, 
- how to receive feedback in a constructive manner.

Students are required to do home assignments and to actively participate in class-work.

The course is strongly based on the lecturer's experience in multicultural business environments, therefore, some lectures will be devoted to intercultural communications. Material will be distributed accordingly. 

Regular communication exercises (swop-conversations, storytelling, active listening) will enrich the course.
LEARNING OUTCOMES:
Improved communications skills.
Knowledge of the basic business etiquette.
Knowledge of the basics of intercultural communication.

Students will learn what makes written and oral business communication effective (in particular, in multicultural environments), how to achieve their aims by communicating successfully. 

This course will also spend considerable time on oral communication and speaking in front of a public: how to structure and deliver a business presentation, including visual aids.
TEXTBOOK:
Book TitleAuthorPublisherISBN numberLibrary Call NumberCommentsFormatLocal BookstoreOnline Purchase
Power, Influence, and Persuasion: Sell Your Ideas and Make Things HappenHarvard Business SchoolHarvard Business Essentials159139631     
REQUIRED RESERVED READING:
NONE

RECOMMENDED RESERVED READING:
NONE
GRADING POLICY
-ASSESSMENT METHODS:
AssignmentGuidelinesWeight
Home assignmentAs agreed with the professor.20
Home assignment - groupAs agreed with the professor. Written assignment.30
Final exam, Test and open answersCumulative50
Elevator Pitch CompetitionTaking part in the elevator pitch competition is neither obligatory nor recommended to miss. Those who take part, will receive a grade from the jury after round 1. The grade will be taken into account when the final grade is complete - curbing up or down will be made according to the grade received in the EPC.Possibility to curb individual grades

-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:
ATTENDANCE REQUIREMENTS AND EXAMINATION POLICY
You cannot make-up a major exam (midterm or final) without the permission of the Dean’s Office. The Dean’s Office will grant such permission only when the absence was caused by a serious impediment, such as a documented illness, hospitalization or death in the immediate family (in which you must attend the funeral) or other situations of similar gravity. Absences due to other meaningful conflicts, such as job interviews, family celebrations, travel difficulties, student misunderstandings or personal convenience, will not be excused. Students who will be absent from a major exam must notify the Dean’s Office prior to that exam. Absences from class due to the observance of a religious holiday will normally be excused. Individual students who will have to miss class to observe a religious holiday should notify the instructor by the end of the Add/Drop period to make prior arrangements for making up any work that will be missed. The final exam period runs until ____________
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

The following is an indicative schedule, which depends on external factors and student involvement. It focuses on an approach that emphasizes the jumping of between themes and having different nature goals simultaneously - like in any work environment. 

What is "communication"?

Construction of CVs, application letters, business reports and white papers. 

Power, Influence, Persuasion (following the Textbook's structure)
 - The necessity of Power
 - Influence
 - Persuasion I-II
 - Presentation
 - Ethics of Power, Influence, Persuasion

Intercultural communications

Basic cultural differences between societal groups

Written business communication

Verbal business communication

Leading skills when you are not the boss (Textbook)

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Regular discussion of the blog "http://managementhelp.org/blogs/communications/".

Creation of personal portfolio (ePortfolio: CV, Photo, Summary, Interests)