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JOHN CABOT UNIVERSITY

COURSE CODE: "BUS 220-2"
COURSE NAME: "Business Communications"
SEMESTER & YEAR: Fall 2016
SYLLABUS

INSTRUCTOR: Michele Favorite
EMAIL: [email protected]
 HOURS: TTH 10:00 AM 11:15 AM
TOTAL NO. OF CONTACT HOURS: 45
CREDITS: 3
PREREQUISITES: Prerequisite: EN 110 with a grade of C or above
OFFICE HOURS: By appointment
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.

Topical issues relating to the business world --both in the US and abroad-- will be analyzed and will be the focus of projects and discussion. Students are expected to familiarize themselves with what's happening in the world of business and make intelligent contributions in class. 
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, bad news and persuasive communication will be covered in depth, both in writing and speaking.
TEXTBOOK:
Book TitleAuthorPublisherISBN numberLibrary Call NumberCommentsFormatLocal BookstoreOnline Purchase
Communicating in Business, 8th editionScot Ober, Amy Newman South Western Cengage 139781111971762      
REQUIRED RESERVED READING:
Book TitleAuthorPublisherISBN numberLibrary Call NumberComments
Guide to Managerial Communication Mary Munter Prentice Hall 9780137130467   

RECOMMENDED RESERVED READING:
NONE
GRADING POLICY
-ASSESSMENT METHODS:
AssignmentGuidelinesWeight
Participation 15%
Short assignments  20%
Research report 15%
Power Point group presentation 15%
Midterm 15%
Final Exam  20%

-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 t
BThis is a highly competent level of performance and directly addresses the question or problem raised. There is a demonstration of some ability to critically evaluate theory and concepts and relate them to practice. Discussions reflect the student’s own arguments and are not simply a repetition of standard lecture and reference 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 performance 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 key issues raised. Most of the material in the answer is irrelevant or insufficient.
-ATTENDANCE REQUIREMENTS:

Because so much of the course material is discussed in class, absences are a serious setback for the students who are absent and for the rest of the group. After two absences, students may be asked to leave the 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

Schedule Fall 2016









Week 1:  Introduction to the course and to Business Communication; Fundamentals of communication strategy.























September 1: Class discussion:  Munter: chapter 1.

Week 2:  How to write an effective Resume















Class discussion:  Ober: chapter 12. Different resumes will be distributed and discussed during class.   A revised draft will be due every week until the end of the course.  Please staple all versions of your resume together, with the most recent on top. This project will be graded as part of Short Assignments.

Week 3: Micro and macro writing















Class discussion:  Munter:  chapters 2, 4 Ober: chapter 5

Week 4:  Routine communication and emails







 







Class discussion:  Munter:  chapter 3; Ober: chapters 4 and 6 















Report and presentation topics will be assigned

MAKE UP DAY: SEPTEMBER 23

Week 5:  Persuasive communication























Class discussion:  Ober, chapter 7























Week 6: Persuasive communication (cont’d)























Review of  persuasive communication

Week 7:  Public Speaking























Class discussion:  Munter: chapters 5-7; Ober, chapter 11

Week 8: MidTerm Week

Review for Midterm

Midterm exam: October 20

Week 9:  Public Speaking (cont’d) and Visual aids

 Class Discussion:  Munter: chapter 6;  Ober: chapter 9 

MAKE UP DAY: OCTOBER 28

Week 10: Delivering Bad News

Ober, chapter 8

Week 11: Bad news (cont’d)























Week 12:  Writing reports

Ober: chapters 9 and 10























Elevator Pitch Competition: November 14 and 15

Week 13: Class presentations due























Week 14:  Final week

December 1: last day of class and review for final exam

Reports are due

















Please note that class schedule often varies.