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Instructor’s Email Address:         rochap@arc.losrios.edu or procha@surewest.net

Home Phone:       916.782.5003 Cell Phone: 916.580.7829

Class Web Site:                  http://ic.arc.losrios.edu/~rochap

Publisher’s Website:        http://krizan.swlearning.com

Course Website:                http://blackboard.losrios.edu

Textbook:  Krizan, Merrier, and Jones. Business Communication. 6th Edition. Madison, Ohio: South-Western; a division of Thomson Learning, 2005, ISBN 0-324-27225-1 -- Student Guide: Student CD (included in text)
Reference Manual: Clark, James and Clark, Lyn HOW 11: A Handbook for Office Workers Eleventh Edition, South-Western College Publishing, 2007, ISBN 0-324-39993-6

Required: Access to a computer with Office 2003 or 2007, the Internet, and Email

Expected Skills: Familiarity with Windows operating system, Internet Explorer, file management techniques and the use of a mouse is expected

Course Overview
In a nationwide survey, top industry leaders were asked which factors contribute most significantly to a person’s career advancement in organizations. The number one factor cited was interpersonal communication skills. This course is a comprehensive introduction to communication issues that will enhance your oral and written communication skills, enable you to conduct effective meetings and negotiations, contribute to your success in diversified teams, and help you plan your careers.

Course Description:
This course focuses on the concepts, strategies, and principles of effective communication in business situations. Tools to communicate effectively in a fast-paced technological, global marketplace are emphasized. The course provides opportunities to create, edit, evaluate, and critique business documents and reports. A formal research paper using analytical skills, graphics, and the ability to draw conclusions and make recommendations is required. An oral business presentation with visuals is prepared and delivered.

COURSE OBJECTIVES
Upon successful completion of the course, students should be able to

• Define communication as a complex two-way interaction that uses a variety of symbols, styles, channels, and technology to transmit messages
• Define the role of verbal and nonverbal communication in building successful business relationships and developing alternative solutions
• Evaluate the ways that technology is changing business communication
• Apply the six models of communication presented in this course
• Apply communication skills to achieve desired outcomes in report writing
• Analyze the components of effective presentations and speeches
• Develop and deliver an effective presentation
• Identify the characteristics and stages of evolution of productive teams and the team process
• Critique and write different kinds of business messages and communications
• Examine and demonstrate appropriate responses to key diversity issues in the workplace
• Discuss specific tactics and strategies to improve negotiation skills
• Identify research problems, conduct research, analyze data, develop logical conclusions, and organize information into a formal report which includes recommendations

Participant Responsibilities:

• Complete assignments on time and submit in format as instructed.
• Work cooperatively with your group to complete group projects.
• Access Email frequently during the week.
• If you need to DROP the class, you must initiate and complete the process yourself. Failure to do so WILL result in a grade of "F."
• Pass the course evaluation quizzes and the final exam. Please keep in contact with the instructor via email or phone.
• Follow all computer laboratory rules.
• Be considerate. Use standard business English and proper Netiquette in all communications with the instructor and classmates.
• YOU are expected to do your OWN work. Do not copy another’s work and represent it as your own. Any copying or cheating will earn zero points—for all participants. This or any other form of plagiarism will earn an F for the Assignment.
• Good manners, including respect for fellow classmates, are expected.

Late Work & Make up Exams:
All lessons must be completed by the end of the semester in order to receive a final grade.  Responsibility is placed on the individual student to complete all assignments in a timely matter in order to complete the course.
Grades
Grades will be calculated based upon a percentage of the total possible points. It is your responsibility to keep copies your graded papers to verify any discrepancy with my grade worksheet. There is no extra credit.
Grading Standards:

• Last day to drop a class without grade notation— February 22
• Last day to drop a class with a grade of W—April 21

Online Discussion Board and Participation
Your online participation will be evaluated on a quantity and quality basis. Your comments should advance the discussion, add value, and be relevant. Comments such as “I agree” and “ditto” are not considered value-added participation. Therefore, when you agree or disagree with a comment, please state and support your agreement or disagreement. You will receive five points per week for your discussion posting. Quotations from any source other than personal experience should be cited.
There are five (5) class meeting scheduled for this course.  You must attend all five of them as part of your discussion/participation grade. Please note the dates and times in the assignment calendar and plan accordingly.

Orientation:              Friday, January 12                       4:00PM-06:00PM         Rm 129
Lecture:                    Wednesday, February 14            4:00PM-06:00PM         Rm 129
Lecture:                    Wednesday, March 14                4:00PM-06:00PM         Rm 129
Review:                    Wednesday, April 11                  4:00PM-06:00PM         Rm 129
Presentations:           Wednesday, May 9                     4:00PM-06:00PM         Rm 129

GRADE OF Incomplete: Only students who have a passing grade at the time that an overwhelming catastrophe, totally beyond the control of the student requires that they discontinue the course will earn incomplete grades.  The student must notify the instructor of such a circumstance before the last week of class.

Weekly Assignments

• Chapter Interactive Quizzes found on the publisher’s website (email to instructor when completed)
• Discussion Board Question on Blackboard
• Your choice of one of the Weekly Assignment Exercises listed in the Course Materials on Blackboard.

Course Outline:
The following schedule is a guideline to help you successfully complete the course. Each week read the text chapter indicated and complete the following assignments before the due date.

Contents remain the sole property of Patricia Rocha

Last Update: August 2007