Mandatory Orientation: Monday, August 27, 5-6 p.m. Room B219
Instructor’s Email Address: rochap@arc.losrios.edu or procha@surewest.net
Home: 916.782.5003 Cell: 916.580.7829
Class Web Site: http://ic.arc.losrios.edu/~rochap
Publisher’s Website: http://guffey.swlearning.com
Course Website: http://blackboard.losrios.edu
Textbook
Mary Ellen Guffey. Business Communication Process & Product. 5th Edition, Thompson-South-Western, ISBN 0-324-22304-8
Also Required
Access to the Internet, Email, and to a computer with Office 2003 or 2007.
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.
- 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. 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.
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:
| Method of Evaluation | Percentages |
|
Grading Standards |
Weekly Quizzes |
10% |
|
90% and above A |
Weekly Assignments |
40% |
|
80-89% B |
Weekly Discussion Board |
20% |
|
70-79% C |
Final Presentations |
30% |
|
60-69% D |
Last day to drop a class without grade notation— September 23
Last day to drop a class with a grade of W—November 20
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 20 points per week for your discussion posting. Quotations from any source other than personal experience will 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: Monday, August 27 5:00 p.m.-6:00 p.m. B219
Lecture: Monday, September 17 6:00 p.m.-7:00 p.m. B204
Lecture: Monday, October 29 6:00 p.m.-7:00 p.m. B204
Review: Monday, November 19 6:00 p.m.-7:00 p.m. B204
Presentations: Monday, December 17 6:00 p.m.-8:00 p.m. B204
Weekly Assignments
- Weekly Blackboard Discussion Board Question
- Chapter Web Think Assignment found on the publisher’s website (email to instructor when completed)
- Weekly Assignment Exercise 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.
Week |
Due Date |
Assignments |
| 1 | 9/3 | Chapter 1 |
2 |
9/10 |
Chapter 2 |
3 |
9/17 |
Chapter 3—Lecture 1 |
4 |
9/24 |
Chapter 4—Select Final Topic |
5 |
10/1 |
Chapter 5 |
6 |
10/8 |
Chapter 6 |
7 |
10/15 |
Chapter 5 |
8 |
10/22 |
Chapter 8 |
9 |
10/29 |
Chapter 9—Lecture 2—Sources for Reference |
10 |
11/5 |
Chapter 10 |
11 |
11/12 |
Chapter 11 |
12 |
11/19 |
Chapter 12—Lecture 3—Edit Rough Draft |
13 |
11/26 |
Chapter 13 |
14 |
12/3 |
Chapter 14 |
15 |
12/10 |
Chapter 15 |
16 |
12/17 |
Chapter 16—Final Presentations |
Grade of Incomplete
Only students with a passing grade may request an incomplete when an overwhelming catastrophe (totally beyond the control of the student) requires that student to discontinue the course. The student must notify the instructor of such a circumstance before the last week of class and be prepared to provide documentation if necessary.
Late Work
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. Be proactive in contactiing your instructor with any concerns.
Contents remain the sole property of Patricia Rocha
Last Update: August 2007