PREREQUISITES: Ability to Keyboard

INSTRUCTOR: Dr. Sara Hart

REQUIRED TEXT: Lesikar, Raymond, John Petit, and Marie Flatley,

Basic Business Communication, Eighth Edition, Irwin Publishing Company.
 

COURSE DESCRIPTION

Communication as a management tool in business and a personal skill with emphasis on the logical and psychological development of letters and reports.
 

COURSE OBJECTIVES

Effective business communication uses general studies courses (from language arts such as writing, grammar, and punctuation) and business foundation courses (accounting, finance, management, marketing, etc.) within a business context to solve written and oral business problems. Specific objectives are as follows:
 

1. To learn how to adapt language and style in various letter-and report-writing situations.

2. To learn how to construct clear sentences and paragraphs using accepted standards of English grammar and punctuation, with emphasis on variations in sentence structure and effective paragraph design.

3. To develop interpersonal skills through oral and written business communication that emphasizes key points and have a positive effect on human relations.

4. To use directness in effectively communicating in initiating and in responding to routine inquiries about people, claims, and orders.

5. To communicate negative and persuasive information strategically to foster success results.

6. To develop and employ effective and ethical writing strategies that are tactful, courteous, positive, and maintain goodwill.

7. To learn how to compose effective job application letters, resumes, thank-you and follow-up letters, and letters of job acceptance and refusal.

8. To learn research terminology and methodology and prepare a well written objective report.

9. To develop interpersonal skills such as team work, group dynamics, and leadership skills.

10. To develop an awareness and understanding of cross cultural and international differences that impact effective communication.
 

TOPICS COVERED
 

Topics
 

1. Characteristics of Effective Business Communication

2. Communicating Positive and Neutral Information

3. Communicating Negative and Persuasive Information

4. Success Strategies in the Job Finding Process

5. Fundamentals of Research and Report Writing

6. Adapting Writing to Intellectually and Cultural Diverse Groups

7. Interpersonal Skill Development/Group Interaction

**Ethics is stressed throughout the course. Emphasis is placed on ethical concepts such as conveying honest and accurate information, showing equal treatment through nonsexist and nondiscriminatory writing, exhibiting fair mindedness and a sensitivity to the reader's feelings and respect for human rights.
 

CLASS MEETINGS
Class sessions are from 12:30 - 2:00 on Monday and Wednesday.
 

TEACHING METHOD
Lecture, class discussion, small group work, individual writing assignments, collaborative writing assignments, and composition at the computer are all utilized in teaching Business Communication courses.

EVALUATION
Three examinations are given during the semester. The first exam covers basic concepts and theory of Business Communication. The second exam covers report writing material. The final exam is comprehensive with the exception of report writing.

Students complete four to six letter writing assignments during the semester, one of which is an application letter and resume. Students also write a business report. The grades are weighted as shown below:

40% -- Average on letter

20% -- Business Report

10% -- Exam over Basic Concepts

10% -- Exam over Report Writing

20% -- Final Exam
 

Grading Scale

A = 90 - 100

B = 80 - 89

C = 70 - 79

D = 60 - 69

F = Below 60
 

ATTENDANCE
As indicated in the University Catalog, regular and punctual attendance is expected. Records will be kept of students' attendance. Students will not be penalized for three or fewer hours of absences; however, students may be penalized for more than three hours of absences (three M-day classes or two T-day classes).
 

RELIGIOUS HOLY DAYS POLICY
Students who are absent from class for observance of a religious holy day will be allowed to take an examination or complete an assignment scheduled for that day within one (1) week of returning to class. The student, not later than the 15^th calendar day after the first day of the semester, must notify the instructor of each scheduled class day that he/she would be absent for a religious holy day.
 

DISABLED STUDENT POLICY
It is the policy of Sam Houston State University that no otherwise qualified disabled individual shall, solely by reason of his/her handicap, be excluded from the participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be subjected to discrimination under any academic, Student Life program, or activity. Handicapped students may request academic Assistance for Disabled students by visiting the director of the Counseling Center in the Lee Drain Building Annex, or by calling extension 1720 (409-294-1720).