Clark College
Vancouver, Washington
B
Fall 2005
TEC 087—Applied Office English
Syllabus
Nancy A. Johnson
(360)992-2228
Office: Scarpelli Hall Room 107
Office Hours: 10 a.m. daily
njohnson@clark.edu
Course Description
This course reviews and develops fundamental skills in dictionary use, spelling, business vocabulary,
editing, word usage, grammar, sentence structure, and punctuation. It provides practice in basic
writing skills for business letters and memorandums.
Prerequisites
Completion of DVED 094—English Basics or ENGL 097—Writing Fundamentals eligibility.
Text and Supplies
Business English at Work. Jaderstrom/Miller. McGrawHill/Glenco. Second Edition 2003.
Supplies needed include a No. 2 pencil.
Course Content
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Dictionary Usage
Spelling and Vocabulary
Words Frequently Misused
Capitalization
Number Style
Nouns and Pronouns
Verbs and Interjections
Adjectives and Adverbs
Prepositions and Conjunctions
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Subjects and Predicates
Complements and Appositives
Phrases and Clauses
Periods, Commas, and Apostrophes
Semicolons, Colons, and Quotation Marks
Other Marks of Punctuation
Writing Effective Sentences
Editing Business Letters and Memos
Composing Business Letters and Memos
College-Wide Abilities and Related Areas of Instruction
Clark College has identified six campus-wide abilities that form the foundation of our educational
emphasis: 1) critical thinking/problem solving, 2) information technology, 3) communication, 4) lifelong learning, 5) effective citizenship, 6) global/multicultural awareness. I will promote the
Information/Technology Ability, Communication Ability, Life-Long Learning Ability, and Critical
Thinking Ability. Communication is the primary related area of instruction assessed in this course.
BTEC 087—Applied Office English
Syllabus
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Student Learning Outcomes
1. Improve and expand vocabulary in career situations by recognizing definitions and using the
vocabulary in sentences. (Communication, Life-Long Learning)
2. Utilize all sections of a dictionary to discover syllabication, pronunciation, definitions, spellings,
abbreviations, and other facts by completing exercises that require using a dictionary. (Life-Long
Learning, Information Technology)
3. Use the four steps to improve spelling accuracy in written documents by applying the following:
1) checking spelling in a dictionary, 2) questioning the spelling of often misspelled words,
3) making a list of misspelled words, and 4) using mnemonic devices and spelling rules.
(Communication, Life-Long Learning, Information Technology)
4. Strengthen use of synonyms, antonyms, and homonyms to gain accuracy and improve writing
skills by selecting the correct usage based on the context of the sentence and using these words
correctly in written correspondence. (Communication Life-Long Learning)
5. Capitalize words correctly, adhering to the principles of capitalization usage, by selecting correct
capitalization in exercises as well as in written assignments. (Life-Long Learning)
6. Select the correct number style—either words or numerals—both in exercises as well as business
writing situations. (Communication, Life-Long Learning)
7. Identify the different parts of speech and master their correct usage by identifying them in
exercises. (Communication, Life-Long Learning)
8. Identify varied sentence patterns and use them in classroom exercises. (Communication, Life-Long
Learning)
9. Choose the correct usage of punctuation, especially related to the business office by proofreading
and editing for correct punctuation in exercises and writing assignments. (Communication, LifeLong Learning)
10. Develop skills, confidence, clarity, and effectiveness in writing with an attempt for perfection in
applying the basic rules of written language by completing memorandum and letter assignments.
(Communication)
11. Write effective business letters and memorandums by integrating format, purpose, content,
structure, audience, and tone. (Communication)
12. Edit and evaluate one another’s work as well as one’s own work during group editing sessions.
(Critical Thinking)
Methods of Presentation
Lectures, demonstrations, discussions, assignments, quizzes, tests, interactive groups.
Grading
Unit tests
Quizzes
Writing Assignments
Final Examination
50% (lowest score will be dropped)
25%
15%
10%
BTEC 087—Applied Office English
Syllabus
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Grading Scale
Tests and Quizzes
93 to 100 = A
73 to 76 = C
90 to 92 = A69 to 72 = C87 to 89 = B+
66 to 68 = D+
83 to 86 = B
61 to 65 = D
80 to 82 = B58 to 60 = D77 to 79 = C+
57 or less = F
Writing Assignments
1 to 2 errors = A
28 to 35 = C
3 to 5
= A36 to 45 = C6 to 9
= B+
46 to 50 = D+
10 to 14
=B
51 to 54 = D
15 to 20
= B55 to 57 = D21 to 27
= C+
Grading of writing assignments based on grammar,
spelling, punctuation, sentence structure, format,
tone, interest, originality, complete coverage of
assignment, easy readability.
Attendance and Testing Policies
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In case of absence, it is the student’s responsibility to follow the assignment sheet and to stay on
schedule.
Writing assignments turned in late may be lowered a grade for each day late.
Please notify the instructor in advance of the class if unable to take a unit test as scheduled. Also,
make arrangements with the instructor to reschedule the exam within the week.
College Withdrawal Policy
“No withdrawals will be allowed after the end of the 7th week of classes.”
If you need to drop this course prior to the seventh week of class, please complete the
withdrawal process as covered in the Clark College Catalog. If you stop attending class
without formally withdrawing, you will receive an “F” grade for the course.
Student Responsibilities
Students are responsible for insuring that their personal conduct is in accordance with the following
guidelines:
 Treat the instructors, other students, and other Clark College employees with respect.
 Refrain from engaging in harassing or demeaning behavior or any other behavior which disrupts
the learning environment. Students engaging in these types of behavior will be asked to leave the
classroom. Repeated occurrences will lead to dismissal from the course.
 Comply with the policies and regulations established by Clark College, including the Code of
Student Conduct.
Academic Honesty
Academic honesty is required at all times. Anyone caught cheating will receive an automatic fail for
the particular test/assignment. Plagiarism, which is also a form of cheating, is representing another
individual’s work as your own.
Support Services Available
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Cannell Library help sessions and hours: http://www.clark.edu
Tutoring/Writing Center: http://www.clark.edu
Department help sessions—posted at doors in SHL
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Syllabus
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Computer Lab availability/hours—posted on doors in SHL
Disability Support Services: http://www.clark.edu
Career and Employment Services, Gaiser Hall, Room 204
Computers are available for students’ use in SHL 017
ADA Accommodations
If you have emergency medical information that should be shared, or if you require assistance in case
the building should be evacuated, please make an appointment to see me as soon as possible during the
office hours indicated on page one of this syllabus.
Any student with a disability who may require some consideration or assistance in order to fully
participate in this class should contact the Disability Support Services office at 992-2580 or 992-2835
(TTY), or stop by Gaiser Hall 141.
Business/Business Technology Division Faculty Philosophy
We believe our role is that of a facilitator of your learning. Your role as the learner is to actively
participate in your learning experience both in and out of the classroom. We will encourage you to
become proficient in your field of study, update technical skills, and improve personal growth
necessary for the changing needs of the workplace and society. We firmly promote a safe, positive,
and respectful classroom environment.
BTEC 087—Applied Office English
Syllabus
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