Chabot College
Fall, 2006
Course Outline for Business 14
BUSINESS COMMUNICATIONS
Catalog Description:
14 - Business Communications
3 units
Theory and application of written and oral communications in a professional business environment:
organization of messages, editing for tone and polish, presentation techniques, meeting
management, job search communications. Strongly recommended: Eligibility for English 1A or 52A.
3 hours lecture, 1 hour laboratory.
[Typical contact hours: lecture 52.5, laboratory 17.5]
Prerequisite Skills:
None
Expected Outcomes for Students:
Upon completion of this course, the student should be able to:
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analyze two-way communication and diagnose the barriers that prevent the transfer of
meaning;
use empathy and demonstrate an awareness of our multicultural society in everyday speaking
and listening;
demonstrate a marked improvement in listening skills;
create effective communications through a broad range of written and verbal media;
edit documents to enhance grammar, punctuation, tone and meaning;
create goodwill in all types of communications;
manage meetings by developing an agenda, conducting a meeting, publishing minutes, and
conducting post-meeting assessments;
utilize professional communications skills to secure employment.
Course Content:
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Understanding the communication process
Adapting your message to your audience
Communicating across cultures
Planning, writing, and revising
Designing documents, slides, and screens
Creating goodwill through you-attitude, positive emphasis, and reader benefits
Formatting letters and memos
Writing informative and positive messages, negative messages, persuasive messages, and
email messages
Editing for grammar and punctuation
Choosing the right word
Revising sentences and paragraphs
Listening
Working and writing in teams
Planning, conducting, and recording meetings
Making oral presentations
Developing proposals and progress reports
Finding, analyzing, and documenting information
Developing short and long reports
Using visuals in written and oral communications
Researching jobs
Developing resumes and application letters
Interviewing for a job
Following up on application letters and interviews
Chabot College
Course Outline for Business 14, Page 2
Fall 2006
Methods of Presentation:
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Lectures
Discussion
Oral presentations
Case problems
Videos
Guest speakers
Assignments and Methods of Evaluating Student Progress:
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Typical Assignments:
a.
Prepare a persuasive memo to your supervisor requesting a new laptop computer.
Stress benefits to the reader and the company.
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Orally present your resume to a potential employer, outlining how your skills and
experiences can benefit the company.
Methods of Evaluating Student Progress:
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Quizzes
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Written assignments
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Oral presentations
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Examinations
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Final examination
Textbook(s) (Typical):
Business Communication: Building Critical Skills, 2nd Edition, Kitty Locker, Stephen Kyo
Kaczmarek, McGraw-Hill, 2004.
Business Communication, 14th Edition, Carol Lehman, Debbie DuFrene, South-Western, 2005.
Business Communication: Process & Product, 5th Edition, Mary Ellen Guffey, South-Western, 2006.
Special Student Materials:
None
jn/jb 08/05
BUS 14 course outline.doc