Course
Instructor
Credits
Meetings
Business Writing
Debbie Beller Horwitz
Non-credit
This class meets 100% online.
Instructor’s Contact Information
Office Phone 917-796-0641
Office Location
Hunter College Continuing Education
695 Park Avenue, New York, New York
Email Address
Office Hours
debbietutor@gmail.com
Friday, On-line Zoom Meeting at 12 p.m.
Syllabus Changes
Other Information
Instructors reserve the right to make changes to the syllabus as needed,
and you are responsible for keeping up with those changes. Please log
on regularly to Blackboard to get the most current information.
Weekly Assignments and Discussion Posts are due Thursday evenings
by 11 p.m, EST
Course Description & Information
Pre-requisites, Corequisites, & other
restrictions
Online Learning Expectations: To be successful academically, online
students must be able to navigate & search the internet, use email, attach and
upload documents, download & save files, and have access to and use
Microsoft Word, Excel & PowerPoint.
Course Description
This course centers around becoming a master at writing business emails,
letters, memos, short reports, LinkedIn profiles, Social Media blogs, Power
Point Presentations and summaries. It also provides weekly business writing
tips in terms of being grammatically correct, using appropriate business
vocabulary, writing powerful sentences, setting the right tone, editing your work
quickly and easily, and selling yourself persuasively.
Required Readings
All required reading assignments will be given through your Blackboard site.
Buying Textbooks
Non-applicable
Recommended Readings
Special
Software/Hardware
Updated April 27
Blackboard, Zoom (www.zoom.us)
Browser/Plugin/Viewer
Info
For standard Browser/Plugin/Viewer visit this page:
http://www.hunter.cuny.edu/ceprograms
Other Required Materials
Course Goals, Objectives/Outcomes
Learning Outcomes
List Student Learning Outcomes or other course objectives here.
By the end of the course, students will be able to:
1. Write professional level business emails, letters, reports and
summaries
2. Create LinkedIn profiles, blogs and Power point presentations.
3. Understand powerful sentence structure
4. Use the right vocabulary and tone to in business documents
5. Edit their own work quickly and easily
Grading
Grading (credit) Criteria
Assignments
A-F final grading scale
Week Writing Assignments and Discussion Board Posts
Please consult the https://hunter.acebb.cuny.edu/ for options,
Discussion board questions will be posted throughout the semester. You are
required to answer my question with your own well-developed response. You
are required to then ask substantive and thoughtful questions of at least two
(2) of your classmates.
Discussion Board Criteria
1. The content of your postings must demonstrate an understanding of
the relevant text material.
2. Your initial posting must include your last name in the subject line.
3. Your initial posting answering the Instructor’s question must be
posted no later than midnight Tuesday of the week assigned. The
answer should be substantive in nature.
4. Your postings to other students comments must be posted no later
than midnight Thursday of the week assigned. These should be
substantive in nature.
POINTS
● Initial posting – 10 points
● Two questions that you ask – 5 points
● Two questions that you answer – 5 points
Make-Up& Late Work
Updated April 27
Non-applicable
Class Preparation &
Participation
Students must log on at least three times a week. When students log on,
they will be responsible for posting three times, once to the instructor’s
weekly question and twice to two other students’ posts. In addition, in one log
on, they are required to submit a weekly writing assignment.
Course Policies
Make-Up Exams
Late Work
Non-applicable
Students must submit assignment by due dates indicated above. System
will not allow any late submissions..
Special Assignments
Class Attendance
Student Conduct/
Netiquette
Special Procedures
Students must log in at least 3 times a week.
For Netiquette information, visit this webpage: http://hunter.cuny.edu/ce
Taking Exams and Proctoring: Many of the online classes at CEP at Hunter
College utilize online quizzes and/ or written assignments that are submitted
electronically. However, some online courses require students to secure a
proctor to supervise exams. Instructors that require proctored exams will
post the requirement in CEPOnline Connect under course information as
"Specific Requirements." You may also contact an instructor prior to
registering for an online class if you would like to verify course specific
requirements.
To secure the approval of a proctor at a distance, students must complete
the Proctor Approval Form and submit the form to the instructor for
approval at least 10 days prior to the required exam. Complete instructions
for choosing and approving a proctor near the location of the student are
contained in the proctor approval form
To access the CEP blackboard platform: https://hunter.acebb.cuny.edu/
Blackboard Support
Technical Support
Plagiarism & Academic
Integrity
Updated April 27
For Blackboard support for students:
https://help.blackboard.com/en-us/Learn/9.1_2014_04/Student
Email: CE@hunter.cuny.edu
Phone: 212-772-4003
For a New Student Orientation to Blackboard, visit:
https://help.blackboard.com/enus/Learn/9.1_2014_04/Student/090_Tools/Discussion_Board
You can get technical support or assistance by visiting the Technology
Support page here: https://hunter.acebb.cuny.edu/ or by contacting the IT
Helpdesk at 212-772-4003 or CE@hunter.cuny.edu
Students are expected to follow the University’s Academic Integrity Code. If
you are caught plagiarizing, you risk failing the course. All written
assignments will be evaluated by the Blackboard system for plagiarism and
instructor review. To read the conditions of the AIC, visit the following
website: Hunter
Copyright Notice
The copyright law of the United States (Title 17, United States Code)
governs the making of photocopies or other reproductions of copyrighted
materials, including music and software. Copying, displaying, reproducing,
or distributing copyrighted works may infringe the copyright owner’s rights
and such infringement is subject to appropriate disciplinary action as well as
criminal penalties provided by federal law. Usage of such material is only
appropriate when that usage constitutes “fair use” under the Copyright Act.
See hunter college library copy right: Hunter College Library
- Prior to the first class meeting, tuition is refunded minus the $20
Withdrawal from Class
registration fee and a $10 drop fee.
- After the first class meeting, no refunds will be issued.
- Certificate Program students will have a $100 penalty deducted from
tuition upon withdrawal.
Refund Policy for Online Courses once a student logs into the system, this
will count as attending the first class session. Therefore, no refund will be
issued. For more information, click here
According to the CEP grading, an Incomplete (“I”) will only be awarded in
the case of exceptional circumstances. Mere inability to submit work on
time, or missing the final exam, is not valid reasons for an Incomplete.
Incomplete Grades
ADA Statement
Myclass
Tutoring Info
Advising & Other Student
Support Info
Updated April 27
Students must make arrangements with the instructor prior to the final exam
it they wish to receive a grade of incomplete. The deadline for the
completion of the coursework is stated on the course syllabus. If the course
work is not completed within the specified time frame, the incomplete grade
will become an “F.”
ACCOMMODATIONS STATEMENT
CE is committed to making reasonable accommodations for individuals with
documented qualifying disabilities in accordance with the Americans with
Disabilities Act of 1990 and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973.
Those seeking accommodations based on a substantially limiting disability
must contact and register with The Office of Disability Services (ODS) at
www.ods.appstate.edu or 828-262-3056-Once registration is complete,
individuals will meet with ODS staff to discuss eligibility and appropriate
accommodations.
For information about classes & advisers, to check midterm and final grades
or to register for classes, Student logging
The College does offer tutoring assistance. For more information or to
schedule an appointment, click here:
For information about advising, visit the Academic Advising page:
Bookstore Info
Library Info
Visit the Bookstore at this link:
If there are materials on course reserve or other subject specific details, list
them here.
Schedule of Assignments (n.b. Blackboard are REQUIRED for Online Courses)
You may elect to delete these charts and replace them with your own schedule to preserve your original format.
Modular (class 1/week 1)
Class Introduction
Overview of Course
VoiceThread
Class Session
Learning
Objectives
Activities
●
●
●
Post
Conclusion
Homework
Understand the Course Syllabus
Become familiar with the Blackboard System
Get to know your professor
Act.1 W atch Course Overview
Act.2 Read Syllabus
Act.3 Post Introduction to Professor and two other Students
Post answer to instructor’s question in the Discussion Board and comment on two
other students’ posts
Class will follow the syllabus and use the Blackboard Learning Management System
Post an Introduction in the Discussion Board and comment on two other students
posts
Modular (class 2/week 2)
Class Introduction
Voice Thread
Class Session
Learning
Objectives
Overview of Email Formats
●
●
●
Activities
Post
Conclusion
Homework
Learn how to write the informational, problem/solution and compare/contrast email
Understand Powerful Sentence Structure.
Show understanding of how to write email formats by answering questions about
them
Act.1 Watch Lesson Overview Voice Thread
Act.2 W atch YouTube Email format Video
Act.3 Read Email Format Sample Documents
Act 4 Read Powerful Sentence Document
Post answer to instructor’s question in the Discussion Board and comment on two
other students’ posts
Emails need to be well-formatted, clear and have powerful sentence structure
Write an informational, problem/solution and compare/contrast email
Modular (class 3/week 3)
Class Introduction
Overview of Letter Formats
Updated April 27
VoiceThread
Class Session
Learning
Objectives
●
●
●
Activities
Post
Quiz
Conclusion
Homework
Learn how to write the Cover Letter and Recommendation Letter
Understand how to edit your work quickly and easily
Show understanding of how to write the Cover Letter and Recommendation Letter by
answering questions about them
Act.1 W atch Lesson Overview Voice Thread
Act.2 Read Cover Letter Document
Act.3 Read Recommendation Letter Document
Act. 4 Read How to Edit Your W ork Document
Post answers to instructor’s question in the Discussion Board and comment on two
other students’ posts
Do editing exercise
Cover letters and Recommendation Letters are the key letters used today
Editing Tips should be used every time you write business documentation
Write a Cover Letter and Recommendation Letter and edit your work
Modular (class 4/ week 4)
Class Introduction
Overview of Short Report: The Progress/Recommendation Report
VoiceThread
Class Session
Learning
Objectives
Activities
●
●
●
Post
Conclusion
Homework
Learn how to write a Progress/Recommendation Report
Understand how to choose Appropriate Vocabulary
Use Report Format and Appropriate Vocabulary to write your own report
Act.1 Watch Lesson Overview Voice Thread
Act.2 Read Progress/Recommendation Report Document
Act.3 Read Appropriate Vocabulary Document
Post answers to instructor’s question in the Discussion Board and comment on two
other students’ posts
Reports should be well formatted and show progress and make recommendations
Appropriate Vocabulary should be understandable to all readers
Write a Progress/Recommendation Report using appropriate vocabulary
Modular (class 5/ week 5)
Class Introduction
Overview of the LinkedIn Profile
VoiceThread
Class Session
Learning
Objectives
Activities
Updated April 27
●
●
●
Learn why the LinkedIn Profile is necessary for everyone in today’s competitive
business world
Learn how to write your own LinkedIn Profile
Learn to set a positive, persuasive tone in your writing
Act.1 Watch Lesson Overview Voice Thread
Act.2 Read LinkedIn Sample Profile
Act.3 Read Using the Appropriate Tone document
Post answers to instructor’s question in the Discussion Board and comment on two
other students’ posts
LinkedIn profiles are the essential way to have a professional social media identity.
Setting a positive, persuasive tone is essential in all business writing but more so in
LinkedIn profiles
Write the LinkedIn Profile using a positive, persuasive tone
Post
Conclusion
Homework
Modular (class 6/ week 6)
Class Introduction
Overview of the Professional Social Media Blog
VoiceThread
Class Session
Learning
Objectives
●
●
●
Activities
Post
Conclusion
Homework
Learn how to write a professional Social Media Blog
Learn how to summarize your major points clearly
Learn how to use colorful language that makes the reader want to read your written
work
Act.1
Watch Lesson Overview Voice Thread
Act.2
Read Social Media Blog Samples
Act.3
Watch Social Media Blogging Video
Post answers to instructor’s question in the Discussion Board and comment on two
other students’ posts
Social Media Blogs are the waive of the future for companies to market their products
and for employees to receive in-house communication. Using colorful language
makes the reader want to read your writing and helps them remember your message.
Write the Social Media Blog using clear summarized points
Modular (class 7/ week 7)
Class Introduction
Overview of Power Point Presentations
Voice Thread
Class Session
Learning
Objectives
Activities
Post
Conclusion
Homework
Updated April 27
●
●
●
Learn how to create and write an effective Power Point Presentation
Learn how to summarize your major points effectively
Learn how to use powerful summarized points in your Power Point Presentations
Act.1 Watch Lesson Overview Voice Thread
Act.2 Read Sample Power Point Presentation
Act.3 Read Summarizing Your Points document
Post answers to instructor’s question in the Discussion Board and comment on two
other students’ posts
Power Point Presentations should have key points summarized in short bullets with
only the visuals that complement the key points
Create an Effective Power Point Presentation using effective major points
Modular (class 8/week 8)
Class Introduction
Overview of the Final Course Portfolio Report
VoiceThread
Class Session
Learning
Objectives
●
●
●
Activities
Post
Conclusion
Homework
Learn how to write the Final Course Progress Portfolio Report
Learn how to create the electronic portfolio folder
Learn how to create the Final Course Progress Report Power Point Presentation
Act.1 Watch Portfolio Lesson Overview Voice Thread
Act 2 Read Portfolio Report Document
Act. 3 Watch how to create an electronic folder video
Post answers to instructor’s question in the Discussion Board and comment on two
other students’ posts
Final Course Progress Reports should have a short report plus a Power Point
Presentation and Samples of all your writing work this term
Draft Your Final Course Progress Portfolio Report and PowerPoint Presentation
Modular (class 9/week 9)
Class Introduction
Overview of Putting Together your Final Portfolio and Course Report
VoiceThread
Class Session
Learning
Objectives
Activities
●
●
●
Post
Conclusion
Homework
Learn how to put together your final portfolio course report
Edit Your Report
Edit Your Power Point Presentation
Act.1 Watch Lesson Overview Thread
Act 2 Read Portfolio Report Editing Tips
Act 3 Read Power Point Presentation Editing tips
Post answers to instructor’s question in the Discussion Board and comment on two
other students’ posts
Final Course Progress Reports should have a well edited short report plus a Power
Point Presentation and Samples of all your writing work this term
Finalize Your Final Course Progress Portfolio Report and PowerPoint Presentation
Modular (class 10/week 10)
Class Introduction
Final Course Review Voice Thread
Voice Thread
Class Session
Learning
Objectives
Activities
Post
Conclusion
Updated April 27
●
Review what you have learned
Act.1 Watch Review Thread
Post answers to instructor’s final review questions in the Discussion Board and
comment on two other students’ posts
Final Course Progress Reports should have a short report plus a PowerPoint
Presentation and Samples of all your writing work this term
Homework
Submit Your Final Course Progress Portfolio
Weekly Schedule Example
[Topics, Reading Assignments, Due Dates, Exam Dates]
Insert Week
Number, Module Insert topics, assignments, etc. If you copy/paste, your formatting may
OR Range of Dates not work correctly.
for week
Insert Exam
Date(s), Time(s)
Updated April 27