Maui Community College
Course Outline
1. Alpha and Number:
ENG 55
Course Title:
Business Communications -- Writing
Number of credits:
3
Date of Outline:
March 24, 2004
2. Course Description:
Focuses on business writing strategies and
techniques. Emphasizes various forms and styles
of business correspondence. Improves sentence
level skills for business students. (Letter grade
only.)
3. Contact Hours/Type:
3 Hours/Lecture-Lab
4. Prerequisites:
English 19 with at least a C, or placement at
English 22 or 55 or higher, or consent.
Corequisites:
Recommended Preparation:
Approved by
ENG 21
Date
2
5. General Course Objectives:
Students will develop their writing, editing, and grammar skills by composing, rewriting, and
editing resumes, memos, letters, and other business documents, using language and format
appropriate for purpose and audience. Students will work both individually and collaboratively,
discussing and analyzing real life business communication problems.
6. Student Learning Outcomes:
For assessment purposes, these are linked to #7, Recommended Course Content.
On successful completion of this course, students will be able to:
a. write clear, organized resumes, memos, letters, and other business documents, using
language and format appropriate to the audience;
b. apply the rules of standard English (e.g. grammar, punctuation, word usage) to
written business communication;
c. proofread and edit business documents, eliminating major and minor mechanical errors;
d. demonstrate understanding of verbal and nonverbal language and their appropriate use in
the business environment;
e. participate in large and small group interactions;
f. work collaboratively as a member of a team.
7. Recommended course content and approximate time spent on each topic:
Linked to #6, Student Learning Outcomes
1 week:
Communication foundations (d, e, f)
2-4 weeks:
Writing and grammar techniques (a, b, c, e)
6-8 weeks:
Different types of business writing, e.g. memos, information request letters,
good news letters, bad news letters, sales letters (a, b, c, d, e, f)
2-4 weeks:
Employment communication (a, b)
0-3 weeks:
Special topics of interest (a, b, c, d, e, f)
8. Text and Materials:
Appropriate text(s) and materials will be chosen at the time the course is offered from those
currently available in the field. Examples include:
Text:
Essentials of Business Communication by M.E. Guffy
Handbook:
The Writer’s Reference by Diana Hacker
Materials:
Articles, handouts, and other relevant materials provided by the instructor
Others:
Video tapes, audio tapes, guest speakers, Internet sites
3
9. Recommended course requirements and evaluation:
Specific course requirements are at the discretion of the instructor at the time the course is being
offered. Suggested requirements might include, but are not limited to:
40-60%
Writing assignments
5-10%
Examinations
5-10%
Attendance & participation
5-10%
Quizzes
15-20%
In-class writing
5-10%
Homework
0-10%
Journals
10. Methods of Instruction:
Instructional methods will vary considerably with instructors. Specific methods will be at the
discretion of the instructor teaching the course and might include, but are not limited to:
a.
b.
c.
d.
e.
f.
g.
h.
i.
in-class writing and editing;
problem-solving activities;
homework assignments;
class discussions;
guest lecturers;
instructor lectures;
audio, visual, or computer presentations;
student presentations and activities, individual or group;
other learning experiences, such as collaborative, service, and experiential.