Maui Community College
Course Outline
1. Alpha and Number:
ENG 209
Course Title:
Business & Managerial Writing
Number of credits:
3
Date of Outline:
March 22, 2004
2. Course Description:
Focuses on the skills needed for effective business
and managerial written communication.
Emphasizes informative, analytical, persuasive,
evaluative, and collaborative writing. Gives
practice in writing memos, business letters,
directives and instructions, short reports, and formal
research reports.
3.
Contact Hours/Type:
3 Hours/Lecture
4.
Prerequisites:
ENG 100 with at least a C.
Corequisites:
Recommended Preparation:
Approved by
Date
2
5. General Course Objectives:
Students will write, rewrite, and edit memos, letters, reports, and other business documents,
ultimately producing clear, organized, readable correspondence written in a positive tone for a
specific purpose and audience. They will work both individually and collaboratively, discussing,
analyzing, and solving 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 business memos, letters, and directives;
b. write clear, organized research reports in forms appropriate to purpose and audience, using
documentation when necessary;
c. summarize, analyze, and evaluate business communication documents;
d. demonstrate knowledge of the communication expectations and requirements of
the business world;
e. gather information from various sources, including electronic; use it to
formulate, develop, and support ideas in business reports and oral presentations;
f. work collaboratively on projects and presentations, both written and oral;
g. revise, edit, and proofread business documents for correctness, clarity, and
effectiveness.
7. Recommended Course Content and approximate time spent on each topic:
Linked to #6, Student Learning Outcomes
1 week:
Discuss foundations of business communication (c, d)
1-2 weeks:
Plan, compose, and revise business memos and letters (a, c, d, g)
2-3 weeks:
Use direct method; write requests, good news, and goodwill messages (a, c, g)
1-2 weeks:
Use indirect method; write bad news business messages (a, c, g)
1-2 weeks:
Write persuasive requests (a, c, d, g)
1-2 weeks:
Write resumes and application letters (d, g)
1-2 weeks:
Plan, organize, and write short reports (d, e, f, g)
2-3 weeks:
Plan, organize, and write formal reports and proposals (d, e, f, g)
1 week:
Present oral reports (d, e)
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:
Excellence in Business Communication by John Thill and Courtland Bovee
3
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
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:
60-70%
Writing assignments, including portfolios
10-15%
In-class assignments
20-25%
Projects and presentations
5-10%
Attendance and/or class participation
10. Methods of Instruction:
Instructional methods 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.
j.
problem-solving activities;
in-class writing and editing;
homework assignments;
class discussions;
oral reports;
guest lecturers;
instructor lectures;
audio, visual, or computer presentations;
individual or group presentations and activities;
other learning experiences, such as collaborative, service, and experiential.