BA231 Business Communications
Fall Semester 2004
South Hall 201
Office Hours: MWF 11-12, TR 1-3
Office: 311 South Hall, 635-2195
Lschmitigal@lssu.edu
TEXT: Essentials of Business Communication, Guffey, Mary Ellen,
SouthWestern Publishing, 6th edition.
Class Handouts
Course Goal: To develop the skills necessary to effectively communicate both in
writing and in oral presentations.
Today’s work environment has many demands on employees: a growing
emphasis on team management and employee empowerment. Employees are
expected to gather data, solve problems, and make decisions independently.
They work with global trading partners and collaborate with work teams in an
increasingly diverse workplace. And they will be using sophisticated
technologies to communicate. Additionally, writing skills are becoming more and
more important. Businesspeople today send and receive hundreds of e-mail
messages weekly. Their writing skills are showcased in every message they
send. Therefore, this course will emphasize writing, problem solving, and
communicating effectively.
Additionally, employment documents will be created. Students will explore
career opportunities, job placement expectations, and job posting sources.
Letters of application and resumes will be created following current examples
from business and industry. Students will also have opportunity to practice
effective interviewing skills.
Course Outcome:
Outcome Three: Graduates will demonstrate skills in research, communications,
and critical thinking. When completed with this course, students will consider
themselves as stronger in the following areas: Analytical and problems solving
skills, ability to think critically, improved writing skills, and increased public
speaking ability.
Outcome Four: Graduates will demonstrate personal growth: a desire for
lifelong learning, adaptation to change and curiosity. When completed with this
course, students will consider themselves as stronger in the following areas:
Interpersonal skills and ability to influence others.
Outcome Six: Graduates will demonstrate effective interpersonal skills. When
completed with this course, students will consider themselves as stronger in the
following areas: Ability to work cooperatively, interpersonal skills, and ability to
influence others.
.
Topics to be covered:
Grammar
Punctuation
Proofreading
Collaborative Writing
Summaries (abstract)
Parts of letters
Direct requests and Positive Letters
Negative Letters
Persuasive Letters
Career Exploration
Employment Communications
Research Techniques
Memo reports
Short reports
Long, formal reports
Presentation Guidelines
Speaking and listening
Communication Technology
International Communications
Guidelines:
1. Team Projects: Each student will be assigned a group in which he/she will
work on team projects in class and on the report/presentation. Participation in
the team project is important as I will evaluate the team and the team will
evaluate each member. The team will first handle problems with team
(personnel conflicts, etc.); however, if necessary, I will step in, but it will cost the
team points.
2. Assignments: Assignments are given due dates. If an assignment is late, it
will not be accepted unless the student has received prior approval (see
me!!!). All written assignments (except the long report and the presentation)
may be resubmitted one time for a new grade. There are no makeup exams
unless approval is given before the test is administered to the class.
3. Attendance: An attendance sheet will be passed out each day. Please initial
it. Don’t be late.
Planned Assignments:
Grammar/punctuation assignment
Abstract
Direct Request Letter
Good News Letter
Bad News Letter
Persuasive Letter
Resume
Letter of Application
Report proposal (memo report)
Short Report
Long, Formal Report
Presentation
10
10
10
10
10
10
20
10
10
10
20
10
140
Tests (2) 50 pts each
100
Participation/Attendance
30
Team grade
20
Total
261-290
232-260
203-231
174-202
290
A range
B range
C range
D range
State Standards met by this course
1.3.4 describe the importance of life-long learning to career success
1.4.1 communicate in a clear, courteous, concise, considerate, and correct manner on
personal and professional levels.
1.4.2 apply appropriate social communication skills in personal and professional
situations including the application letter and resume in a global environment
1.4.3 use appropriate technology to enhance the effectiveness of communications.
1.5.2 demonstrate communication strategies necessary and appropriate for effective and
profitable international business relations
4.2 demonstrate oral and written communication skills in creating, expressing, and
interpreting technical information and ideas