EGL 1320: Writing for Business
Fall 2010
Dr. Kapai
Office: M 3075; Mailbox in M 3072
Hours: T Th 7:30-8 a.m. and 1-2
Other hours by appointment only
Voicemail: 301-322-0592
E-mail: lkapai@pgcc.edu
CATALOG COURSE DESCRIPTION
In this second semester composition course, students develop and sharpen critical thinking and writing
skills, applying them to materials from business and the professions with an emphasis on evidence-based
analysis, evaluation, interpretation, and persuasive presentation.
PREREQUISITE: A passing grade of C in EGL 1010
EXPECTED COURSE OUTCOMES
Upon successful completion of this course, students will be able to
1.
Plan, organize, and write in cogent, standard English: business letters, memoranda, reports of
various types, résumés, employment, employment-related correspondence, and other business
documents.
2.
Write in clear, concise style appropriate to audience, context, purpose, and writer’s role.
3.
Use correct grammar, spelling, punctuation, and mechanics, and apply conventions of business
writing and documentation.
4.
Produce professional-looking, current, standard formats for business letters, memoranda, reports,
and other documents.
5.
Collect, select, analyze, interpret, and organize data, and use it appropriately in business
communications.
6.
Conduct primary and secondary research, and present this information in a formal documented
report.
7.
Integrate visuals, headings, and other graphics into business communication.
8.
Explain cross-cultural, ethical, and legal considerations pertinent to business communication.
9.
Give an effective oral presentation (may include oral reports, employment interviews).
10. Work effectively in a collaborative or team communication situation
REQUIREMENTS
1.
2.
3.
4.
Read assigned sections of the text before coming to class
Attend classes regularly and on time and participate in all class activities
Complete writing assignments according to the directions provided and submit them on time
Work responsibly in collaborative tasks
TEXT
Flatley, Marie and Kathryn Rentz. M: Business Communication. McGraw-Hill, 2010.
Please note that used copies of the text will not include the code required for accessing useful
material on the website. Additional information on the e-book version of the text or renting the
text for the semester is available from the publisher (www.mhhe.com). Please arrange to have
the text by the end of the first week of classes.
You will also need
 A dictionary: a standard desk dictionary
 A handbook: any handbook used in our composition courses
 A flash drive for saving your assignments
RESEARCH PROJECT
You will be working collaboratively (in teams of two, maximum three) on a research project. The project
will require research, both primary (questionnaires and interviews) and secondary (books, journals and
websites). To assist you, topics based on real business world situations will be suggested. For the chosen
project, you will be submitting a proposal/work plan and a working bibliography.. You will also be
required to make an oral presentation to the class using PowerPoint. If you have never used the software, it
is a good opportunity to learn. Attendance at the formal oral presentations is required (for the presenters
as well as the other members of the class).
GRADING
Final grade will be computed as follows:
Miscellaneous writing assignments
Memorandum
Routine inquiries
Claim letter
Refused request
Résumé and cover letter
`
10%
10%
10%
10%
5+5 % 10%
50%
Research project
Project proposal and working bibliography 05%
Final report (group grade)
10%
Oral report presentation (individual)
10%
Mid-term
Final exam
Class participation and submission of work on time
25%
10%
10%
05%
Total
100
GRADE SCALE
Total all scores and use the following table for percentage to calculate your grade.
A
=
90+
B=
80-89
C
=
70-79
D=
60-69
F
=
Below
60
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CLASS POLICIES
1.
2.
3.
4.
Attendance: No more than three unexcused absences are allowed in a semester. You are
responsible for obtaining all information and assignments for any class missed and for submitting
assignments on time. If you foresee a problem, please talk to me before the task is due. Missing a
class always counts as an absence even if you have an official excuse or a doctor’s note. More
than three absences will lower your final grade. Two late arrivals (more than ten minutes)
count as one missed day. If you miss seven or more class meetings, you are likely to fail the
course.
Assignments not submitted on time get a full letter grade lowered for each class meeting they are
late; after three class meetings, a late assignment automatically receives a failing grade. If there
are extenuating circumstances, please discuss the problem with me and obtain an extension in
advance.
All assignments submitted must be typed. Always save the text on a disk/flash drive to facilitate
revision and easy availability in case of loss of documents.
No eating or drinking (except bottled water) is allowed in class. Please turn off the cell phones/
beepers before you enter the classroom.
DELAYED COLLEGE OPENINGS:
When the college announces a delayed opening, all classes with at least 45 minutes of class time remaining
at the time of the opening will be held. For example, in the event of a 10 a.m. opening, a 9:30-10:45 a.m.
class will be held. This procedure applies to all credit classes. To sign up for text alerts such as school
closings and delays, log in to myPGCC from my.pgcc.edu or from www.pgcc.edu and click Owl Alert
Notification System on the Bookmarks tab. Owl Alert is the college’s instant messaging and email
notification system.
DATES TO REMEMBER
Mid-term
Last day to withdraw from classes
Project Report due
Oral presentations
Final exam
October 21
November 19
November 30
November 30--December 2
December 14
A Statement on Civility at Prince George’s Community College
To promote a community of scholarship and civility, everyone at Prince George’s Community
College is expected to be respectful, tolerant and courteous towards others at all times, adhere to
college policies and procedures, and respect college property. Creating a culture of civility both
inside and outside the classroom is everyone’s responsibility.
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EGL 1320: Writing for Business
Calendar Fall 2010
FALL
2010
TOPIC FOR CLASS
DISCUSSION
Aug. 31
Overview of the course
Syllabus review
Sept. 2
Sept. 7
Sept. 9
Sept. 14
Sept. 16
Sept. 21
Sept. 23
Sept. 28
Sept. 30
Introductions; importance of
communication skills in the
business world
The writing process
Assignment 1: due Sept. 16
Discussion of Chapter 2: The Main
Forms of Business Messages
Selecting Appropriate Words
Peer review of draft Assignment1
Due: Assignment 1
Writing Clear Sentences
Assignment 2 given: due Sept. 28
Writing Clear Paragraphs and
Writing for Positive Effect
Form research teams
Research teams; peer review of
Assignment 2
Due: Assignment 2
Types of reports: proposal writing
Preparing formal reports :
Research Project proposal due: Oct.
14
ASSIGNMENT TO BE COMPLETED AT HOME
TEXT: FLATLEY/RENTZ.
M: BUSINESS COMMUNICATION
Browse through the text. Prepare an oral presentation (no
more than three minutes) for introducing yourself at the
next class meeting.
Study Chapter 1: Communicating in the Work Place
Study Chapter 2: Understanding the Writing Process
Study Chapter 4: Using an Appropriate Style
Prepare draft of Assignment 1
Review Chapter 4
Study Chapter 5: Writing Good News and Neutral
Messages
Browse Chapter 3: Using visuals
Read the section on Proposals in Chapter 6,
pp. 168-173; handout for course-specific proposal
provided.
Browse Chapter 6 and Chapter 7
Plan the proposal for your project.
See Chapter 8 for formal reports
Chapter 9 for short reports. Follow instructions provided
in class.
Work on refining your proposal
Oct. 5
Resources for research: meet in
the library
Oct. 7
Discussion of preliminary
proposals
Working bibliography: due Oct. 19
Review working bibliography in
progress
Documenting sources: MLA and
APA Style
Research proposals due
Review for mid-term
Due: Working bibliography
Open
Mid-term Test
Claim: Assignment 3: due Nov. 4
Sign up for individual conferences
Start work on preparing the working bibliography
Prepare a preliminary draft of bibliography for review
No classes: College Enrichment
Day
Discussion of Assignment 3
Prepare the final draft of Assignment 3.
Oct. 12
Oct. 14
Oct. 19
Oct. 21
Oct. 26
Oct. 28
Finalize working bibliography
Consult your handbook for formatting details
Revise the bibliography for submission on Oct. 19
Continue research; take notes
Review the section on Claims in Chapter 6(110ff)
Review Chapter 7. Work on Assignment 3 and your
project
Continue project research with your team mate.
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Review Chapter 6: communicating bad news messages
Nov. 2
Nov. 4
Nov. 9
Nov. 11
Nov. 16
Nov. 18
Nov. 23
Nov.
25-28
Nov. 30
Dec. 2
Open for conferences as needed
Peer review of Assignment 3
Due: Assignment 3
In-class Assignment 4:
Communicating bad news
Meet in M 3088
Using visuals, formatting reports
Open
Discussion: Oral presentations:
using audio-visuals
Conferences as needed
Peer review of the draft (Your last
chance to get feedback)
Open
No class
Continue work on the research project
Refer to Chapter 3.
Continue work on the research project
Prepare the draft of the report
Review Chapter 10, pp. 268 -280
Revise the report as needed
Get the report ready for submission
Thanksgiving Break
Due: Final Project Report
Oral presentations: dress to fit the
occasion
Missing the presentations—your
own or others’—will end in a 0 for
this task.
Presentations continued
Assignment 5: Due Dec. 14 (Final
exam day)
Dec. 7
Résumé and cover letters:
discussion
Dec. 9
Peer review of the résumé and
cover letter
Dec. 14
Due: Assignment 5
Final exam: meet in M3088
Please be present on time.
Start your résumé planning
Study Chapter 11:Communicating in the Job Search
Get Assignment 5 ready for submission
This schedule is subject to change if necessary, so stay informed of announcements in class.
Due Dates for the Research Project Tasks
Proposal
Working Bibliography:
Final Report
Oral Presentations
October 14
October 19
November 30
November 30—December 2
I look forward to sharing a rewarding semester with you.
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Miscellaneous Useful Information
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Blackboard is a web-based program that serves as the college's online classroom. You will use Blackboard
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password and an Owl Mail account:

Log in to myPGCC from my.pgcc.edu or from www.pgcc.edu. Click Online
Students -or- Go directly to the Prince George's Community College Blackboard
website which is located at http://pgcconline.blackboard.com. NOTE: There
is no “www” in the Blackboard address.

If your login is successful, you will see the Blackboard “Welcome” screen. In
the box labeled “My Courses”, you will see the course or a list of courses in
which you are enrolled. Click on the course name to enter your Blackboard
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If you do not have an Owl Link user ID and password:
 To obtain your Owl Link user ID and password, please follow these steps:
1. Go to the Owl Link website (www.pgcc.edu  Click "Quicklinks" 
Select "Owl Link")
2. Look up your Owl Link User ID
o Under Account Information, select "What's My User ID"
3. Reset your Owl Link password
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 Log in to Owl Link and reset your password there.
 Once you have successfully logged into Owl Link and reset your password there,
then go to Blackboard at http://pgcconline.blackboard.com to log in.
Type your Owl Link user ID and password into the Blackboard login box.
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Need help?


Need technical assistance? Visit the eLearning website (formerly Distance
Learning) at http://www.pgcconline.com
Missed the Campus Orientation? View the Online Orientation at
http://www.pgcconline.com/onlineorientation.html
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
Other questions? E-mail distancelearn@pgcc.edu
DISABILITY SUPPORT SERVICES
Students requesting academic accommodations are required to contact the Disability Support Services
Office (B-124) or call (301) 322-0838 (voice) or (301) 322-0122 (TTY) to establish eligibility for services
and accommodations. Students with documented disabilities should discuss the matter privately with their
instructors at the beginning of the semester and provide a copy of their Student/Faculty Accommodation
Form.
CODE OF CONDUCT
The Prince George's Community College Code of Conduct defines the rights and responsibilities of students
and establishes a system of procedures for dealing with students charged with violations of the code and
other rules and regulations of the college. A student enrolling in the college assumes an obligation to
conduct himself/herself in a manner compatible with the college's function as an educational institution.
Refer to the 2009-2010 Student Handbook, beginning on page 37, for a complete explanation of the Code of
Conduct, including the Code of Academic Integrity and the procedure for dealing with disruptive student
behavior.
CODE OF ACADEMIC INTEGRITY
The college is an institution of higher learning that holds academic integrity as its highest principle. In the
pursuit of knowledge, the college community expects that all students, faculty, and staff will share
responsibility for adhering to the values of honesty and unquestionable integrity. To support a community
committed to academic achievement and scholarship, the Code of Academic Integrity advances the principle
of honest representation in the work that is produced by students seeking to engage fully in the learning
process. The complete text of the Code of Academic Integrity is in the 2009-2010 Student Handbook (pages
39-41) and posted on the college's website.
Collegian Centers
The College’s Collegian Centers provide a “place to belong” outside of the classroom. They bring
students in particular disciplines together for co-curricular activities and opportunities:





Administration of Justice – for students interested in criminal
justice, corrections, forensic science, and paralegal/pre-law
Email: AJCollegianCenter@pgcc.edu
301-322-0753
Bernard Center – for students interested in business
management and accounting
Email: BernardCenter@pgcc.edu
301-322-0554
Health Sciences Collegian Center – for students admitted
to any of the Health Sciences programs
Email: HealthSciencesCollegianCenter@pgcc.edu
301-341-3017
Humanities – for students interested in art, communication,
English, language studies, music, philosophy, and theatre
Website: http://academic.pgcc.edu/hcc
Email: HumanitiesCollegianCenter@pgcc.edu
301-322-0585
301-322-0949
PSE – for students interested in psychology, sociology, and
education
Website: http://academic.pgcc.edu/psecc
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
Email: PSECollegianCenter@pgcc.edu
301-322-0544
STEM – for students interested in science, technology,
engineering, and mathematics
Website: http://academic.pgcc.edu/scc
Email: STEMCollegianCenter@pgcc.edu
301-322-0595
301-386-7574
Hillman Entrepreneurs Program
Marlboro Hall, Room 2051
http://academic.pgcc.edu/hillman/
301-322-0700
The Hillman Entrepreneurs Program is an innovative educational initiative tailored to the needs of
transfer students who begin their studies at Prince George’s Community College and complete their
bachelor’s degrees at the University of Maryland, College Park. The four-year Hillman Entrepreneurs
Program is a scholarship program targeted to students who have an interest in entrepreneurship and an
enthusiasm for starting a business venture or leading a company.
Honors Academy/Program
Marlboro Hall, Room 1087
301-322-0433
http://www.pgcc.edu/prospective/areasofstudy/specialprograms/honorsprogram.aspx
The Honors Academy admits academically outstanding honors students who are interested in a
rigorous program of academic excellence, intellectual development, leadership, and community
service. Prince George's Community College’s Honors Program promotes students’ intellectual
growth and enrichment.
International Education Center
Lanham Hall, Room 221
http://academic.pgcc.edu/internationalcenter/
301-322-0750
The International Education Center provides academic support and assistance to students who need
help with courses or with understanding the American higher education system. The Center brings
international and American students together for learning enrichment activities, including a variety of
discussion forums that foster awareness and understanding of cultural issues.
Mentoring Program
Marlboro Hall, Room 2038
301-386-7587
Through the Mentoring Program, first-time, full-time students are paired with PGCC faculty, staff, and
administrators who serve as mentors. Mentors share their knowledge and expertise to help students
enhance their education, advance in their careers, and build supportive networks. The goal of the
Mentoring Program is to improve the retention, engagement, and graduation rates of students in a
learning-centered environment.
Service Learning
Lanham Hall, Room 225
301-322-0713
The Service Learning Program encourages the development of civic responsibility through students’
participation in service projects within the community that support their academic objectives. Through
Service Learning, students learn actively by applying principles learned in the classroom while
developing critical reflective thinking as well as personal and civic responsibility.
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CAMPUS RESOURCES AND SERVICES:
Student Development Services
Student Development Services offers programs that provide students with academic and career advising, personal
counseling, and mentoring. For more information, log in to myPGCC from my.pgcc.edu or from www.pgcc.edu, or call
301-322-0886, or check the college website:
http://www.pgcc.edu/current/academicresources/studentdevelopmentservices
Computer and Learning Labs
Office
Location
Phone
Hours of Operation
Marlboro Learning Lab
Marlboro Hall
Room 2129
301-322-0503
Mon.-Thurs.: 8 am – 8:45 pm
Fri.: 8 am – 3:45 pm
Sat.: 8:30 am – 2:45 pm
Sun.: 10 am – 1 pm
Math Learning Center
Marlboro Hall
Room 3104
301-583-5257
Mon.-Thurs.: 9 am – 8 pm
Fri.: 9 am – 5 pm
Sat.: 9 am – 2 pm
Sun.: Closed
Open Computer Lab
Bladen Computer Center
Bladen Hall
Room 104
301-322-0999
Mon.-Thurs.: 8 am – 10:15 pm
Fri.: 8 am – 5 pm
Sat.: 9 am – 4:45 pm
Sun.: Closed
Open Computer Lab
Center for Advanced
Technology
Center for Advanced
Technology
Rooms 101 and 201
301-322-0999
Mon.-Fri.: 8 am – 10:15 pm
Sat.: 9 am – 5 pm (first floor only)
Sun.: Closed
Other Resources, Services, and Academic Support
Office
Location
Phone
Hours of Operation
Mon.-Thurs.: 8:30 am – 8 pm
Fri: 8:30 am – 5 pm
Sat.: Closed
Sun: Closed
Academic Advising Website: http://www.pgcc.edu/current/academicResources/academicAdvising.aspx
Academic Advising
Bladen Hall
Room 124
301-322-0151
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Office
Location
Phone
Hours of Operation
Bookstore
Largo Student Center
Room 116
301-322-0912
Mon – Tues 9:00 am – 7:00 pm
Wed – Thurs 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
Friday
9:00 am – 4:00 pm
There are extended and Saturday
hours at the beginning of the
semester.
Please call or check website to
confirm.
Bookstore Website: http://www.pgccbookstore.com
Campus Police
Facilities Management
Building
301-322-0666
24 hours, 7 days a week
College Life Services
Largo Student Center
Room 149
301-322-0853
Mon.-Fri.: 8:30 am – 5 pm
eLearning Services
(formerly Distance Learning)
Accokeek Hall Building
Room 335
301-322-0463
Mon.-Fri.: 8:30 am – 4:30 pm
with phone support available until 9
pm
301-322-0476
Mon-Thurs.: 8 am – 8 pm
Fri.: 8 am – 5 pm
Sat.: 10 am – 3 pm
Sun.: Closed
Distance Learning Website: www.pgcconline.com
Library
Accokeek Hall
First and Second Floors
Library Website: http://www.pgcc.edu/current/academicresources/library.aspx
Testing Center
Bladen Hall
Room 100
301-322-0090
Mon-Thurs.: 8:30 am – 8:30 pm
Fri.*: 8:30 am – 4:30 pm
Sat.: 9 am – 3:30 pm
Sun: Closed
No additional students will be
admitted for testing 30 minutes prior
to the posted closing time.
*On the first Friday of each month,
the Center closes at
2:30 pm with no admittance
after 2 pm.
Testing Center Website: http://academic.pgcc.edu/sas/index.html
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