English 205 – Fall 2023 Analysis of Communication for Business Instructor: Kimmerly Brady E-mail: kimmerly.brady@csun.edu Office hours (no appointment needed): Zoom (677 786 0296) Wednesdays 4:00-5:30 Phone (818-363-7287) MTWR 12:05-12:20 In-Person (ST833) Tuesdays 2:00-3:00 beginning September 5 Course Description Presentation of concepts and techniques for developing a business style of writing and creating documents such as memoranda, letters, and reports. Overview of methods for gathering, organizing, analyzing, and presenting information. Emphasis on written and oral assignments that develop analytical thinking. Course is based on Standard English usage. Required Texts All required texts, articles, and readings are provided for you free of charge via our Canvas, compliments of the Oviatt Library. No text purchases are needed for our class. The main textbook is a free e-book. However, for the second book I have provided copies of the key chapters. If you find the copies difficult to read, you are welcome to purchase or rent that book: Ethics on the Job by Raymond s. Pfeiffer & Ralph Forsberg 4th ed. Course Objectives This course is intended to help students in developing the following: Knowledge of written and oral communications in business Ability to write letters, memoranda, reports and essays adapted to specific situations and readers Analytical thinking skills Oral presentation skills Awareness of audience and rhetorical choices Ability to find, synthesize, and cite primary and secondary materials Ability to recognize and analyze ethical issues in business Class Meetings Our class meets in person. Attendance matters! You will gain valuable information and understanding through our discussions. In addition, you will have the opportunity to connect with your group. Canvas Follow Canvas updates carefully. Initially, you will see the first couple weeks in Canvas. Then, each week, a couple more weeks will open. Policy on Academic Dishonesty University rules prohibit cheating, fabrication, facilitating the academic dishonesty of another student, and plagiarism. If you engage in any of these activities in this class, you can expect to receive a failing grade. In addition, a notice will be sent to the appropriate campus officials. Requirements This class will require many small and medium assignments rather than a few large ones. The distribution of work should make it easier for you to perform well in English 205. The following list gives an idea of what will be expected and how your grade will be calculated: Discussion posts/replies (150) 2-3 Brief (1-2 page) Writing Activities (100) Case Analysis with references (100) Cover Letter and CV (100) Mock Job Interview (100) Charity Proposal (100) Course Reflection (50) Point totals = Grades 1000-895 = A 824-795 = B894-865 = B+ 794-765 = C+ 864-825 = B 764-725 = C Group Pres. Video (CSUN service) (100) Group Case Analysis with references (100) Memos: Peer Evaluations (50) Peer Evaluation Score (10) Letter: Self Evaluation (30) Self Evaluation Score (10) 724-695 = C694-665 = D+ 664-625 = D 624-595 = D594 & below = F Written Assignments All written assignments should adhere to the specified format. Evaluation of written assignments will be based on Standard English, language skills, format, organization, content, and analysis. All written work will be submitted via Canvas. Note: You are welcome to submit early and resubmit until the 11:59PM deadline. Begin uploading your final submission by 11:30PM. Reading Assignments You should read actively (taking notes). Then, if you have questions, ask in class. You may also utilize office hours or schedule a conference. Success in courses requires you to take the time to process new information and ask for help when you need it. Group Assignments You will participate in all facets of group activities. Each member is responsible for thinking, speaking, listening, writing, and editing. All members receive the same grade on each assignment. However, there will be a separate grade at the end of the course that will be based on peer evaluations. If a group has a member who refuses to contribute, the group may fire the nonperforming member IF at least one written warning was given prior to the terminating offense. If a warning needs to be given, cc me and all group members on that email. If a member is fired, cc me and all group members on that email as well. Any student who is fired will be required to complete both group assignments as an individual and will receive an "F" for the peer evaluation grade. NOTE: While group scores often raise individual course grades, group scores cannot raise an F. Oral Presentation Your group will have an opportunity to give a graded presentation on a CSUN service. These presentations will provide valuable information to you and your classmates. CSUN offers many “free” services to help students and, given that you pay fees to help fund the services, you really should be utilizing them. Presentation evaluation will be based on organization, content, and delivery. The presentation videos will be submitted via a Canvas discussion, so the class can access all of them. You will view all other groups’ presentations, providing comments. Ethical Case Analyses You will complete two ethical case analyses this semester. The first one will be with your group. Both of the analyses will apply the RESOLVEDD strategy from Ethics on the Job; therefore, be sure to read the assigned chapters carefully. Job Application and Interview You will find a job for which you would like to apply within the next year (perhaps an internship). To prepare for the real application, you will write a cover letter, update your curriculum vitae (resume), and interview with me. I will act as the prospective employer. You will receive feedback on all aspects of your application (written and oral). NOTE: If you are an international student, please know that you are allowed to have internships while studying here. Charity Proposal Individually, you will complete a proposal, soliciting a large donation for your charity of choice. Your first step is to decide what type of issue most concerns you: human, environmental, animal, etc. Then, narrow your focus to a specific problem and select a reputable – but not too large – organization that addresses that problem. Communication If you have a question or concern, please speak with me or send an e-mail to me. If material is unclear, let me know. I want you to gain the knowledge presented and develop strong business communication skills. To benefit as much as possible from this course, you need to communicate with me. Individual and group conferences are available. Office hours are for walk-in (no appointment) conferences. If you – or your group – need to conference with me outside of office hours, please make an appointment via e-mail. NOTE: Your name and group number will be in the subject line of every e-mail that you send to me. If you need course adaptations or accommodations because of a disability or if you have emergency medical information to share with me, please speak with me as soon as possible. General Policies Treat each other with respect. While debate is welcome, arguments are not. Be prepared to support your assertions, avoiding a “because I’m right” attitude. Please endeavor to keep an open mind and truly listen to others. Listening is an important skill. In our FOA class, your “listening” will include your reading of peers’ discussion posts.
