ENG 103E.01 Spring 2014 Course Syllabus
Essentials of Professional and Business Writing
Sustainable Entrepreneurship Living/Learning Community
MW 2:00-3:15 Location: 124 Jefferson Suites
Course Developer and Instructor: Bonnie T. Yarbrough, Ph.D.
Department of English /College of Arts and Sciences
Programming Coordinator for LC/ LLC
The University of North Carolina—Greensboro
3105 MHRA
Office Hours: 3:30-5 MW and by appointment
E-mail: btyarbro@uncg.edu
Course Materials:
 Print edition of The New York Times. FAQs posted on Blackboard Discussion
Board; subscription pickup available in several locations across campus: library,
EUC, Curry, Grogan, and Shaw Buildings
 Laptops or tablets (bring to class)
o Business Communication for Success, Scott McLean, published by
Flatworld Knowledge. Selected chapters.
o NOTE: The Access Code link is unique for our course:
http://students.flatworldknowledge.com/course?cid=1546045&bid=69856
o You will need to register for your flatworld account for access.
o You have the option to purchase their textbook in several digital or print
formats. The Study Pass option, which includes the online text, study
aids, an online reader, is $24 and your best value (recommended). An All
Access Pass includes online and off-line formats, study aids, quizzes, and
other materials, but is a more expensive option ($39).
o [NOTE: I have one free All Access Pass. The first person who deciphers
the hidden message located on the syllabus and posts the solution on the
Discussion Board forum wins.]
o To access the text options, click on the URL or the title link. You can also
search for the course from: students.flatworldknowledge.com, using my
name, ENG 103E, or The University of North Carolina at Greensboro.
o Other options are listed on the web link, including purchasing color or
black and white printed copies, if you prefer hard copies.
o PowerPoint slides for the text are available and posted on Blackboard for
you under Course Information.
Weekly Readings and links to articles for the Discussion Boards are posted on Blackboard
Texts available on reserve:
Yarbrough ENG 103E.01 course syllabus and agenda
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
Harvard business essentials: Entrepreneur’s Toolkit: Tools and Techniques To
Launch and Grow Your New Business, Boston: Harvard Business School Press,
2005.
Private Reserve (see instructor)
 Planning an Entrepreneurial Venture, Student Workbook, Kaufmann
Foundation, 2006
 Bonnie T. Yarbrough, Leading Groups and Teams, Managerial Communication
series, Cengage Learning, 2008. ISBN-10: 0-324-58417-2
Supplementary resources:
 University Writing and Speaking Centers 3211 MHRA
 Digital ACT Studio located in Digital Media Commons, basement of Jackson
Library
 Student Success Center, 104 McIver; Learning Assistance Center and support
services
Credit hours: 3:3
Prerequisites/Corequisites: enrollment in ENT 130
For Whom Planned—Learning Community in Sustainable Entrepreneurship
ENG 103 is an introductory course in professional and business writing appropriate for first-year
undergraduate students in any major. Partnering with ENT 130 as part of the Living/Learning
Community on Sustainable Entrepreneurship, this course emphasizes written and oral skills
needed for success in work settings. Course content centers on the process and strategies for
producing clear, concise, and accurate written/oral arguments, analyzing and synthesizing
documents, and collaborating in teams on specific problems, assignments, and projects. Several
assignments, activities, and field trips coordinate with ENT 130 and in Jefferson Suites as part of
the learning community curricular integration.
Course Description
ENG 103 creates a practical, learning-centered environment for developing and applying
effective written and oral strategies for business and professional communication in work
settings. Building on foundational skills for constructing cogent arguments, weighing evidence,
and distinguishing different points of view, ENG 103 also prepares you for the types of
assignments expected in upper-level courses in a professional major or field. Course
requirements include using practical and analytical strategies critical to success across a range of
different disciplines and styles, including written/oral arguments, assignments, reports, and case
studies. All assignments and activities are designed to achieve the learning goals of the General
Education program, particularly LG1—to think critically, communicate effectively, and develop
appropriate quantitative and information literacies—and LG5—to develop a capacity for active
citizenship, ethics, social responsibility, personal growth, and skills for lifelong learning in a
global society.
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Student Learning Outcomes
With its professional focus, this course emphasizes essential problem-solving skills and
strategies valuable in the College of Arts and Sciences, the Bryan School of Business and
Economics, and the other professional schools. Accordingly, ENG 103 offers specific challenges
and student learning objectives. On successful completion of the course, you should be able to
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Create clear, coherent, and accurate written/oral messages
Interpret and evaluate written and oral arguments
Identify ways to improve professional written/oral arguments
Analyze and respond appropriately to different audiences
Use effective indirect and direct rhetorical strategies
Analyze examples of professional writing through current events and different media
Discuss cultural differences that affect written/oral communication
Collaborate effectively in teams and provide constructive oral and written feedback
Produce accurate and appropriate revisions to written documents
Distinguish between logical and emotional appeals
Analyze ethical dilemmas, ethical lapses, and ethical decisions in professional
communication
Conduct basic secondary research for a formal, written report by locating relevant
information
Evaluate credibility of information sources and interpret data
Demonstrate proficiency in persuasive writing and speaking
Present an informational or analytical report
Assignments and Teaching Methods for Achieving Learning Outcomes
The course uses a combination of lectures, discussions, and applications; in-class activities and
cases; Discussion Board essays; short written assignments; formal and informal presentations;
research methods; team assignments, and informal group work. On-campus speakers and field
trips also provide learning opportunities and information on specialized topics. Course materials
are available on Blackboard, with supplementary resources linked or listed under the tabs for
Text and Assignments. The New York Times print edition subscription also comes with
unlimited digital access. Other sites recommended in class provide access to practice exercises,
professional newsletters and articles, video links, blogs, and forums.
Assignment Categories for General Education Learning Goals [LG1 and LG5]:
Each of these assignments encourages you to think critically about topics affecting daily life and
to communicate effectively with a diverse audience. Through this written and oral assignment
you have the opportunity to engage in free and open inquiry through personal growth that fosters
mutual respect across multiple cultures, disciplines, and perspectives. Analyzing professional
writing helps you identify ways to present information clearly and to evaluate the credibility of
sources.
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Discussion Boards constitute 20% of your grade. The instructions for each forum are posted on
Blackboard’s Discussion Board tab, and selections are posted a week in advance, with links to
the assigned readings in The New York Times, as well as other sources. For each topic, you
should develop a well-written, clear, cogent response as you understand the issue(s). Responses
are due by midnight preceding class the day before the Times Topics Discussions.
Times Topics Discussions feature Session Leaders. Each of you will serve as a Session leader
for one class meeting by selecting an article related to our learning community focus on
sustainability and entrepreneurship from The New York Times, identifying key points for class
discussion and debate, and leading the interaction. Selections require my approval before
assigning these to the class. You have the opportunity to sign up for a specific date and to plan
your schedule, select the article, and post the selection on the Discussion Board for the class.
Bring your print edition to class. This activity provides an additional 10% of your grade.
Short written and oral assignments constitute another 20% of your grade; each one builds on a
previous exercise to help you develop skills necessary to be a critical and creative thinker, as
well as an effective communicator. Specific instructions for individual assignments and
requirements are posted each week on Blackboard or linked through the syllabus. In-class
activities, which include completing a business research exercise and providing feedback for
presentations, provide 10% of your score. Since these are participation scores, there are no
make-up activities.
The Group Project (30%) consists of a formal report or case study on a topic related to
sustainability. Using secondary research, interviews, and other resources, you will work in small
teams to prepare the project, consisting of an oral presentation (12-15 minutes) to support the
written report (8-10 pp). This is a group project, requiring you to establish strategies for team
success, and a major assignment for the course. Teams submit records of meetings, as well as
individual member evaluations at the end of the course. To achieve the general education goals,
you must use appropriate and relevant research methods, apply the principles of effective
communication, construct a cogent argument, and convey the information clearly and creatively
to a diverse audience. Specific instructions, requirements, and draft deadlines for this assignment
are provided on Blackboard under Assignments.
Specific topics and groups will be assigned in class.
To be thorough in your approach to the Group Project assignment requires researching
UNCG’s past and current efforts toward sustainability, as well as the long-range goals
and plans as outlined in the Campus Climate Plan. The Projects are scheduled for
presentation at 6:30 p.m. in ENG 130 on April 23rd. Both instructors will evaluate the
projects, and visitors may attend by invitation.
Midterm Exam (10%): As scheduled on the calendar, an in-class, online submission, requiring
your laptop or tablet.
Evaluation and Grading:
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English 103 is both writing intensive and speaking intensive. Each assignment is framed within
the professional business communication context and is central to the LC on sustainability and
entrepreneurship. The process for developing skills and abilities necessary for planning,
composing, and revising effective messages is paramount. Receiving and providing feedback on
written and spoken work from both peers and the instructor form an essential part of this process.
Effective revisions require that you examine different perspectives and consider the complexities
of audience. You are also expected to attend and to participate actively and fully in all
discussions, online assignments, group work, and evaluations. The Group Project, report and
presentation, is graded by both ENG 103 and ENT 130 instructors, and the presentation is open
to invited visitors.
Assignment Breakdown by Percentage
Short Assignments
Exercises *
Leading weekly discussions
Midterm Exam
Discussion Boards
Participation
Group Project†
10 points
10 points
10 points
10 points
20 points
10 points
30 points
100 points
20%
10%
10%
10%
20%
10%
30%
100%
†Written report, oral presentation, team evaluations
*Research lecture, oral exercises, and peer feedback.
Grading Scale
Grade
A
AB+
B
BC+
C
CD+
D
DF
Points/Percentile
92-100
90-91.9
88-89.9
82-87.9
80-81.9
78-79.9
72-77.9
70-71.9
68-69.9
62-67.9
60-61.9
59-0
Grading Criteria for Written Assignments
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A: Excellent
Creativity in meeting
all assignment
requirements
Free of grammatical
and mechanical errors
Effective message
B: Good
C: Average
D: Poor
Met assignment
requirements
Met most assignment
requirements
Did not meet
assignment
requirements
Few errors
Errors detract from
readability
Errors prevent
readability
Clear message
Vague
Unclear language
Unclear or
inappropriate
Audience appropriate
audience
Audience-centered
Audience strategies
Clear Organization
Good organization
Organizational
pattern attempted
Lack of organization
Good strategies
Strategies attempted
Lacks strategies
Complex strategies
Visual enhancement (if
appropriate)
Effective use of some Visual strategies
visual strategies
attempted
Lack of necessary
visual support
Evaluation Criteria and Feedback Forms for oral assignments, as well as the Group
Project presentation, are posted on Blackboard.
Course Policies
Please ask questions if you are unclear about any course policies.
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Submit all assignments on time, online, and as specified by the syllabus or on dates revised
at my discretion. If you miss a deadline on an assignment, you forfeit the points.
Otherwise, late assignments--if accepted for excused absences--receive a 10% reduction.
Read, edit, and revise all documents for spelling, grammar, style, format, and wordprocessing errors. Set Spell Check and Grammar Check for maximum filtering and benefit
to meet assignment requirements.
All assignments must be neat and look professional, as if submitted to a supervisor or an
employer.
Any assignment that fails to meet the assignment requirements or specifications in format,
organization, or style will receive an F. Errors in usage, punctuation, spelling, and standard
grammar will reduce your grade. Revision is an important part of the writing process.
Laptops are required for in-class exercises. Any unofficial use of laptops (Facebook visits,
web surfing, email checks) constitutes a violation of course policy.
Turn your phones off when you enter class; texting is prohibited and will result in
confiscation for the remainder of class that day.
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7.
Back-up your assignments on your hard drive or bring your flash drive to class. The
quality of revisions may help determine your success at the end of the course—by
improving your writing and speaking skills in a comprehensive way.
Plagiarism will result in an F in the course—as well as the University’s maximum
punishment. Understanding the rules of copyrighted materials and citing information
from the Internet is particularly important. Borrowing ideas or content from
another’s writing without attribution constitutes plagiarism. Failure to document
secondary sources also constitutes a violation of copyright. Pay close attention during
the class discussions and library lecture about this issue. For help with citations, see
http://uncg.libguides.com/citation or refer to your text.
Individual and group presentations, if appropriate, follow a schedule set in class and
constitute part of your attendance and Case Project grade. If you miss your assigned
presentation date, you forfeit that score. If an emergency should prevent your attendance,
notify me by email. BEFORE class.
Poor planning does not constitute an emergency or an excuse for late work. Do not assume
because you have sent an email that I have received it. If you fail to appear for a scheduled
presentation with an organization or a company without reasonable and appropriate
notification, you may expect that relationship to end; if you fail to keep your contract with
our class, you can expect a similar result.
Participation is an important aspect of professional communication. You cannot participate
if you do not attend class. Peer and team feedback and appraisals also form a substantive
element of assessment.
Students must complete all assignments to pass the course.
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Professionalism
Professionalism is an important element of course conduct and grading as well and refers to the
commitment that a student demonstrates in the classroom and toward course work. It
encompasses attendance, on-time class arrival, participation, and respectful attitudes and actions
toward class colleagues. Professional conduct in the workplace means taking responsibility for
your training and performance; to extend the metaphor, it means understanding all class policies
and course expectations through one’s own initiative, without reminders or prodding.
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You cannot communicate fully if you are not here or are not engaged in the material.
Attendance is required, and active participation is expected. Please be prepared for class
and ready to contribute to discussions.
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Three absences will forfeit your active participation grade (10 points, or a letter grade).
If you miss class, you are responsible for all out-of-class assignments due and for a
written memo detailing the reason(s) for the absence. Provide supporting documentation
(letters, copies of health center or physicians’ notes, etc.) This will provide a reference
for tracking the agenda and assignments affecting your coursework. [Note: Illness
(supported with physician’s documentation), religious observations, deaths in the
immediate family, and natural disasters qualify as excused. Interviewing during class
Yarbrough ENG 103E.01 course syllabus and agenda
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time is not an excused absence.] In-class exercises are not eligible for late submission,
since they constitute part of your participation grade.
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Effective participation also means observing basic dress code standards. No bedroom
slippers, “jammies,” or other inappropriate dress, please.
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The University allows for a limited number of absences per year for religious
observations required by the students’ faith. To anticipate missed work, students must
submit written notice to the instructor a week ahead of the planned absence. Written
assignments may be submitted in advance. Accommodations for oral exercises are
arranged separately.
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Our class requires use of laptops or tablets in class and, occasionally, other technology.
We may also use alternative settings to accommodate our assignments, to manage group
collaborations, or to adjust for network servers and downtime. Any changes in the
schedule are posted in advance or announced in class, since much of our work
incorporates practice exercises and written work. Please be prepared to make effective
use of class time by having your files accessible online, posted on Blackboard, or
available on zip-drives. Back-up all work in case of compatibility problems, accidents,
viruses, corrupted files, or other issues. Maintain regular security updates on your laptop
and read all University announcements about technology issues affecting email, server
connections and Blackboard access. You should check your campus email at least twice a
day, as well as the course Announcements page.
Academic Integrity Policy
Academic honesty is central to UNCG’s mission and necessary to its vision as a learner-centered
university. Make sure you understand and adhere to the principles of the University’s Academic
Integrity Policy, as described in the Student Handbook and made widely available. The Policy is
founded on and encompasses the principles of honesty, trust, fairness, respect, and responsibility
as students. Correct documentation is a critical part of abiding by these principles and of
successful, business and professional communication. Please review information on citations and
attributions in your text and supplementary materials and observe the rules governing copyright
in all submitted work. The University Policy Manual contains important information on the
university policies regarding acceptable use of technology, computing, and electronic resources.
UNCG’s Five Core Values
The University of North Carolina at Greensboro is a community that includes students, faculty,
staff, and alumni, who demonstrate a commitment to its five core values:
Inclusiveness – A welcoming and inclusive academic community, based on open dialogue and
shared governance, offers a culture of caring with visible, meaningful representation of
differences.
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Collaboration – Interdisciplinary, intercommunity, inter-institutional, and international
collaboration is reflected and rewarded in teaching, research, creative activity, community
engagement, and infrastructure.
Sustainability – Academics, operations, and outreach are conducted with careful attention to the
enduring interconnectedness of social equity, the environment, the economy, and aesthetics.
Responsibility – A public institution, the University responds to community needs and serves
the public in a systematic fashion through the mutually beneficial exchange of knowledge and
resources in a context of partnership and reciprocity.
Transparency – Open decision-making, clear goals, and measurable outcomes enhance
performance, trust, and accountability.
Course Calendar*
*Subject to adjustments and revision at my discretion. Instructions and requirements for the
assignment entries marked in red are posted under Assignments or the Discussion Board
forums on Blackboard. Bring print editions for New York Times Topics Sessions marked in
green. Business Communication for Success readings appear as BCS and page numbers.
Contingency planning may require revisions to the Course Calendar to accommodate event and
venue scheduling.
DATE
DISCUSSION AREA
ASSIGNMENTS/
ACTIVITIES
Course Documents
posted on Blackboard
Week 1
1/13
1/15
Course Procedures and
Policies; Effective
Communication with
Faculty and Mentors
Blackboard Guidelines
Today’s Workplace
*Week 2
MLK
Holiday
1/22
DUE
DATE
Bring laptops to class unless otherwise
instructed.
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Self-understanding;
Self-concept
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Discussion Forum
Guidelines
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Syllabus/Course Resource Links
Submission guidelines
Sign-up sheets for Times Topics
Discussion Sessions
Introductions and Interviews (See
Blackboard document)
The New York Times Topic for the
Week; bring print editions to class
Learning Styles Inventories and
Diagnostics
BCS, Chapter 3, “Self-Understanding
is Fundamental to Communication—
Perception”
Understanding personality types and
preferences
Discussion Board #1 submission
Yarbrough ENG 103E.01 course syllabus and agenda
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1/15
In class
Due:
1/22
9
DATE
DISCUSSION AREA
ASSIGNMENTS/
ACTIVITIES
Course Documents
posted on Blackboard
Week 3
1/27
Bring laptops to class unless otherwise
instructed.
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Audience Demands:
Understanding
different points of view
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1/29
Active Reading and
Listening
Week 4
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2/3
Research Methods
2/5
Organization
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General/Specific;
Direct/ Indirect
Approaches
Week 5
2/10
2/12
Week 6
2/17
Researching Factual
Information
Reporting Facts
Check Entrepreneurial
Propensity
Proximity Hotel
Revising Business
Messages
2/19
Rhetorical Strategies
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Refining and revising
Proofreading
2/26
In class
BCS, Chapter 3, Understanding Your
Audience; Differences in Perception”;
Discussion Board #2 submission
Due:
Session leaders: The New York
1/29
Times Topic of the week
Memos; BCS, Chapter 9
Databases: Business Reference
lecture on Sustainability resources,
Research exercise
BCS, Ch. 5, Research and
Investigation
BCS, Ch. 6, “Organization”
Discussion Board #3 submission
The New York Times Topics with
Session Leaders
Due:
In class
Due:
2/5
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Short Report Assignment
Team topic meetings
Fact-finding exercise; Submissions
Due:
2/10
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Discussion Board #4 Submission
Times Topics with Session Leaders
Due:
2/12
1:45 Meet in Jefferson Suites Lobby
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BCS, Ch. 7, General Revision Points
to Consider
Discussion Board #5 submission
Times Topics with Session Leaders
Round Table discussion on Group
Topics
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Report Drafts due: in class Workshop
Workshop Submissions
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Midterm Exam
Sample Reports
Week 7
2/24
DUE
DATE
Yarbrough ENG 103E.01 course syllabus and agenda
Due:
2/19
Due:
2/24
In class
2/26
10
DATE
DISCUSSION AREA
ASSIGNMENTS/
ACTIVITIES
Course Documents
posted on Blackboard
Week 8
3/3
3/5
Non-verbal messages
Blogs, social media,
texting, podcasts
SPRING
BREAK
DUE
DATE
Bring laptops to class unless otherwise
instructed.
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Featured Speaker—TBA
Elevator speeches
BCS, Ch. 11
Making an Argument
Times Topic of the Week Leaders
BCS, Ch. 14
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Digital Media Commons/Digital
ACT Studio tour: meet in Jackson
Library
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Discussion Board #6; oral delivery
Product Pitches in class
Analyzing a Direct Mail Sales
Package discussion
Due:
3/3
Due:
3/5
Week 9
3/17
Persuasive Messages:
Digital Media
3/19
Emotional and logical
appeals
Week 10
3/24
3/26
Workplace
Applications
BCS, Ch. 19
Group Life Cycles
Recordkeeping
Week 11
3/31
Planning Proposals and
Reports
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Analyzing Direct Mailers and Sales
Packages; Bb submission
Team Roles and Responsibilities
Discussion Boards #7-8 submissions
Updates on Group Project assignment
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Team Meetings
Times Topic of the Week leaders
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Just the Facts exercise for teambuilding
Discussion Board #9: Part 1,
Nussbaum visit
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4/2
Team Strategies
ExtraJourney of the
curricular Universe Film and
Conference
Events
Week 12
4/7
4/9
Informational and
Analytical Reports and
Presentations
Due:
3/19
Due:
3/24
Due:
3/26
Due:
4/2
Visit to Nussbaum: Co-curricular Activity
EUC 7-8:30 p.m.
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Times Topics leader
PAL activity/presentation
Group Workshops/Progress Reports
BCS, Ch. 13
Times Topics of the Week Leaders
Team Meetings
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Due:
4/9
11
DATE
DISCUSSION AREA
ASSIGNMENTS/
ACTIVITIES
Course Documents
posted on Blackboard
Week 13
4/14
4/16
Extracurricular
Event
Week 14
4/21
Optional
Event:
4/22
4/23
Week 15
4/28
4/30
Strategies for Project
Presentation
Bring laptops to class unless otherwise
instructed.
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Giving and Receiving
Feedback
Times Topics Discussion Leader
Evaluation Criteria for presentations
Team appointments with Digital
Media Commons; Digital ACT
Studio; Speaking Center
Team Meeting Recordkeeping
Times Topics Leaders
Work Sessions
Earth Day Celebration
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Constructive Feedback
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Team Workshop or presentation
practice
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Project Reports Due: 6:30-9:30
Jefferson Suites 124
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Individual team debriefs
Course and team evaluations
Earth Day Celebration
Academic Fair
Group Presentations
Scheduled with ENT
130
Project Evaluations
Final instructions
DUE
DATE
Due:
4/16
Reading Day
Find the hidden message below.
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