ENC 3250 Summer, 2014 Term B
Course Title:
Professional Writing Internet
Course Credit Hours: (3)
Instructor Name and Contact Information:
Dr. Judith Steele
Office Address: Bldg. 50/245
Telephone Number: 474-2032; 474-2923
Email: jsteele@uwf.edu
Prerequisites:
Comp 1 & 2
Course Description:
Professional Writing is an advanced-level writing course emphasizing writing memos,
letters, proposals, resumes, and reports with professionalism, accuracy, conciseness
and tact. The course is designed to teach students from all disciplines the common
types of business communication used in text and other media messages in the
workplace today via a technology-delivered course.
Student Learning Outcomes:
1. Produce the most commonly written business formats and documents, e.g., good
news letter, bad news letter, memo, email, resume/letter of application, proposal.
Other emphases include job interview skill building, non-verbal communication,
technology in presentations, and other oral communication skills, but the primary
focus of the course is writing.
2. Collaborate with classmates in small-group “Discussions” forums to define team
member responsibilities, to produce researched information using appropriate
sources, to read and respond to group members’ online messages, and to
practice a style appropriate for a workplace context.
3. Review grammar and mechanics by taking the UWF Writing Lab’s Diagnostic
Test, identifying deficiencies as indicated by the Lab Test score and by
instructor’s feedback on drafts, editing drafts for grammar for the revised version,
and reviewing grammar for course tests and quizzes.
4. Develop confidence in business writing and develop or polish basic written
communication skills using technology.
Method of Instruction:
Professional Writing on-line is taught in a distance learning environment (UWF’s
elearning program). No physical class meetings occur, including tests. Everything is
within the elearning course.
Written Assignments:







Online critiques are available for students who post assignments in rough draft
dropboxes by due dates.
The instructor (or Writing Lab Assistant) marks the assignment for errors and/or
offers suggestions for improvement, and then returns the documents to the same
dropboxes.
All documents submitted must be in Word or RTF –not PDF, Publisher,
Mac/Apple etc., unless saved in a document or Word format.
Documents are critiqued with traditional English grading marks, which are listed
under "Content" and also in the course glossary under "G" for grading symbols
For repeated errors, the instructor provides page numbers, links, and other
sources for review, but, ultimately, eliminating recurring errors lies with the
students.
When students do not submit papers for critiquing before a grade, they will have
no other opportunity to rewrite for a better grade. Very few students need no
review of grammar and sentence/paragraph constructions. However, all rough
drafts and critiques are optional.
Our philosophy is to learn together through multiple revisions, discussions of
grammar, and the student's individual acceptance of his or her own learning and
improvement responsibilities.
Tests/Quizzes:
In the summer semester, Term B, one final exam will be given and will test learning for
the entire six weeks.
Summer Requirements







Resume/Letter--15%
Memo/Style and Tone--10%
Good News Letter--10%
Bad News Letter--10%
Proposal--25%
Course Quiz--25%
Discussion--05%
Class Discussion:
Participation in class discussions is recorded in “Discussions” in elearning.
The discussions cover a wide range of topics including grammar review, exercises in
tone/style based on management and personality styles, ethical lapses, revision of
documents, social media’s role in business, and other digital technology topics.
Course Topics Covered:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
Understanding the foundations of business communication
Applying the three-step writing process
Writing and revising letters, memos, e-mail, and other brief messages
Finding and communicating information
Planning, writing, and completing reports and proposals
Participating in interactive reviews and discussions of grammar
Writing employment messages and interviewing for jobs techniques
Investigating interviewing techniques
Exploring and using social media for business.
Instructor Interaction:






The instructor designs the course and works individually with each student by
observing ongoing progress, answering questions, giving additional instructions to
those who need it, joining in all discussions, and redirecting discussions when
necessary.
The instructor makes the assignments; the students read the assigned material and
submit responses to the assignments according to the cases and due dates.
The instructor makes the assignments; the students read the assigned material and
submit responses to the assignments according to the case and due dates.
If the papers follow the requirements and students make a diligent effort to develop
grammar skills, the course will go smoothly for each student.
Occasionally, the professor extends the due dates for everyone, depending on
circumstances, but basically, the class follows fairly closely to the schedule provided
in the Content information in the elearning course.
The instructor uses a team-oriented approach (see Chapter 1 in Bovee Thill),
meaning the instructor has an "open door" policy online; students are encouraged to
ask questions
Required Text:
Book is available from UWF bookstore to buy new or used or to rent. Copies are also
available at UWF Library Reserves
The textbook is a custom edition for the text Business Communication: Polishing
Your Professional Presence (Shwom and Snyder)
Author: Steele
ISBN: 9781269620185
Copyright Year: 2013 (Green Butterfly cover, revised with index)
Publisher: Pearson Learning Solutions
Or
UWF Custom: Business Communication ENC 3250
ISBN: 9781269415323
Copyright Year: 2013 (Blue Butterfly cover without index)
same as above book (but without an index
Publisher: Pearson Learning Solutions
Method of Evaluation (grading)
 The documents are graded on accuracy of response to the assignment, tone, clarity,
organization, orderly sequence of ideas, unity and focus, logic, diction, format, and
grammar and mechanics.
 Late papers can be posted in the late dropbox, with penalties for being late.
 Grades for each assignment are posted in the grades section in elearning, where
students can access grades and class statistics at any time.
 Rough drafts of documents for grading are optional.
 Students should think of this course as they would a face-to-face class in
expectations of returned work—work will not be returned the same day.
 Students are encouraged to ask the instructor via email about any problems they
have in understanding the revision/editing marks and remarks.
Grading Scale:
A (93-100)
C+ (78-79)
A- (90-92)
C (73-77)
B+(88-89)
C- (70-72)
B (83-87)
D+(69-68)
B- (80-82)
D (60-67)
F (59 & BELOW)
COB and most other specific fields require a C in this course for credit.
Special Technology Utilized by Students:
Required up-to-date computer access, Internet, UWF email (UWF edesk available)
Expectations for Academic Conduct/Plagiarism Policy:
As members of the University of West Florida, we commit ourselves to honesty. As we
strive for excellence in performance, integrity, personal and institutional, is our most
precious asset. Honesty in our academic work is vital, and we will not knowingly act in
ways which erode that integrity. Accordingly, we pledge not to cheat, nor to tolerate
cheating, nor to plagiarize the work of others. We pledge to share community resources
in ways that are responsible and that comply with established policies of fairness.
Cooperation and competition are means to high achievement and are encouraged.
Indeed, cooperation is expected unless our directive is to individual performance. We
will compete constructively and professionally for the purpose of stimulating high
performance standards. Finally, we accept adherence to this set of expectations for
academic conduct as a condition of membership in the UWF academic community.
Click here for link to UWF CAS' Statement on Plagiarism
Assistance:
Students with special needs who require specific examination-related or other courserelated accommodations should contact Barbara Fitzpatrick, Director of Disabled
Student Services (DSS), dss@uwf.edu, (850) 474-2387. DSS will provide the student
with a letter for the instructor that will specify any recommended accommodations