WRITING ON BUSINESS AND SOCIETY
WRTG 3040-039
Fall 2012
Course Description and Policies
Instructor:
Office:
Phone:
E-mail:
Office hours:
Ann Stockho
1338 Grandview Ave., Room C1B70 (in basement)
Office: 303-492-8634
Home: 303-652-2074
ann.stockho@colorado.edu
Monday 12:00 – 3:00. Also by appointment.
A note on email: I am unable to check my email on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays until noon. I am
often unable to check my e-mail after 5:30 pm on weekdays. My ability to answer e-mail on weekends is
limited.
Ann Stockho’s office is at 1338 Grandview, which is on the northwest side of campus. On the
Colorado.edu website, search the campus map for Temporary Building 88, which is on Grandview on the
opposite side of the street from my building. My office is in the basement.
My box is in the Program for Writing and Rhetoric main office, which is in the Environmental Design
building (ENVD). ENVD is on the east side of 18th Street, across the street from and north of the Euclid
parking garage (going toward Norlin Library). At ENVD, go in the north door (the door nearest Norlin) on
the west side of the building (the side facing 18th Street). Go down the stairs and through the door into the
lower level hallway. The door to PWR is down the hall and on the left, and the mailboxes are in the big
wooden case on the south wall (on your right) of the writing program lobby. Instructor names are in
alphabetical order.
COURSE OVERVIEW
Designed for juniors and seniors majoring in business, economics, and international studies, the course will
help you:
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Hone your rhetorical analysis, critical thinking, writing, and speaking skills
Apply your disciplinary expertise to issues in corporate and public policy
Shape communication to the audiences, purposes, and issues found within a professional context
Practice working constructively within a community of communicators
The course will be conducted as a workshop in which your own writing and speaking projects serve as core
materials. Although there is no formal prerequisite, the work requires that you already have some facility
in writing. We will focus on the communication strategies and forms as well as the analysis and argument
that drive professional writing—that is, on shaping your writing and speaking so that your point is focused,
compelling, persuasive, and supported with evidence. We will also explore sources that are commonly
used in conducting business research.
To go as paperless as possible, I will post assignments and readings on CULearn, and you will post
your drafts and comments on peer drafts on CULearn. Please bring your laptop to class every day.
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TEXTS
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The Business Writer’s Companion, 6th edition, by Gerald J. Alred, Charles T. Brusaw, and Walter
E. Oliu, which lays the rhetorical foundation for professional communication in both theoretical
and practical terms.
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Your projects and the projects of your peers discussed in workshops and feedback sessions, giving
you the opportunity to apply rhetorical concepts, critique your own work and the work of
colleagues, and practice the process of developing effective communication.
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Articles and case studies that place professional communication in a rhetorical context, with an
emphasis on decision-making and corporate social responsibility.
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Rhetorical concepts and strategies drawn from professional communication texts, incorporated
into handouts and assignment sheets.
COURSE CONTEXT
Offered through the Program for Writing and Rhetoric, College of Arts and Sciences, WRTG 3040 is
designed to fulfill curricular requirements established by the University of Colorado at Boulder and the
Colorado Commission on Higher Education.
University of Colorado at Boulder Core Requirement
WRTG 3040 fulfills the core upper-division writing requirement for students majoring in business,
economics, and international studies [IAFS]. The course is approved for the Arts and Sciences core
curriculum for written communication, and builds on the skills practiced through the first year writing core
requirement by applying an advanced understanding of rhetorical concepts to communication within
specialized fields.
The Colorado Commission on Higher Education (CCHE)
WRTG 3040 also meets CCHE criteria for an Advanced Writing Course (GT-CO3) in the Colorado system
of higher education:
Extend Rhetorical Knowledge: Rhetoric is the art of shaping words and images to move a particular
audience to a particular purpose. An advanced knowledge of the rhetoric used within specialized
disciplines sharpens the ability of a communicator to choose the most effective evidence, reasoning, and
communication strategies for a professional audience and purpose.
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Readings from The Business Writer's Companion will introduce the rhetorical concepts that serve
as the framework for the course.
Handouts developed by the instructor will distill those concepts to a form that can be readily
remembered and applied.
Articles and case studies will place the critical thinking that drives professional communication
into rhetorical contexts that involve positioning yourself within a professional environment,
influencing decision-making, and analyzing issues related to corporate social responsibility.
Extend Experience in Writing Processes: Writing—including the writing involved in speaking—is an
ongoing process that requires multiple drafts as well as a range of strategies for developing, revising, and
editing texts. Advanced skill in engaging the writing process increases both efficiency and effectiveness in
generating work on the job. The pervasiveness of collaboration in professional settings also requires
advanced skill in reviewing the work of colleagues. Writing and speaking, whether individually or as part
of a team, are formed within a community of colleagues.
 Workshops and feedback forums provide opportunities to develop skill in giving constructive
feedback as well as incorporating feedback into the development of your own work.
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Projects provide practice in using technologies such as PowerPoint, graphics, electronic
communication, and online research tools.
Work with the business library exposes you to specialized sources that connect you to the issues,
language, and modes of analysis generated by your field.
Repeated examination of evidence and reasoning in the development of your research project will
give you practice in evaluating sources for accuracy, relevance, credibility, reliability, and bias.
Extend Mastery of Writing Conventions: The sequence of assignments will give you practice in analyzing
and developing common forms of professional communication, in interpreting and using the language of
your field, and in designing communication strategies that meet the expectations of specialized readers.
You will learn the elements of effective business writing style. You will also become aware of elements of
your own writing that can be improved, including syntax, grammar, punctuation, and spelling.
Advance Content Knowledge: The range of assignments as well as exposure to the work of your peers will
heighten your awareness of the relationship between the specialized content and various audiences,
particularly those engaged in global questions of corporate social responsibility. This awareness will
translate into facility in adapting content and communication strategies to the expertise, needs, and
expectations of a particular audience.
RESOURCES
The Writing Center is available free of charge for help on any aspect of your writing assignments for this
course. By appointment only. For information, see http://www.colorado.edu/pwr/writingcenter.html.
The Business Library staff is familiar with the Writing on Business and Society class and can provide
valuable help in your research. Even if you think you are familiar with the business library, check with a
reference librarian for resources you might not have discovered yet.
The Online Business Library Guide is a helpful tool for research guidance and help:
http://ucblibraries.colorado.edu/business/classguides/WRTG3040_summer2012.htm
Another helpful online source is the Purdue OWL: http://owl.english.purdue.edu/owl/
In the menu on the right on the home page, click on Subject-Specific Writing, and then click on
Professional, Technical Writing, to pull down a menu of business writing topics.
ASSIGNMENTS
Assignments are designed to apply rhetorical concepts to increasingly complex forms of professional
analysis and communication.
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Readings in rhetorical concepts applicable to professional communication
Analyses of articles and case studies that explore the current discourse in corporate social
responsibility
Research into current issues using a range of sources, including Internet sources and academic
databases
Practice in common forms of professional communication
Written and oral critiques of the work of your peers
Assignments are evaluated on a 100-point system, with each major assignment receiving a “weight”
according to the effort it requires. For instance, an assignment with a x4 weight counts as 400 points. A
total of 900 points is possible, plus any additional assignments. Final grades are calculated as total points
divided by 9, adjusted for any additional assignments. The weight is noted after each major assignment
listed below. (If efforts are restructured, the formula is adjusted accordingly.)
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A job application package (x1 = 100 points)
A short report or proposal based on a business case (x1 = 100 points)
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A project proposal and annotated bibliography for your research project (x1 = 100 points)
A research project drawing on your own background and interests (x4 = 400 points)
An oral presentation based on your research project (x2 = 200 points)
Class participation can raise or lower your semester grade by as much as half a letter grade to a full letter
grade. It is based on:
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Attitude and contribution to the tone and constructive culture of the class
Preparation and participation in class discussions
Preparation for workshops
Oral or written critiques of the work of your peers, as assigned
Willingness to work and to receive and use feedback
Self-direction
Attendance
Sentence-level help
If I think your writing needs to be addressed on the sentence level, I may require you to work with me in
individual conferences or to visit the Writing Center. You are always welcome to work with me or to visit
the Writing Center on your own initiative.
SELF-DIRECTION
The schedule for the entire semester will be distributed the first day of class. Assignment sheets as well as
group assignments for workshops, critiques, and other assignments will be distributed as required. We will
review and discuss directions once for each assignment. I might or might not have the opportunity to
remind you of due dates. You are responsible for keeping track of the schedule and assignment sheets, for
knowing your group assignment, for following directions, and for tracking due dates.
To move through the material required by the course, we follow a fairly complex schedule. Be prepared to
devote effort to managing your responsibilities independently. Know, though, that I am always glad to
answer questions.
ATTENDANCE
Daily attendance
Because the course is based on in-class learning, attendance is required.
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You may miss two classes without affecting your grade.
Beyond those two classes, for every class you miss for any reason, your grade will be lowered
one-third of a letter grade unless we have reached an agreement, in writing, for extenuating
circumstances.
Even when excused, more than six absences will result in an IW, IF, or F for the course unless
we have reached an agreement in writing, for extraordinary circumstances.
If you have to miss a class, you are responsible for notifying me, finding out what you missed, and
completing any assignments on time.
Conferences
You will schedule two required conferences with me, for the Annotated Bibliography and for converting
the Oral Presentation into the written form of the research project. At any point in the semester, you are
welcome to schedule a conference to discuss any aspect of your work.
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If you have signed up for a conference and find that you are unable to keep the appointment, please notify
me as soon as possible, by e-mail or by phone. The conference schedule can be very tight, and another
student might be able to use the time if you have to postpone an appointment.
If you want me to review your work before a scheduled conference, you must e-mail it to me by 8:00am
the day before (not the same day as) the conference.
Punctuality
Be punctual. If you walk in late, you miss important announcements, and you disrupt the class.
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Three late arrivals equal one absence.
If you arrive after I have taken roll (after I have set down the roll folder), you will be marked as
late (if I have to pick up the roll folder again). I do not set down the roll folder until after start
time for the class.
Preparation
Come prepared to participate in all class activities. As a member of the workshop, you have made a
commitment to serve as an active critic.
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If you come unprepared for discussions, class activities, or workshops, your participation
evaluation will be lowered.
Draft distribution and workshops
The course schedule is very tight, which means that days you are scheduled to distribute a draft or have
your draft reviewed in workshop cannot be postponed.
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Do not miss your assigned dates and deadlines to distribute drafts. Unless announced otherwise,
you will not be allowed to e-mail a draft. You will not be allowed to bring in a draft on the
workshop day. No exceptions.
If you find that you have a conflict with the day you are scheduled to have your draft reviewed in
workshop, arrange with a classmate ahead of time to trade workshop days.
The penalties for missing your distribution or workshop day are serious:
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If you do not distribute a draft on your assigned distribution day or if you miss the deadline, the
draft will not be workshopped.
If your draft is not workshopped, or if you are absent the day your draft is scheduled to be
workshopped, the final grade on the paper will be an F, unless I have agreed to work with you on a
draft of the paper in an individual conference. I will schedule a conference to replace a workshop
only if I consider your reason for missing the workshop to be valid.
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GRADING GUIDELINES
Your work will be held to high standards, according to the following criteria:
A
(90 to 100 points.) Excellent in content, form, and style—original, substantive,
insightful, persuasive, clear, and free from mechanical errors.
A+ 98 to 100 points
B
B- 80 to 83 points
C 74 to 77 points
C- 70 to 73 points
(60 to 69 points.) Poor in content, form, or style—disorganized, illogical, confusing,
unfocused, or containing pervasive errors that impair readability.
D+ 68 to 69 points
F
B 84 to 87 points
(70 to 79 points.) Adequate or reasonably competent. May have a mixture of strengths
and weaknesses.
C+ 78 to 79 points
D
A- 90 to 93 points
(80 to 89 points.) Good, with no major flaws—interesting, with above-average thought
and expression.
B+ 88 to 89 points
C
A 94 to 97 points
D 64 to 77 points
D- 60 to 63 points
(0 to 59 points.) Incoherent or disastrously flawed, OR late (0 points), plagiarized (0
points), never workshopped (0 to 59 points), or never handed in (0 points).
DRAFTS AND REVISIONS
You will receive a "Draft Requirements Score" and a "Progress Indicator" for the Full Project Draft
of the research project, so that you have some idea where you are in the process of revision. You must
revise the drafts before you hand in the final. If you do not revise, or if you do only superficial revisions, I
will drop the final grade one half to one letter grade. Your final grade depends in large part upon the
quality of the revision.
The Job Application package, Case Report, and Research Project assignments (including the
Annotated Bibliography) must be handed in with my marked-up drafts attached. If my mark-ups are
missing, points will be deducted from the final grade.
Late papers (final version) will not be accepted, unless I have agreed that your reason for handing a paper
in late is valid.
Plagiarism is presenting the work or ideas of someone else as your own. It includes failing to use
quotation marks for directly quoted work, failing to document paraphrased ideas, and false documentation.
It is also plagiarism to submit someone else’s work as your own. An assignment containing plagiarized
material will receive an automatic “F” and will be reported to the Dean. (See "Honor Code" in
"University Policies" below.)
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UNIVERSITY POLICIES
Students with disabilities:
If you qualify for accommodations because of a disability, please submit a letter to me from Disability
Services in a timely manner so that your needs may be addressed. Disability Services determines
accommodations based on documented disabilities. Contact: 303-492-8671, Willard 322, or
www.Colorado.EDU/disabilityservices.
Religious holidays:
Campus policy requires that faculty make every effort to deal reasonably and fairly with all students who,
because of religious obligations, have conflicts with scheduled exams, assignments or required
attendance. In this class, absences for religious observances are accommodated through the two-absence
policy (see Attendance, p. 4). Beyond the two allowable absences, absences for religious observances must
be approved by me at least one week in advance. See policy details at
http://www.colorado.edu/policies/fac_relig.html .
Classroom behavior:
Students and faculty each have responsibility for maintaining an appropriate learning environment.
Students who fail to adhere to behavioral standards maybe subject to discipline. Faculty have the
professional responsibility to treat students with understanding, dignity and respect, to guide classroom
discussion, and to set reasonable limits on the manner in which students express opinions. Professional
courtesy and sensitivity are especially important with respect to differences of race, culture, religion,
politics, sexual orientation, gender, and nationalities. See policies at
http://www.colorado.edu/policies/classbehavior.html and
http://www.colorado.edu/studentaffairs/judicialaffairs/code.html#student_code .
Honor Code:
All students of the University of Colorado at Boulder are responsible for knowing and adhering to the
academic integrity policy of this institution. Violations of this policy may include cheating, plagiarism,
academic dishonesty, fabrication, lying, bribery, and threatening behavior. I will report all incidents of
academic misconduct to the Honor Code Council. Students who are found to be in violation of the
academic integrity policy will be subject to both academic and non-academic sanctions (including but not
limited to university probation, suspension, or expulsion). Additional information may be found at
http://www.colorado.edu/policies/honor.html and http://www.colorado.edu/academics/honorcode/ .
Sexual harassment:
The University of Colorado Policy on Sexual Harassment applies to all students, staff, and faculty. Any
student, staff or faculty member who believes s/he has been sexually harassed should contact the Office of
Sexual Harassment at 303-492-2127 or the Office of Judicial Affairs at 303-492-5550. Information about
the OSH and the campus resources available to assist individuals who believe they have been sexually
harassed may be found at http://www.colorado.edu/sexualharassment/
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WRITING ON BUSINESS AND SOCIETY
WRTG 3040-039, Fall 2012
Instructor: Ann Stockho
Schedule
Additions and changes will be announced in class and documented via e-mail
Week 1: August 28, 30
Tuesday 8/28
Introduction to course
Introduction to Job Application Package
Introduction to Introductory Memo
Read before preparing Job Application Package (also on assignment sheet):
The Business Writer's Companion
Application Letters, 220-224
Resumes, 232-248
Thursday 8/30
DUE: Introductory Memo
Read before class: The Business Writer's Companion
Five Steps to Successful Writing, xxix-xxxvi
The Writing Process, 1-38
Business Writing Documents and Elements, 98-124
Email, 44-49
Bring The Business Writer's Companion to class for reference
Form Job Application workshop groups
Decision-driven communication
Professional writing formats and forms
Introduction to Case-based Report/Proposal (see Week 4)
Week 2: September 4, 6
Tuesday 9/4
DUE: Group 1—Post Job Application Package on CUlearn by noon AND bring a
hard copy to class for instructor
Criteria for Job Application workshop
Read before class: Excerpts from The Business Writing Companion listed on the
assignment sheet, "Professional Writing Style," for Conciseness, Style, and Common
Errors
Bring The Business Writer's Companion and the assignment sheet "Professional Writing
Style" to class for exercises in conciseness
Thursday 9/6
DUE: Group 2—Post Job Application Package on CUlearn by noon AND bring a
hard copy to class for instructor
Workshop Job Application Package for Group 1
Week 3: September 11, 13
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Tuesday 9/11
DUE: Group 3—Post Job Application Package on CUlearn by noon AND bring a
hard copy to class for instructor
Workshop Job Application Package for Group 2
Thursday 9/13
Workshop Job Application Package for Group 3
Week 4: September 18, 20
Tuesday 9/18
Revision
Read before class: The Business Writer's Companion
Revision: xxxv-xxxvi; conciseness, 278-279; coherence, 277; sentence
construction, 293; tactics, 35; transitions, 299; writer’s checklist, 35-36
Bring The Business Writer's Companion and the assignment sheet "Professional Writing
Style" to class for exercises in professional writing style
Thursday 9/20
Review Case-based Report/Proposal assignment
Week 5: September 25, 27
Tuesday 9/25
DUE: Final version of the Job Application (all groups)—Hard copy + AS’s comments
DUE: Post Case-based Report/Proposal draft by noon AND bring a hard copy to class
for instructor
Discuss Research Project—Read handouts before class:
Research Project Overview
Proposal/Annotated Bibliography
Project sources handout
Portfolio Checklist
Business Writing Prize
Project ideas/brainstorming
Introduction to Rhetorical Analysis assignment—Read posted assignment before class
Thursday 9/27
Small group workshop: Case-based Report/Proposal—Post comments by class time
Read before class: The Business Writer’s Companion, formal reports, 130-135; example, 136-152
Bring The Business Writer’s Companion for reference
Week 6: October 2, 4
Tuesday 10/2
DUE: Rhetorical Analysis of White Paper—Bring to class (see assignment)
Read: Design and Visuals, 156-182 in The Business Writer's Companion
Bring The Business Writer's Companion to class for reference
Research Project ideas—Have at least one to tell the class
Assign Research Project Groups
Introduction to Oral Presentations
Thursday 10/4
DUE: Final version of the Case-based Report/Proposal—Hard copy + AS’s comments
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Meet in the Business Library for a research workshop
Week 7: October 9, 11
Tuesday 10/9
NO CLASS: Project conferences Weeks 7, 8, and 9
Thursday 10/11 DUE: Everyone—Post Proposal/Annotated Bibliography draft by noon AND bring a
hard copy to class for instructor
NOTE: The final version of your Proposal/Annotated Bibliography is due one week
after your conference—Hard copy + AS’s comments
Bring Business Writer's Companion and the assignment sheet "Professional Writing
Style" to class for business writing: common errors
Week 8: October 16, 18
Tuesday 10/16
Small groups: Workshop Proposal/Annotated Bibliography—Post comments by class time
Thursday 10/18 PowerPoint design—Guest speaker, TBA
Week 9: October 23, 25
Tuesday 10/23
Library Research Day – meet in Business Library
Thursday 10/25 Discuss Oral Presentation and Full Project Draft
Bring Proposal/Annotated Bibliography
Week 10: October 30, November 1
Note: Complete the conference for your Oral Presentation to Project Draft within one to two weeks
after your oral presentation.
Tuesday 10/30
Group 1: Oral Presentation
Group 3: Delivery feedback
Group 4: Content feedback
Group 5: Q&A
Group 2: Q&A
Thursday 11/1
Group 2: Oral Presentation
Group 4: Delivery feedback
Group 5: Content feedback
Group 1: Q&A
Group 3: Q&A
Week 11: November 6, 8
Tuesday 11/6
Group 3: Oral Presentation
Group 5: Delivery feedback
Group 1: Content feedback
Group 2: Q&A
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Group 4: Q&A
Thursday 11/8
Group 4: Oral Presentation
Group 1: Delivery feedback
Group 2: Content feedback
Group 3: Q&A
Group 5: Q&A
Week 12: November 13, 15
Tuesday 11/13
Group 5: Oral Presentation (schedule conference for this week)
Group 2: Delivery feedback
Group 3: Content feedback
Group 4: Q&A
Group 1: Q&A
Thursday 11/15 Introduction to Full Project Draft workshops
Bring Business Writer's Companion for business writing: style
Week 13: November 20, 22 - NO CLASS: FALL BREAK
Week 14: November 27, 29
Tuesday 11/27
DUE: Groups 1and 2a—Post Full Project Draft on CULearn by noon AND bring a
hard copy to class for instructor
Introduction to executive summary, abstract, and cover
Read for class: The Business Writer’s Companion (bring BWC to class)
Executive Summaries, 129-130; example, 140
Abstracts, 127-129; example, 128
Covers (content), 198-199; memo format (internal audience), 136; letter format (external
audience) p. 204
Thursday 11/29 DUE: Groups 2b, 3, and 4a—Post Full Project Draft on CULearn by noon AND
bring a hard copy to class for instructor
Groups 1 and 2a: Workshop Full Project Draft—Post comments by class time
Week 15: December 4, 6
Tuesday 12/4
DUE: Groups 4b and 5—Post Full Project Draft on CULearn by noon AND bring a
hard copy to class for instructor
Groups 2b, 3 and 4a: Workshop Full Project Draft—Post comments by class time
Thursday 12/6
Groups 4b and 5: Workshop Full Project Draft—Post comments by class time
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Week 16: December 11, 13
Tuesday 12/11
DUE: Everyone—Post Executive summary or abstract and cover (memo or letter) by class time,
to workshop in small groups
Thursday 12/13 DUE: Portfolio—Bring in hard copies of Portfolio components, and post final Research
Project document on CULearn by noon
Project Pitch
Introduction to Reflection (in lieu of a final)
Tuesday 12/18
DUE: E-mail Reflection to Ann Stockho
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