MGT 3213 - ORGANIZATIONAL COMMUNICATIONS
SPRING 2015
Instructor:
Office:
Phone:
E-mail:
Office Hours:
Susan Shira Lack
McCool Hall #302-S
662-325-0541
SSL1@msstate.edu
Tuesday/Thursday, 11:00a.m. – noon; other times by appointment
Text:
Lehman, C.M. & DuFrene, D.D. BCOM (4th, 5th, or 6th edition)
Slides: Posted on course website – Misweb, not MyCourses
http://misweb.cbi.msstate.edu/~COBI/faculty/publicWeb.shtml?slack|MGT3213
Prerequisites: EN 1113 and Junior standing (60 hours).
Course Description: A study of the role of communications in the modern business
organization. Emphasis is given to the basic writing skills applied to various forms of business
communications.
Course Objectives: By the end of this course, you will be able to:
Study and apply the theory and methodology of business
letter writing, business reporting, and business research.
Understand and apply communication skills to increase
the possibility of being hired and promoted.
Recognize the influence of group dynamics, and organizational theory
in business communication.
Identify barriers to communication and utilize various
techniques to overcome these barriers.
Honor Code: Mississippi State University has an approved Honor Code that applies to all
students. Complete information can be found at http://www.msstate.edu/dept/audit/1207A.html
“As a Mississippi State University student I will conduct myself with honor
and integrity at all times. I will not lie, cheat, or steal, nor will I accept the
actions of those who do.”
Laptops, iPads, Cell Phones, etc. and Class Disruptions: The use of computers, cell phones,
etc. IS NOT permitted during class time, unless specifically approved by me. As a courtesy to
others, cell phones should be turned off while in class. In addition, disruptive, impolite, or
inappropriate behavior such as arriving late for class, eating in class, reading the newspaper,
sleeping, and/or working on assignments for other classes are/is not allowed. Violators will be
asked to leave the class.
Student Support Services: Students with disabilities who need academic accommodations
should contact the Student Support Services office in Montgomery Hall or go to their website at:
http://www.sss.msstate.edu
Academic Honesty: All tests and assignments are to be completed individually with the
exception of the resume. Receiving help from a friend, fellow student, tutor, etc. will be
considered a violation of the Honor Code. On test days, possession of electronic devices (phones,
IPods, etc) in plain sight will be considered academic misconduct and will result in a “0” on the
test. You will not be allowed to leave the classroom during a test. Students who leave during a
test must turn in their test paper which will be graded “as is.”
Tests: Five “tests” will be given during the semester. Each test will be worth 100 points.
In addition, there will be 100 total points in unannounced class work. Your final course grade
will be based on total points earned, not the “average.” If you miss a test or written lab
assignment, a make-up will NOT be given unless arrangements have been made in advance.
Other late assignments will be accepted, but will receive a 10-point penalty for being late and
an additional 10-point penalty for every day after that they are late.
Test # 1 – MC & TF (Chapters 1-5)
Test # 2 – Letters/memos (Chapters 6 - 8)
Test # 3 – Career Plan (Handout)
Test # 4 – Resume, etc. (Career Center Handbook, Chapters 13 & 14, etc)
Test # 5 – Final Exam – MC & TF (Chapters 9 – 12)
Class Work
Grading Scale:
A
B
C
D
F
540 - 600 total points (90% - 100%)
480 - 539 total points (80% - 89%)
420 - 479 total points (70% - 79%)
360 - 419 total points (60% - 69%)
below 359 total points (less than 60%)
EXAMS: 8:00 TTh – Friday, May 1 (8-11)
9:30 TTh – Monday, May 4 (8-11)
WEEKLY CLASS SCHEDULE
January 13 - 15
Introduction
Chapter 1
January 20 - 22
Chapter 2
January 27 - 29
Chapter 3
February 3 - 5
Chapters 4 & 5
February 10 - 12
TEST # 1 (2/10)
Career Plan Assigned
Format & Layout
February 17 - 19
Chapter 6
Procedure Memo (in class 2/19)
February 24 - 26
Good News Letter (in lab; 2/24)
Chapter 7
March 3 – 5
Chapter 7
Bad News Letter (in class; 3/5)
March 9 - 14
Spring Break
March 17 – 19
Chapter 8
Career Center Handbook
Career Plan due (3/19)
March 24 – 26
Resumes/Chapter 13
Resume Assigned
March 31 – April 2
Job Interviewing/Chapter 14
April 7 - 9
Chapter 9
** Date Change ** Resume due (4/9)
April 14 – 16
Chapter 10 & APA Citations
April 21 – 23
Chapter 11
April 28
Chapter 12
**** Exact dates subject to change.