Clark College
Vancouver, Washington
B
Fall 2009
TEC 087—Applied Office English
3 cr.
Syllabus
Class Information
Section B
Monday/Wednesday
Scarpelli Hall 217
1:15-2:30 p.m.
Instructor Information
Marilyn Hale
Office: Scarpelli Hall 208
Office Hours: M/W 10-12 or by
appointment
mhale@clark.edu
992-2224
http://web.clark.edu/mhale
Course Description
This course reviews and develops fundamental skills in dictionary use, spelling, business vocabulary,
editing, word usage, grammar, sentence structure, and punctuation. It provides practice in basic
writing skills for business letters and memorandums.
Prerequisites
Completion of DVED 094—English Basics or ENGL 097—Writing Fundamentals eligibility.
Text and Supplies
Business English at Work. Jaderstrom/Miller. McGrawHill/Irwin. Third Edition 2007.
Course Content
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Dictionary Usage
Spelling and Vocabulary
Words Frequently Misused
Capitalization
Number Style
Nouns and Pronouns
Verbs and Interjections
Adjectives and Adverbs
Prepositions and Conjunctions
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Subjects and Predicates
Complements and Appositives
Phrases and Clauses
Periods, Commas, and Apostrophes
Semicolons, Colons, and Quotation Marks
Other Marks of Punctuation
Writing Effective Sentences
Editing Business Letters and Memos
Composing Business Letters and Memos
College-Wide Abilities
Clark College has identified six campus-wide abilities that form the foundation of our educational
emphasis: 1) critical thinking/problem solving, 2) information technology, 3) communication, 4) lifelong learning, 5) effective citizenship, 6) global/multicultural awareness. I will promote the
BTEC 087—Applied Office English
Syllabus
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Information/Technology Ability, Communication Ability, Life-Long Learning Ability, and Critical
Thinking Ability.
Student Learning Objectives and College-Wide Abilities
1. Improve and expand vocabulary in career situations by recognizing definitions and using the
vocabulary in sentences. (Communication, Life-Long Learning)
2. Utilize all sections of a dictionary to discover syllabication, pronunciation, definitions, spellings,
abbreviations, and other facts by completing exercises that require using a dictionary. (Life-Long
Learning, Information Technology)
3. Use the four steps to improve spelling accuracy in written documents by applying the following:
1) checking spelling in a dictionary, 2) questioning the spelling of often misspelled words,
3) making a list of misspelled words, and 4) using mnemonic devices and spelling rules.
(Communication, Life-Long Learning, Information Technology)
4. Strengthen use of synonyms, antonyms, and homonyms to gain accuracy and improve writing
skills by selecting the correct usage based on the context of the sentence and using these words
correctly in written correspondence. (Communication Life-Long Learning)
5. Capitalize words correctly, adhering to the principles of capitalization usage, by selecting correct
capitalization in exercises as well as in written assignments. (Life-Long Learning)
6. Select the correct number style—either words or numerals—both in exercises as well as business
writing situations. (Communication, Life-Long Learning)
7. Identify the different parts of speech and master their correct usage by identifying them in
exercises. (Communication, Life-Long Learning)
8. Identify varied sentence patterns and use them in classroom exercises. (Communication, Life-Long
Learning)
9. Choose the correct usage of punctuation, especially related to the business office by proofreading
and editing for correct punctuation in exercises and writing assignments. (Communication, LifeLong Learning)
10. Develop skills, confidence, clarity, and effectiveness in writing with an attempt for perfection in
applying the basic rules of written language by completing memorandum and letter assignments.
(Communication)
11. Write effective business letters and memorandums by integrating format, purpose, content,
structure, audience, and tone. (Communication)
12. Edit and evaluate one another’s work as well as one’s own work during group editing sessions.
(Critical Thinking)
Methods of Presentation
Lectures, demonstrations, discussions, assignments, quizzes, tests, interactive groups.
Grading
Unit tests
Quizzes
Writing Assignments
Final Examination
50%
25% (lowest score will be dropped)
15%
10%
BTEC 087—Applied Office English
Syllabus
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Grading Scale
Tests and Quizzes
93 to 100 = A
73 to 76 = C
90 to 92 = A69 to 72 = C87 to 89 = B+
66 to 68 = D+
83 to 86 = B
61 to 65 = D
80 to 82 = B58 to 60 = D77 to 79 = C+
57 or less = F
Writing Assignments
1 to 2 errors = A
28 to 35 = C
3 to 5
= A36 to 45 = C6 to 9
= B+
46 to 50 = D+
10 to 14
=B
51 to 54 = D
15 to 20
= B55 to 57 = D21 to 27
= C+
Grading of writing assignments based on grammar,
spelling, punctuation, sentence structure, format,
tone, interest, originality, complete coverage of
assignment, easy readability.
Attendance and Testing Policies
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In case of absence, it is the student’s responsibility to follow the assignment sheet and to stay on
schedule.
Writing assignments turned in late may be lowered a grade for each day late.
Please notify the instructor in advance of the class if unable to take a unit test as scheduled. Also,
make arrangements with the instructor to reschedule the exam within the week.
Student Responsibilities
Students are responsible for insuring that their personal conduct is in accordance with the following
guidelines:
 Treat the instructors, other students, and other Clark College employees with respect.
 Refrain from engaging in harassing or demeaning behavior or any other behavior which disrupts
the learning environment. Students engaging in these types of behavior will be asked to leave the
classroom. Repeated occurrences will lead to dismissal from the course.
 Comply with the policies and regulations established by Clark College, including the Code of
Student Conduct.
Academic Honesty
Academic honesty is required at all times. Anyone caught cheating will receive an automatic fail for
the particular test/assignment. Plagiarism, which is also a form of cheating, is representing another
individual’s work as your own.
Support Services Available
One of the best places to get help is the Tutoring Center located in HKH 102 and the Annex located
in AA4 106. Computer software is also available—please check with me. My door is open and I am
available to meet with you during office hours or other times by appointment.
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ADA Accommodations
If you have emergency medical information that should be shared, or if you require assistance in case
the building should be evacuated, please make an appointment to see me as soon as possible during the
office hours indicated on page one of this syllabus.
Any student with a disability who may require some consideration or assistance in order to fully
participate in this class should contact the Disability Support Services office at 992-2314 or 992-2835
(TTY), or stop by Gaiser Hall 137.
Business/Business Technology Division Faculty Philosophy
We believe our role is that of a facilitator of your learning. Your role as the learner is to actively
participate in your learning experience both in and out of the classroom. We will encourage you to
become proficient in your field of study, update technical skills, and improve personal growth
necessary for the changing needs of the workplace and society. We firmly promote a safe, positive,
and respectful classroom environment.
Emergency Information
In emergencies, students should do the following:
1. Inclement weather or emergency information
Go to www.clark.edu or call 360-992-2000 as your first means of getting information. The College
does send notices to radio and television stations, but the College’s web site and switchboard are
the official platforms for the most accurate information.
2. Immediate emergency communication alert
To receive immediate notice on emergencies, you can register your cell phone number to receive
text pages and your email address to receive email messages. To do this, go to
www.flashalert.net . Select “Subscribe” on the left, and follow the instructions. Mass
communication will also be sent to all college employee phones and computers.
3. Fire Alarm
Evacuate the building through closest exit; evacuation maps are located in the hallways. Take
personal belongings only if it is safe to do so. Remain at least 50 feet from the building. Notify
others of evacuation. Do not re-enter building until instructed to do so.
4. Parking Lot Identifiers
New parking lot identifiers using colors and numbers have been assigned to all Clark parking
lots. To help emergency or security personnel locate you, please refer to these identifying
features.
5. Security Escort
Security Officers are available for escorts please call 360-992-2133.
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The Academic Early Warning System
Your instructor may use the Academic Early Warning (AEW) system in this course to let you know if
she has concerns about your academic performance early enough to give you time to improve. If your
instructor uses AEW to let you know what you need to work on, a letter will be sent to your home
along with a list of free campus services that can assist you. As not all instructors will use AEW, it is
your responsibility to be aware of how you are progressing in your classes.