MGT 3213 - ORGANIZATIONAL COMMUNICATIONS
FALL 2009
Instructor:
Office:
Phone:
E-mail:
Office Hours:
Susan Shira Lack
McCool Hall #302-S
662-325-0541
SSL1@ra.msstate.edu
MWF 10:00-11:00am; TTh 9:30-11:00am; other times by appointment
Text:
Lehman, C.M. & DuFrene, D.D. Business Communication, 15th (or 14th) edition
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 psychological factors, group
dynamics, and organizational theory in business communication.
Identify barriers to communication and utilize various
techniques to overcome these barriers.
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.
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.”
Tests: Four “tests” will be given during the semester. Each test will be worth 100 points.
Test #1 – short answer, Chaps 1-4
Test #2 – letters/memo, Chaps. 5-8
Test #3 – short answer, Chaps. 9-12
Test #4 – resume & reference page, Chaps. 13 & 14
Class Work: You will be given both in-class and out-of-class written assignments. In-class
assignments cannot be made-up for any reason. No late assignments will be
accepted for out-of-class assignments. Specifics of each assignment will be given
at the appropriate time.
Grading:
Tests – 100 pts each (4 x 100 = 400 points)
Class work – 100 points total
Grading Scale:
A
B
C
D
F
450 - 500 total points (90% - 100%)
400 - 449 total points (80% - 89%)
350 – 399 total points (70% - 79%)
300 – 349 total points (60% - 69%)
below 300 total points (less than 60%)
*** There will be no final exam given during exam week. The resume assignment is considered
your “final exam.”
TUES/THUR CLASS SCHEDULE
August 18
Introduction
August 20, 25
Chapter 1
Chapter 2
August 17, Sept. 1
Chapter 2
Chapter 3
September 3, 8
Chapter 4
TEST # 1
September 10, 15
Academic Honesty Policy
Grammar/Word Usage (Appendix C)
Chapter 5
September 17, 22
Appendix A
Chapter 6 (2 letters)
September 24
Letter in Computer Lab
Sept. 29, Oct. 1
Chapter 7 (letter assigned)
October 6, 8
Fall Break
Chapter 8 (letter assigned)
October 13, 15
Chapter 9
October 20, 22
Chapter 10
Appendix B
October 27, 29
Chapter 11
November 3, 5
Chapter 12
TEST # 3
November 10, 12
Chapter 13
November 17, 19
Chapter 13
Nov. 24, Dec. 1
Resumes due
Chapter 14
December 3 - 9
FINAL EXAMS
** Exact dates subject to change.
MWF CLASS SCHEDULE
August 17, 19, 21
Introduction
Chapter 1
August 24, 26, 28
Chapter 2
Chapter 3
Aug. 31 – Sept. 2, 4
Chapter 3
Chapter 4
September 7, 9, 11
Labor Day Holiday
TEST # 1
Academic Honesty Policy
Appendix C
September 14, 16, 18
Appendix A
Chapter 6
September 23
Letter in Computer Lab
September 21, 25
Chapter 7 (letter assigned)
Sept. 28, 30, Oct. 2
Chapter 8 (letter assigned)
October 5, 7, 9
Fall Break
Chapter 5
October 12, 14, 16
Appendix B
Chapter 9
October 19, 21, 23
Chapter 10
October 26, 28, 30
Chapter 11
November 2, 4, 6
Chapter 12
TEST # 3
November 9, 11, 13
Chapter 13
November 16, 18, 20
Chapter 13
November 23, 30
Resumes due
Chapter 14
December 3 - 9
FINAL EXAMS
** Exact dates subject to change.