COURSE SYLLABUS
BEOA 220
BUSINESS COMMUNICATIONS (3 cr. hrs.)
Tuesday evenings – 5-7:30 p.m
Fall 2004
Administration Building; Marsh Hall 331
INSTRUCTOR:
OFFICE HOURS:
Dr. Kendra Boggess, Associate Professor
Chair, Division of Business & Economics
Campus Box C-65, PO Box 1000
Vermillion Street, Athens, WV 24712
Monday
Tuesday
Wednesday
Office: 304 384-5395, Home: 304 425-5097
Campus E-Mail: kendra@concord.edu
Fax CC Campus: 304 384-6236
Home Fax: 304 425-2028
Thursday
Friday
By appointment (24-hour
notice)
9:00 a.m-10:00 a.m. and
3:30-4:30 p.m.
10:00 a.m.-noon and
1:00-2:00 p.m.
3:30-4:30 p.m.
By appointment (24-hour
notice)
CURRENT TEXT:
Lehman, C. M. & DuFrene, D. D. (2002). Business Communications: Anniversary Edition, 13th Edition, SouthWestern Publishing Company. ISBN: 0-0324-03728-7
MATERIALS NEEDED:
3 ½” floppy disk/s to store assignments, or USB Flash Drive
1” three ring binder (minimum size) for portfolio development
E-mail account in order to send assignments that will have due dates other than regularly scheduled class times.
Email will be the communication tool used between class dates.
Keyboarding experience is required.
COURSE PREREQUISITES:
BEOA 103 and BEOA 104 or equivalent proficiency, and ENGL 101.
CATALOG DESCRIPTION:
This course provides the knowledge and helps students develop the skills needed to communicate successfully on
the job. The course includes the typing of reports, business letters, and oral presentations. Topics integrated
throughout the course include global communications, business ethics, and cultural differences in the business
environment. (3 hrs.) [2001-2003 CU Catalog)
COURSE GOALS:
In order that students be prepared to communicate successfully on the job, this course will address and place
emphasis upon the practical side of planning, composing, and keyboarding business and employment
correspondence, reviewing basic English skills, delivering oral reports and interviewing for jobs. Organizational
communication topics will also be considered.
COURSE RATIONALE:
Research in the field of Business Communications clearly reports the need in business and industry for employees
proficient in oral and written communications techniques. After completing this course, students will have
developed an awareness of good communication techniques. They will be able to offer employers a more
"polished" presentation of their skills and abilities. Students will be able to use speaking and writing skills obtained
2
in this course for their college assignments, personal needs, communications needs in business environments they
own or in which they work, and their future interactions with government entities as required in most business
environments.
COURSE LEARNING OBJECTIVES
The objectives of BEOA 220, Fundamentals of Business Communications will be accomplished through a variety
of assignments designed to cause students to use high-level strategies of case analysis, transfer and synthesis of
ideas, along with course content knowledge. Relevant topics and concepts will be presented to acclimate students to
"real-world" business settings. Students are expected to take responsibility for their learning, meet the high
expectations set for them, and enjoy new successes they can experience through improved communications skills,
part of a lifelong process.
GOALS/INSTRUCTIONAL TOPICS:
The following list of goals and instructional topics will be addressed in the course: (All letters that you create and
submit must be accompanied by an appropriate envelope.) Upon completion of the instructional topics required in
this course, the student will be able to:

Compose and produce correctly formatted written messages including good-news, routine, goodwill, bad-news, and
persuasive messages with a grade of 70% based upon the grading standards for written documents. (pgs. 186, 228,
269, 310-311)

Compose and produce a personal resume with a grade of 100% based upon instructor’s criteria.

Compose and produce a job application letter with a grade of 70% based on the grading standards for written
documents. (check your writing—pg. 570)

Define, exhibit, and refine appropriate interview skills and behaviors.

Research, compose, and produce a formal business report as specified by the standards for report writing guidelines.
(check your writing—pgs. 445-446)

Deliver a 20-minute informative presentation exhibiting good presentation skills as specified by the standards for
presentations guidelines. (check your presentation skills, p. 504)
TEACHING STRATEGIES/PROCESSES UTILIZED:
The following teaching methods will be utilized in the presentation of course materials:
Lecture
Research Readings
Internet Research
Large and small group discussions
Keying exercises/applications on
computers
Student presentations (impromptu & formal
speeches)
Question/answer
Peer-reviews of assignments
Use of email as communication tool
Self-review of job interviews
Group participation and discussion
Audio visual materials - video-tapes
Case studies
Journal reading assigned
Keyboarding documents
Use of overhead projector & other media
Remember that a person's name is to that person the
sweetest and most important sound in any language. (Dale Carnegie)
3
STUDENT EVALUATION:
A point system will be utilized to configure grades with a total of 320 possible points. The grading scale, based
upon the percentage of points received, is planned as follows:
Grading Scale
A
B
C
D
F

90 - 100
80 - 89
70 - 79
60 - 69
59 Below
Note: Total points for all assignments will be calculated to determine the final grade. Final grades will be based
upon the percentage of points earned (percentage of total points available). Each assignment is worth a
predetermined number of points. If there are 100 possible points and you have earned 75 points, your grade will be
calculated by dividing 75 (your total points) by 100 (the total points possible), i.e. 75/100= 75%. You will be able to
determine your standing in the course at any time by dividing the number of points you have earned by the points
available (completed) at that time.
INSTRUCTIONAL TOPICS (365 points)

Students are required to complete the assignments below as specified by the instructor, and submitted on the due
dates. The instructor reserves the right to alter the number and types of assignments based upon constraints outside
her control. Points for each assignment are listed below. Each written document will be evaluated based upon the
grading standard on page 5 of this syllabus. Assignments not completed as required in the criteria will not be
graded. Criteria will be provided for each assignment and can be found on the website at hyperlinks from
http://faculty.concord.edu/boggess/classes.htm.

Note: Instructional topic 5 will be completed until the student reaches 100% based upon instructor criteria. Please
review grading standards (page 4) and use Check Your Writing sections of the textbook carefully before submitting
assignments for final evaluation. All written documents will be evaluated based on the instructor’s grading
standards posted on the website at http://faculty.concord.edu/boggess.
ASSIGNMENTS
Written Correspondence
1
Compose/type Good-news, Routine, and Goodwill
message(s)/envelope
20 pts. ___
2
Compose/type Bad-news message(s)/ envelope
20 pts. ___
3
Compose/type Persuasive messages(s)/ envelope. The instructor
believes in sample grading of papers.
10 pts. ___
Employment Correspondence—Career Awareness.
Interview a Successful Person. (Written report)--Students will
select a successful businessperson and interview them. This
assignment is to help the student to have a better understanding
and a real example of what it takes to become a successful
businessperson from someone "in the field." Students will
summarize the interview in a written format.
4
20 pts. ___
The assignment "Interview a successful person" will be
considered complete when you have interviewed a business
person, not employed by Concord College, not related to
YOU in any way, and the submission of the Interview as
assigned in class. The intent of this assignment includes the
experience of meeting a new person (networking) with whom
you might one day discuss employment opportunities.
4
5
Compose/type Personal Resume in both standard and electronic
format
20 pts. ___
6
Compose/type Job Application Letter/envelope
20 pts. ___
7
Compose/type Follow-up/Thank You Letter
8
Participate in job interview simulation/Company Research
5 pts. ___
10 pts. ___
Presentation Skills
9
Deliver Impromptu Speech
10
Delivering 20-minute Speech/presentation – business-related
topic approved by Prof.
5 pts. ___
50 pts. ___
Collaborative Writing Group Assignments
11
Research and produce an Informative Business Report
12
Students will collaboratively work on end of chapter activities
both in-class and out of class to improve business writing
techniques
50 pts. ___
?_ pts. ___
See policies
below
Evaluation
13
Exam I. Two exams will be given. They will be based upon
lecture notes, textbook assignments, class discussions and
relevant outside readings. Exam 1 will be on the Content of Ch
1-4 and Appendices A and C.
20 pts. ___
14
Exam II. This Exam will be based upon the content of Chapters
9-12.
20 pts. ___
15
Final. A comprehensive examination is scheduled. It will assess
your ability to apply your knowledge of business communication
theory. The exam is scheduled at 2:15-4:45 p.m., Friday,
December 10th. NO EARLY EXAMS ARE POSSIBLE.
20 pts. ___
Attendance
16
Attending class (up to 10 [ten] extra credit points possible-no
absences). No exceptions.
_? pts. ___
17
Portfolio: Students are required to keep a 3-ring binder
notebook containing any handouts, the syllabus, "General
Expectations of Students", Assignment Sheet with dates due,
date assignment was returned to you and the grade you earned,
along with any student work submitted, evaluated, and returned
by the professor. It would be helpful to have a hole-punch!
This form will also help you to calculate your grade at any point
in the semester.
--The student will turn the portfolio in at the end of the semester
for evaluation. A separate handout will be given about what
should be in the portfolio.
20 pts. ___
Points possible
310 pts. ___
Class Policies
1.
Attendance and Tardiness
Being present and aware in this class is essential in order for the student to effectively complete class assignments.
Roll will be taken at each class meeting. If there is a valid reason for being absent, it should be discussed with the
instructor BEFORE the absence. If no excuse is given, it will be considered an unexcused absence and no special
consideration will be given for make-up. A grade of zero will be assigned for work planned for that day.
2.
Should you find it necessary to miss class, you should make arrangements to borrow another class member's
notes. You are responsible for knowing what happens in class even when you can't attend.
5
3.
Excessive tardiness can result in instructor withdrawal from the course. The class will begin promptly at 5:00 p.m.
4.
Cell phones and beepers should be turned off before entering the class. PDAs and other electronic devices will be
monitored.
5.
Please do not bring children into the classroom; this has proven to be disruptive to the learning environment and, as
important, LESS THAN IDEAL FOR THE CHILDREN.
6.
If you miss an Examination

Exams missed because of a school-sponsored activity with proper authorization and approval will be taken BEFORE
the scheduled exam date. If you have an alternative reason for missing a scheduled exam, please see me BEFORE
the scheduled exam date so that a decision can be made regarding the exam make-up. Students who miss an exam
without the instructor’s prior knowledge will follow Division of Business & Economics Policy as follows:
For specific details, please see http://faculty.concord.edu/bus/miss-exam.htm. It states:

When students miss an examination…they will pick up and complete a Request to Retake an Examination
Form in the Division Office. On the form the student will record his/her name, social security number, course CRN
number, course name, reason for absence (purpose for being out, with verification), the date, and test (name or
number). The Division has the discretion to approve or disapprove the Request to Retake an Examination.
(Approval will be the responsibility of the Division Chair or an assigned committee.)

When it is determined that the student's absence was legitimate, faculty may schedule Make-up Examinations at
appropriate times. The rescheduled may be a day later, a week later, or during the week of final exams, as the
faculty determine to be appropriate.

The Request to Retake an Examination Form must be completed by students no more than 48 hours after
returning to campus.
7.
Late assignments. In order to give each student an equal opportunity to complete assignments and to maintain the
class schedule, there will be a penalty for all late assignments. Each late assignment will be penalized 10% for each
day it is late. [Assignments won't be accepted after the 2nd night class past which they are due]. Please don't ask
for exceptions to this policy. All assignments will be turned in at the start of class on the date due.
Note: Most assignments will be typed during class, unless otherwise assigned. Lab hours will be posted on the
classroom doors or windows. Students are responsible for obtaining all handouts and assignments, and for
contacting the instructor about make-up tests, available only in case of extreme emergency.
8.
Academic Dishonesty: It is the policy of this professor to follow the guidelines for Academic Dishonesty as
specified in the 2001-2003 College Catalog on page 183, or in 2003-2005 Catalog on page 185.
9. Accommodations for Disabilities: Concord College is committed to responding to the needs of students with
disabilities, as defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act. Students who request academic accommodations or
modifications related to a disability should notify their instructor and then contactthe Vice President/Academic
Dean’s Office.
Students must type all letters in an acceptable letter format. Letter formatting will be reviewed with students
and a handout given on letter formatting before assigning any letters. Please do not use dot matrix or “poor” printer
quality as Instructor will not grade poor quality work. Students must label each letter in the upper right hand
corner with: student name, number of chapter, and number of assigned letter.
Criteria for grading the letters will be:
Content
Organization
Style
Format
Mechanics
Total
20 Points
30 Points
30 Points
5 Points
15 Points
100 Points
COURSE SCHEDULING: The following is a tentative schedule of content to be covered and the number of
class meeting times allotted to each chapter in the textbook. Changes may be made at the discretion of the
instructor. This scheduling is based on 30 class meetings.
6
Week/
Date
One
Aug. 26
Two
Aug 31 &
Sep. 2
Three
Sep 7& 9
Four
Sep.
14&16
Five
Sep.
21&23
Six
Sep
28&30
Class Work
Introduction
Review of syllabus
Communication Foundation
Chapter 1 Establishing a
Framework for Business
Communication
Chapter 2 Exploring Business
Communication Concepts
The Writing Process
Chapter 3 Organizing and
Composing Messages
Chapter 4 Revising and
Proofreading Messages -- and
Appendix C- Language Review
& Exercises
Document Formatting with
Appendix A
Review for Exam 1
Exam 1, Chapter 1-4,
Appendices A & C
Written Messages Unit
Chapter 5 Writing Good-News,
Routine, and Goodwill
Messages
Chapter 6 Writing Memos
and Electronic
Communication
Introduce Career appraisal
assignment, due Nov. 18
Introduce Company Research
Assignment—due November 11
Chapter 7 Writing Bad-News
Messages
Seven
Oct. 5&7
Chapter 8 Writing Persuasive
Messages
Eight
Oct.
12&14
Chapter 8 Write persuasive
messages in class
Exam 2 (Ch. 5-6-7-8)
Assignment and/or Work Due
Introduction, Chapter 1 - Establishing a Framework for Business
Communication
Student introductions.
Form collaborative writing groups.
Work in group to complete Ch 1, Activities 2, 6, 11
Read Chapters 1 and 2 for next week
Chapter 2 Exploring Business Communication
Pretest—grammar
For next week: Read Chapter 3
Read Chapter 4 Revising and Proofreading Messages and Appendix C –
Language Review and Exercises
Review of Grammar Pretest
Study for Chapter 3 Organizing and Composing Messages Homework due
Chapter 4 Revising and Proofreading Messages Homework due
For next week:
Study for Exam 1
Read Chapter 5
For next week:
Read Chapter 6 - Writing Memos and Electronic Communication
Chapter 6 Writing Memos and Electronic Communication Homework due
For next week:
Read Chapter 7, Writing Bad-News Messages
Peer Evaluation of writing in class
Chapter 7 Write refusals, denials, constructive criticism, and negative
organizational messages in class
Peer evaluation of writing in class
For Next week:
Read Chapter 8 Writing Persuasive Messages
Chapter 8 Writing Persuasive Messages Homework Due
Read Chapter 13 Preparing Resumes and Application Letters
Peer evaluation of writing in
class
Nine
Oct.
19&21
Ten
Oct. 26 &
28
Job Search Unit
Chapter 13 Preparing Resumes
and Application Letters
Continue Chapter 13
Chapter 14 Interviewing for a
Job and Preparing Employment
Messages
Employment Law Basics 101
For next week:
Read Chapter 14 Interviewing for a Job and Preparing Employment Messages
Please note: Include all previous drafts of your resume with your new draft
7
Eleven
Nov 2& 4
Twelve
Nov
9&11
Thirteen
Nov.
16&18
Chapter 14 Interviewing for a
Job and Preparing Employment
Messages continues
Evaluation of Job Application
Business Reports and
Presentations Unit
Chapter 9 and 11 (Review
Chapter 10 on your own).
Business Report and Oral
Presentation assigned
Chapter 11, continued
Ch 12, Designing and
Delivering Business
Presentations
Nov. 2226
Fourteen
Nov 30 &
Dec 2
Group Presentations
Job Application Letters due
Read for next week:
Chapter 9 – Understanding the Report Process and Research Methods
Chapter 11 – Organizing and Preparing Reports and Proposalsr Exam next
week Ch 1-4, Appendices A and C
Read for next week:
Chapter 12 – Designing and Delivering Business Presentations
Chapter 9 – Understanding the Report Process and Research Methods
homework due
Chapter 11 – Organizing and Preparing Reports and Proposals homework due
For next week:
Study for Exam 2
Thanksgiving Break
Ch 12, continued
Exam 2, Chapters 9-12
Exam 2
Dec. 9
Presentations
Presentations
Group Presentations
Dec. 10th
FINAL EXAM
Comprehensive
GRADING STANDARDS for Written Documents
BEOA 220, Fundamentals of Business Communications
A = An excellent paper. It offers an effective solution to the problem based on good audience analysis; it fulfills minor as well
as major purposes. Its overall pattern of organization is appropriate; the internal organization of ideas is effective; transitions are
smooth. Reader benefits and logic are well developed. The message is well written, interesting, and easy to read. It may show
originality in visual impact, reader benefits, details, or word choice.
B = A good paper. It offers an effective solution to the problem. Both the overall pattern of organization and the internal
organization are good. Reader benefits and logic are developed adequately. The writing style is clear, concise, and friendly. It
may have a few minor mechanical errors or some awkward spots, but basically it is well written and has good visual impact.
C = A satisfactory paper. It offers a solution which is basically acceptable; it uses an acceptable pattern of organization; the
writing follows the conventions of standard English and the principles of business writing. There may be minor errors in style,
tone, internal organization, or mechanics; reader benefits or logic may not be developed fully.
OR
A good ("B") paper with a major flaw in one of the following: the solution, organization, tone, or writing style.
D = A satisfactory (“C”) paper with a major flaw in one of the following: the solution, organization, tone, or writing style.
OR
A paper which shows some evidence of attempting to solve the problem, but which has many minor errors in organization,
development, word choice, style, tone, and mechanics. None of these alone would necessarily doom the paper; however, together
they make the paper unsatisfactory.
F = A poor (“D”) paper with a major flaw in one of the following: the solution, organization, tone, or writing style.
OR
A paper that violates the facts explicitly given in the problem.
OR
A paper that is marred by an unacceptable number of errors in organization, development, word choice, style, tone, and
mechanics.
Minor errors in format (for example, not initialing a memo or signing a letter) lower the paper grade one-third letter. Major
errors (for example, using a letter when a memo is needed) will lower the grade one full letter.
8
CLASSROOM MANAGEMENT:
The name of this course (Business Communications) reflects the following guidelines for communicating and for the
assignments in this course.
1.
Each student will provide me with an e-mail address the first day of class. I will communicate with
students via e-mail; some assignments may be e-mailed. I USE ONLY MICROSOFT WORD. DO NOT
SEND ME ATTACHMENTS IN ANY OTHER FORMAT–ESPECIALLY MICROSOFT WORKS!!!!!!
2. Students will be expected to have access to a computer to check e-mail accounts and to also e-mail me
homework assignments.
3. When e-mailing me your assignment, please put the following in the SUBJECT BOX:
4. Student name, class, and the subject. Sometimes your email address does not have your name.
5. Be prepared and attentive in class.
6. Please read and study textbook assignments before coming to class and come to class with prepared questions
about the material you do not understand.
7. You should be able to effectively use technology to prepare papers, problems, assignments and present material
in both oral and written format.
8. Learn to prepare assignments in various formats and styles as required and submit those assignments on time.
9. It is recommended that students spend at least 3 hours outside class each week for each hour spent in class; i.e.,
for each 3-hour class, students should average 9 hours outside class in study and preparation. This does not
include the additional time needed to prepare presentations or major written assignments.
10. Students are encouraged to take advantage of office hours for assistance with assignments.
11. Professor will adhere to attendance policy this semester.
12. ZERO TOLERANCE POLICY!! If you are caught cheating, I will dismiss you from the course with an “F”
grade.
13. You need to keep me informed of your absences; that is, if you are absent for more than 1 class and you have
not communicated with me, I will drop you from the roll. So please keep me informed.
9
Assignments for Activities & Applications
You will receive a  grade for the following assignments–for those assignments not turned in, 2 points will be
deducted from your final calculated grade. You have 3 freebies!
Chapter
Assignment #
Assignment Title
Page
Number
1
2
Communication Barriers
42
1
6
Identifying Ethical Dilemma
42
1
11
Changing Technology as a Strategic Force
43
2
70
70
2
5
Building Teams at Saturn Corporation
(Get article from instructor)
Analyzing Listening Skills
12
1
Evaluating a Speaker
508
112
3
7
Hitting the Target Through Audience
Adaptation (Print only the first page for 2 strategies
you select)
Receiver-Centered Message
3
8
Bias-Free Language
118
3
9
Statements that Destroy Goodwill
118
3
10
Positive, Tactful Tone
118
3
11
Appropriate Outline and Channel
118
3
12
Active and Passive Voice
119
3
14
Emphasis Techniques
119
146
4
4
Government Agencies Promote Plain English
Campaign
Vivid Images
4
5
Camouflaged Verbs
149
4
6
Cliches
149
4
7
Simple Words
149
Assignment #
Assignment Title
Page
Number
4
8
Misplaced and Dangling Modifiers
149
5
1
5
5
Critique of Good-News and Routine Letters produced 189
by Real Companies
Deductive Openings
190
3
4
Chapter
 if turned
in
71
117
149
 if turned
in
Chapters 5-6-7—The letters are calculated as a separate grade for 25% of final grade
6
3
Selection of an Appropriate Comm Channel
230
6
4
Useful Subject Lines
231
Okuma America Corp Offers Solutions
268
7
7
5
Determining Appropriate Sequence of Ideas
271
7
6
Writing Inductive Openings
272
10
8
Skip this chapter
9
2
Writing a Hypothesis
358
9
2
Designing a Research Study
359
10
4
Selecting Appropriate Graphics
388
10
8
Drawing a Pie Chart
390
AFLAC/Sid Cato: Analyzing Report Theme
440
Preparing an Analytical Report
Counts as 25% of grade
The Container Store
450
11
11
14
13
568
13
1
Identifying Common Resume Blunders
574
13
2
Preparing a Company/Job Profile
576
13
14
Prepare a traditional resume and an electronic resume
Counts as 25% of grade
GE Earns Administration and Applicants
606
14
2
609
14
6
Researching a Company and Asking Questions of an
Interviewer
Investigating the Role of the Interviewer
14
9
Saying “Thank-You” for an Interview
610
610