Business Communications - BUS 230 (5 credits)
Monday, Wednesday, Friday 8:30am – 9:50am
Instructor: K. Dennis Wu
Voicemail: (206) 529-6027, ext. 3
Email: kwu@sccd.ctc.edu
Office Hours: set by appointment
Winter 2010 Syllabus
COURSE
DESCRIPTION
Emphasis on Writing Skills. This course focuses on developing writing skills,
which are very important in all careers and which employers say are lacking in
graduates. The course also includes grammar and mechanics, but most of the
grammar/mechanics review work is done by students outside of class using self-help
online tutorial tools
Course Content. This course includes the following:
 Communication foundations (organizational and workplace communication;
team, listening, nonverbal, and etiquette skills; and intercultural communication)
 The writing process (writing techniques)
 Business correspondence (e-mail, letters, memos)
 Report writing
 Oral presentations
 Employment communication
COURSE
OBJECTIVES
This course is designed to develop the following professional skills:
 Written Communication. You will develop or improve your ability to use
clear, concise, and grammatically correct language as you employ appropriate
formats in writing e-mail messages, memos, business letters, reports, citations,
bibliographies, speech outlines, cover letters, and résumés.
 Oral Presentation. You will develop or improve your ability to select,
organize, and effectively deliver information in a businesslike manner with
appropriate language, articulation, nonverbal communication, and visual
supporting materials. You will develop skill in using visual aids, handouts, and
multimedia presentation materials.
Interpersonal/Team. You will develop or improve your ability to listen; to
contribute to team performance; to plan and participate in productive meetings; to
use collaborative technologies; to understand and employ nonverbal skills to
advance your career; to work in diverse environments, and to gain a competitive
edge with professionalism and business etiquette skills.
REQUIRED
TEXT &
SUPPLIES
ATTENDANCE

Business Communication: Process and Product, 6th Edition
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
o Author: Mary Ellen Guffey
o Publisher: South-Western/CENGAGE Learning
ISBN 10: 0-324-357867-9
Note taking materials
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Regular, punctual attendance is important
Assignments will be given in class
BUS 230 – Business Communications
Revision dated 12/31/09
Page 1
ASSIGNMENTS
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If you miss class, it is your responsibility to obtain assignments and notes
from other classmates or make arrangements with the instructor
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

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
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Must be turned in on time to receive full credit
Turned in late receive half credit
Will not be accepted more than one class session late after due date
Must include your name, date and the assignment name
NO MAKE UP QUIZZES
You are expected to take chapter tests as scheduled. Potential
scheduling conflicts should be discussed prior to test date.
METHODS OF
INSTRUCTION
A variety of the following methods will be utilized, and may vary depending on the
individual needs of students.
 Lecture
 Group discussions
 Handouts and activities
 In-class writing exercises
GRADING &
EVALUATION
Grades will be calculated as follows:
 Chapter tests/quizzes
 Final exam
 Homework/ projects
 Class participation, in class assignments
SPECIAL
Students who have need for special accommodations must meet privately with the
instructor during the first week of the quarter.
ACCOMODATIONS
GRADING
SCHEDULE
IMPORTANT
DATES
96 - 100% = 4.0
95 = 3.9
94 = 3.8
93 = 3.7
92 = 3.6
91 = 3.5
90 = 3.4




89 = 3.3
88 = 3.2
87 = 3.1
86 = 3.0
85 = 2.9
84 = 2.8
83 = 2.7
82 = 2.6
81 = 2.5
80 = 2.4
79 = 2.3
78 = 2.2
77 = 2.1
76 = 2.0
40%
25%
20%
15%
75 = 1.9
74 = 1.8
73 = 1.7
72 = 1.6
71 = 1.5
70 = 1.4
69 = 1.3
68 = 1.2
67 = 1.1
66 = 1.0
65 = 0.9
64 = 0.8
63 = 0.7
62 = 0.0
Jan 8 – last day to withdraw without W appearing on transcript
Jan 22 – last day to withdraw with 50% refund
Feb 26 - last day to change audit/credit status without instructor permission
last day to withdraw. NO REFUND
Mar 23 – last day of class (Final Exam)
CLASSROOM
POLICIES
Students are requested to turn their cell phones on silent. If you must make/take an
important call, please step outside. No food or drink is allowed in this classroom.
STUDENT
UPDATE AND
DATA FILES
Files may be accessed through the internet. Location of files:
http://facweb.northseattle.edu/kdwu/BUS 230 - Winter 2010/
Check the webpage for updates when you miss class.
The assignment schedule will be distributed separately.
BUS 230 – Business Communications
Revision dated 12/31/09
Page 2