GBK312—Spring 2014
Business Correspondence – GBK312
16 weeks
Spring 2014 January 13th – May 8th, 2014
Instructor:
Cell Phone:
E-mail:
Office Hours:
Message tool:
Angela Patrick, PhD.
254-681-1416
abpatrick@ct.tamus.edu
Please schedule an Appointment
Blackboard Site
Student/Professor Interaction: I am readily accessible through multiple means of
communication. My University email is abpatrick@ct.tamus.edu. This is an online course
but you can expect a response from me within any given 24-hour period. If an appointment
is needed contact can be face-to-face, Skype, or phone.
Mode of instruction and course access:
This course is an on line course. We will utilize the TAMUCT Blackboard:
https://tamuct.blackboard.com/. Students will access some course materials (except textbook) via
the Course web site. Given the 16-week format, it is a time intensive course; be prepared to
spend 8-12 hours per week on readings and assignments. The course is divided into units; dates
and associated assignments are provided in the Course Schedule in the last section of this
Syllabus.
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1.0
Course Overview and description:
The concepts, processes, and techniques related to communicating in a business
environment are examined. Emphasis is placed on developing verbal and written skills
necessary to present ideas and to effectively solve business problems.
There will be focus on reviewing and application of material, concepts, and applications
from the textbook. You will perform a considerable number of hands-on exercises and
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GBK312—Spring 2014
discussions designed to help you integrate and apply the material presented in the text.
Therefore, it is important for students to proceed through the outlined course and prepare
by having read and thought about the reading material for the day. It is important for each
student to take the initiative to question or inform the instructor if he/she is having trouble
following the course reading. Questions and concerns of this nature may be raised with the
instructor outside of class.
The overall objective of this course is for each student to develop a critical thinking
approach regarding many of the significant communication concerns confronted by
organizational members within the contemporary business world.
2.0
Course Objective:
Upon successful completion of this course, each student shall be able to:
a.
Demonstrate understanding of the definition of business correspondence and the
importance and role communication serves in the business world today.
b.
Tailor communications to the interests and preferences of his/her audience; consider
ways to make oral and written communications clear, concise, and compelling to the
reader or listener.
c.
Apply the principles of effective written communications through the development of
various business correspondences, using a word processor or computer using an off-theshelf word program like Microsoft Word (available in the Texas A&M Central Texas
University--Killeen Center’s--Main Computer Lab).
d.
Apply and demonstrate principles of informal research through literature review and
interview.
e.
Apply rules of netiquette and use clear writing in web-based interactions with colleagues
on issues of business communication.
f.
Apply principles and demonstrate business oral communication through presentation of a
short proposal, a long report and other classroom activities.
3.0
Required Reading and Textbook(s):
TEXTS:
Lesikar, R., Flatley, M. and K. Rentz (2011). Business Communication (13th
Ed.). New York: McGraw-Hill.
REFERENCE: American Psychological Association. (2001). Publication Manual of
American Psychological Association (6th ed.). Washington, D.C.
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4.0
Writing Intensive (WI) Course
GBK312—Spring 2014
As a designated “WI” course, there are special skills and abilities that must be
demonstrated and refined throughout this course. Drawing on elementary writing skills
students should have acquired in their general education courses, this course is intended to
promote writing skills at a professional business level.
This interrelationship between general education writing requirements and disciplinary
based writing skills is explained in this excerpt from the Tarleton State “Writing Intensive
Program” website (http://www.tarleton.edu/wip/about/philosophy.html):
Writing Ability is defined not merely as students' control over surface textual features
(grammar, mechanics, format, usage). It also involves their ability to adjust writing to the
demands of audiences, to organize it, to invest it with critical thought, to utilize
argumentation and presentation, and to produce documents that fulfill the expectations of
both general and discipline-specific audiences.
Freshman English composition courses cannot, nor are they designed to, achieve all of
these goals. Therefore, after being introduced to general principles of academic writing in
first-year composition courses, students must learn to write in disciplinary settings....
Furthermore, writing in disciplines is a means by which students learn more about
disciplines themselves. That is, writing about content is inseparable from learning in the
ways that members of disciplines think, argue, and research.
Upper division business WI courses are intended to foster the development of
communication skills needed for participation in the business world, where effective
communication is a highly valued and marketable skill. This course will focus on
continuous improvement in written and internet-based communication. Writing skills will
be tested and developed via case studies and essays. Given the ever-increasing reliance of
the business world on the Internet, email and social media, netiquette and Internet
communication skills building will be integrated via active use of discussion board
interaction. The instructor will provide ongoing feedback of each individual’s written
communication skills. Detailed evaluation rubrics will be provided for students to
understand expectations and progress. It will be the student's responsibility to make the
instructional adjustments and corrections throughout the semester.
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GBK312—Spring 2014
5.0
Your Performance Guidelines
a.
Attendance and Individual Performance: I ask for your regular participation in
class discussions, activities, and for your timely completion of assignments. I intend
that those who demonstrate quality, professional performance, will earn high
grades. Each of you can achieve a high grade if you so choose.
I strongly encourage you to have regular attendance. When possible, please contact
me if you will not be able to maintain the outlined pace of this course. I expect each
student to take personal responsibility for making up missed subject matter and
assignments. Your preparation for and participation in class discussion, and
timeliness of assignment submissions will be the basis for the grade you earn for
class participation.
b.
Reading/assignments: Class outline will consist of: review of assigned chapters
and review & discussion of chapter questions as assigned. You are expected to study
the material for each assigned chapter, prior to participating in class exercises.
c.
Quizzes: There may be quizzes given during the course covering the text and course
work.
d.
Written Assignments: Each student will develop several original business
communications items and submit them in message sets on the due date(s) outlined
in the course calendar. Each student is expected to design their own letterhead and
use it on their message sets. Please use 1” margin at top, bottom, left and right side
of page. Single-space all message sets, and use Times New Roman size 12 fonts.
Message sets will be submitted according to the concepts and precepts outlined in
the text. Message Sets, Proposals, Presentations (etc.), are due on the date specified
in the course calendar, to the instructor in the classroom. Misspellings will be
avoided. Late submission of written work and presentations will result in a grade
reduction of 5 % for each day it is late (maximum of 20 %) and will not be accepted
beyond fourteen (14) days from the due date. NOTE: “Spell-check programs don’t
always point out the use of a wrong word [e.g., their/there, hair/heir, sent/scent,
etc.]. Topics for the written assignments will include:
(1). Message Set # 1: “Request Correspondence.” You will compose a business
letter to your supervisor [address it to the instructor] requesting permission to
attend a career-enhancing course at Texas A&M University-Central Texas. The
student will select a course from the university catalog and explain how this
course will not only help the worker (student) but how it will also benefit the
company. DUE DATE: 2/24/14
(2). Message Set # 2:”Welcome Correspondence.” Write to a new employee who is
two levels below you (e.g., you are merchandising director and the employee is
your shipping manager’s assistant), welcoming him/her to the company. The
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GBK312—Spring 2014
employee has already been hired and processed through HRM. DUE DATE:
3/30/2014
(3). Message Set # 3: Prepare a resume with cover letter for a job in your major
degree concentration--Business, Aviation, Human Resource Management, etc.
DUE DATE: 5/5/2014
All messages set are to be attached to an email and
emailed to me through Blackboard.
e. Specifications for Written Assignments: All written work must be done on a
computer or word processor. For those who don’t own a computer, the University
Computer Lab is available during the semester. All margins will be 1” at the top, bottom,
and left and right sides. Items submitted are expected to be of collegiate quality,
language, and depth. Please prepare your written work(s) using a format/style
consistent with professional business practice. The Style Guide of the American
Psychological Association is the standard we will use. The quality of your work is a
reflection of you; always present your best side. Quality work has a professional
appearance and is free of spelling and grammatical errors. A reference cited listing will be included in both the short and long proposals and
citations will be properly annotated in the body of your paper. Short and long proposals
will be submitted with a cover sheet including the following information: title of work,
student’s name, course number and title (GB 312.1XX, Business Correspondence),
instructor’s title and name, university name and due date. Points will be deducted for
poor grammar and wording, misspellings, appearance (balance) and improper
submission. Message Sets, Proposals, Presentations (etc.), are due on the date specified
to the instructor in the classroom.
f. Proposals and Oral Presentations: Each assignment will be developed in accordance
with the paragraph above, and additional data presented below: Late presentations will
only be allowed as class schedule permits, and on-time student presentations will have
1st priority.
All subjects and materials to be presented in this course must be “new works” researched
and assembled by you/your group for this course. Recycling of cases, proposals, reports,
and subjects from this or other classes “is prohibited.”
(1).
Short Individual Proposal: Each student will produce an internal proposal
addressed to the instructor as your supervisor. This proposal must address a
business problem, contain an introduction to the problem, must provide four
alternatives you believe will correct the problem, selection of an alternative (or
alternative combination) you believe will correct the problem, implementation with
timeline, and references. Be specific!
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GBK312—Spring 2014
You will produce an internal proposal addressed to the instructor as your head boss.
Your research must include at least three references (1-Journal or Magazine, 1Internet Article, and 1- book --web-download will not be accepted in lieu of a book)
and they must be cited in the body of your written paper. Research the business
topic you have selected. Write a 5-page report (1-cover sheet, 3-body, 1bibliography/ reference), excluding attached data/material.
You will also make a “5” minute oral presentation using Skype or BB Collaborate and
you will also provide a high technology presentation medium (MS PowerPoint). A
copy of your written proposal and a copy of “MS PowerPoint Notes-Slides” with
notes affixed will be submitted to the instructor via BB prior to your oral
presentation. Ten (10) points will be deducted for every minute less than/or over 5
minutes in length.
(2).
Long Group Proposal: Each group will produce an internal proposal addressed to
the instructor as your supervisor. Research the business topic selected by your
group or team. Your research must include at least 8 references (3 journals or
magazines, 3 Internet articles, and 2 books--web-download will not be accepted in
lieu of a book) and they must be cited in the body of your written paper. Write a 10page report (1- cover sheet, 8-body, 1 bibliography/ reference), excluding attached
data/material.
You must also prepare MS PowerPoint slides for use in your oral presentation. A
copy the written proposal and “MS PowerPoint notes-slides” with notes affixed will
be submitted to the instructor via BB prior to your oral presentation. All
presentations will be conducted using current multi-media/information technology
methods. Your group will each share in the presentation of this long proposal. The
oral report will be not less than 10 minutes or more than 15 minutes in length. Each
group member will contribute to the produced report and the contribution will be
identified in the written report [“An individual who does not contribute and/or
Participation with his/her group will receive a grade of Zero]. Grading of the report
and oral presentation will be a “Team Grade” shared alike and no individual grade
will be given [except as noted in the preceding sentence]. This presentation will be
given using Collaboration.
I will appoint the teams.
NOTE: All oral presentations (Individual and Group) will be conducted in a
professional manner, to include appropriate business dress. Men: slacks, shirt,
socks, shoes, and tie (No denims, jeans, boot pants, Levi’s, sneakers, etc.). Ladies:
blouse and slacks or dress, or suit with socks/stockings and either low or highheeled shoes. Look Like professionals! Timing will be strictly adhered to. Ten
presentation points will be deducted if the presentation runs short or over by more
than “1”minute.
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GBK312—Spring 2014
Examinations: There will be three examinations during the semester. They will be a
combination of multiple-choice and true/false questions and each will be noncumulative (include only materials covered in prior course sections). Exams will be
administered as scheduled.
g.
6.0
Grade Computation
Grades will be calculated as follows:
LETTER GRADE
A
B
C
D
F
EQUALS
=
=
=
=
=
FROM
90%
80%
70%
60%
Below
Activity
Exam 1
Exam 2
Exam 3
Message Set 1
Message Set 2
Message Set 3
Proposal, Short, Individual
Proposal, Short, Indiv. –Written
Proposal, Short, Indiv.-Presentation
Proposal, Long, Team
Proposal, Long, Team-Planning
Proposal, Long, Team -Written
Proposal, Long, Team-Presentation
Written Picture Project
Participation/Quizzes/Discussion Board
TOTALS
7.0
TO
100%
89%
79%
69%
60%
Points
100
100
100
50
50
50
100
Percent of
Final Grade
10%
10%
10%
10%
10%
10%
10%
Grade Points
10
10
10
5
5
5
10
200
10%
20
100
150
1000
10%
10%
100%
10
15
100
Technology Requirements and resources
A. Blackboard (Bb) Tutorial and Competency: The Blackboard Student Overview (found
under the “My Courses” tab) is RECOMMENDED for all students who have not taken a fully
online course on Blackboard 9.1, the new (as of Spring 2012) learning management
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GBK312—Spring 2014
platform for TAMUCT. Effective use of Bb navigation and tools are critical skills to be
successful in this course. Blackboard “on demand” videos for certain tools are also
provided via the “online resources” on the course web site.
B. Personal Computer Set-Up: When you log on for the first time this semester or
whenever you use a different computer to access Blackboard run a browser check to be
sure each computer is set up properly. Check browser and computer compatibility by
following the “Browser Check” link on the TAMUCT Blackboard logon page:
http://www.ct.tamus.edu/departments/online/browsercheck.php
This is a CRITICAL
step as these settings are important for when you take an exam or submit an assignment.
Issues with technology or your personal computer are not allowable reasons for missing a
deadline, be sure you have the correct computer configurations and have a back-up
computer available. Complying with this requirement is part of your “Course Agreement”.
C. Technology Issues & Troubleshooting: For course technology issues, students should
contact the TAMU-CT Blackboard Support “Help Desk”, available 24 hours, 7 days a week
at: http://www.ct.tamus.edu/bbsupport
Support Portal: http://www.ct.tamus.edu/bbsupport
Online chat (through the support portal at: http://www.ct.tamus.edu/bbsupport)
Phone: (855)-661-7965
For issues related to course content and requirements, contact your instructor.
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GBK312—Spring 2014
8.0. Course Outline and Assignments—Additional assignments are required.
Read each chapter “prior to class.” Be prepared to discuss, review, and review homework
assignments.
Unit/Dates
1
1/132/28
Class/Activity
Unit 1:
Introduction to
Business
Correspondence
Fundamentals of
business writing
Basic patterns of
business messages
Chapters 1 – Chapter
6 Exam 1
Subjects
Assignments
Class Introductions-BB
(Black Board –
Discussion)
Ch 1 – Comm in the
Workplace
Read Chapters 1-6
Study the PPT
presentations for
each chapter,
glossaries and related
quizzes.
Ch 2 – Adaptation &
Word Selection
Message set 1 is due
by 2/24/2014
Ch 3 – Constructing
Clear Sent & Para
Exam 1 – 2/28/2014
(good luck)
Ch 4 - Writing for
Positive Effect
During this time
frame you will also
arrange for your
Ch 5 - Writing
individual
Process/Bus Messages presentation and you
will be assigned to a
Ch 6 – Good
team and receive a
News/Neutral
team presentation
Messages
date.
2
Unit 2
2/283/31
Basic Patterns of
business writing
Fundaments of
Report Writing
Ch 7 - Bad News
Messages
Ch - 8 Persuasion
Messages
Ch 9 - Job Search
Strategies
Chapters 7-12 Exam 2
Ch 10 - Report Writing
Basics
Ch11- Types of
Business Reports
Read Chapters 7-12
Study the PPT
presentations for
each chapter,
glossaries and related
quizzes.
Message set 2 is due
by 3/30/2014.
Exam 2
3/30/2014(good luck)
Oral and written
9
Ch 12 -Graphics
Reports/Doc.
3
3/315/8
Unit 3:
Oral forms of
business
communication
Cross-cultural
communication,
correctness,
technology, research
Chapters 13-18
Exam 3
Individual
presentations
Team presentations
Ch 13 - Oral &
Interpersonal Comm
Ch 14 - Oral
Reporting/Public
Speaking
Ch 15 - Cross Cultural
Communications
Ch 16 - Correctness of
Communication
Ch 17 - Technology
enabled
Communication
Ch 18 - Business
Research Methods
GBK312—Spring 2014
papers for individual
presentations will be
due 3/31/14
Read Chapters 13-18
Study the PPT
presentations for
each chapter,
glossaries and related
quizzes.
Written Picture
Project due by
4/21/2014.
Oral and written
papers for team
presentations will be
due 4/28/14
Exam 5/2/2014 (good
luck)
Message set 3 is due
by 5/5/2014.
Note: April 18th – Summer 2014 Graduation Applications Due
HOLIDAYS
Martin Luther King, Jr. Day
Spring Break
DATES CLOSED
January 20, 2014
March 10-14, 2014
9.0
Drop Policy
If you discover that you need to drop this class, you must go to the Records Office and ask
for the necessary paperwork. Professors cannot drop students; this is always the
responsibility of the student. The record’s office will provide a deadline for which the form
must be returned, completed and signed. Once you return the signed form to the records
office and wait 24 hours, you must go into Duck Trax and confirm that you are no longer
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GBK312—Spring 2014
enrolled. Should you still be enrolled, FOLLOW-UP with the records office immediately?
You are to attend class until the procedure is complete to avoid penalty for absence. Should
you miss the deadline or fail to follow the procedure, you will receive an F in the course.
10.0 Academic Integrity
Texas A&M University - Central Texas expects all students to maintain high
standards of personal and scholarly conduct. Students found responsible of
academic dishonesty are subject to disciplinary action. Academic dishonesty
includes, but is not limited to, cheating on an examination or other academic work,
plagiarism, collusion, and the abuse of resource materials. The faculty member is
responsible for initiating action for each case of academic dishonesty and for
reporting the incident to the Director of Student Affairs. More information can be
found at
http://www.tamuct.edu/departments/studentconduct/facultyresources.php.
11.0 Disability Support Services
If you have or believe you have a disability and wish to self-identify, you can do so by
providing documentation to the Disability Support Coordinator. Students are encouraged
to seek information about accommodations to help assure success in their courses. Please
contact Vanessa Snyder at (254) 501-5836 or visit Founder's Hall 114. Additional
information can be found at
http://www.tamuct.edu/departments/disabilitysupport/index.php.
12.0 Tutoring
Tutoring is available to all TAMUCT students, both on-campus and online. Subjects tutored
include Accounting, Finance, Statistics, Mathematics, and Writing (APA). Tutors are
available at the Tutoring Center in Founder's Hall, Room 204, and also in the Library in the
North Building. Visit www.ct.tamus.edu/AcademicSupport and click "Tutoring Support" for
tutor schedules and contact info. If you have questions, need to schedule a tutoring session,
or if you're interested in becoming a tutor, contact Academic Support Programs at 254501-5830 or by emailing cecilia.morales@ct.tamus.edu.
Chat live with a tutor 24/7 for almost any subject on your computer! Tutor.com is an online
tutoring platform that enables TAMU-CT students to log-in and receive FREE online
tutoring and writing support. This tool provides tutoring in Mathematics, Writing, Career
Writing, Chemistry, Physics, Biology, Spanish, Calculus, and Statistics. To access Tutor.com,
click on www.tutor.com/tamuct.
13.0 Library Services
Library distance education services aims to make available quality assistance to A&MCentral Texas students seeking information sources remotely by providing digital
reference, online information literacy tutorials, and digital research materials. Much of the
A&M-CT collection is available instantly from home. This includes over half of the library's
book collection, as well as approximately 25,000 electronic journals and 200 online
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GBK312—Spring 2014
databases. Library Distance Education Services are outlined and accessed at:
http://www.ct.tamus.edu/departments/library/deservices.php
Information literacy focuses on research skills which prepare individuals to live and work
in an information-centered society. Librarians will work with students in the development
of critical reasoning, ethical use of information, and the appropriate use of secondary
research techniques. Help may include, but is not limited to: the exploration of information
resources such as library collections, the identification of appropriate materials, and the
execution of effective search strategies. Library Resources are outlined and accessed at:
http://www.ct.tamus.edu/departments/library/index.php
14.0 The Operation of the Online Course and Being an Online Student
Online learning requires students to be very self-disciplined, be sure you understand and
are prepared to comply with all required class assignments and deadlines. A&M-Central
Texas has a license for a readiness assessment for online learning. You can gauge your
readiness by taking this assessment (http://tamuct.smartermeasure.com).
15.0 Instructor’s Personal Statement
What You Can Expect of Me:
You can expect that I will work to create a respectful learning environment where all of us
can express our thoughts and ask questions. While we do not have to agree with each
other, we will do so in respectful ways. I expect to learn from you as we spend the next 16
weeks together! I will be available to answer your questions and help you be successful in
this course.
I reserve the right to make reasonable alterations to the course calendar and
syllabus as provided here. It is a guide, not a hard and fast rule. Changes will only be
made that benefit the class as a whole.
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