COURSE SYLLABUS
BEOA 220 Fundamentals of Business Communication
3 cr. hrs., Spring 2008 Meeting times W, 1:00-3:30 pm
Administration Building; Marsh Hall 331
Division of Business, Concord University
THE MISSION of the Division of Business at Concord University, built on a traditional liberal arts foundation, is to
provide quality, broad-based undergraduate business instruction. The Division of Business prepares students for
professional competence, graduate education, and careers in an increasingly multicultural and global society.
INSTRUCTOR:
Dr. Kendra Boggess, Professor
Chair, Division of Business & Economics
Campus Box C-65, PO Box 1000
Athens, WV 24712
Office: 304 384-5395
Campus E-mail: kendra@concord.edu
Fax CC Campus: 304 384-6236
OFFICE HOURS:
Monday
Tuesday
Wednesday
Thursday
1-4:00 p.m. or by appointment
(24-hr notice)
1:00-3:30 p.m. and 3:30-4:30
p.m.
11:00 a.m.-noon
3:30-4:30 p.m.
CURRENT TEXT:
Lehman, C. M. & DuFrene, D. D. (2005) Business Communications: Anniversary Edition, 13th Edition, SouthWestern Publishing Company. ISBN: 0-0324-27270-7
MATERIALS NEEDED:
CD, USB Flash, Pin or Jump Drive to store assignments, or USB Flash Drive; 1” three ring binder (minimum size)
for portfolio development, 4 1/8” x 9 ½” business size envelopes
E-mail account in order to send and receive assignments that will have due dates other than regularly scheduled
class times and to use Turnitin.com. Email will be the communication tool used between class dates.
Keyboarding experience is required.
COURSE PREREQUISITES:
Keyboarding proficiency and ENGL 101
CATALOG DESCRIPTION:
Provides the knowledge and develops the skills that students will need to communicate successfully in an
employment environment. The course focuses on developing proper communication techniques required for
formatting and writing a variety of business documents including, but not limited to, reports, letters, and emails, as
well as for developing oral presentations. The preparation of resumes, application letters, and related career
development skills are significant topics in the course. Other related topics integrated throughout the course include
global communications, business ethics, and diversity challenges in the employment environment.
(3 hrs.) [2007-2009 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.
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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
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 in order 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 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. Upon completion of the
instructional topics, 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. 182-183,
224, 273, 319-320)

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. 588-589)

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. 463-464)

Deliver a 20-minute informative presentation exhibiting good presentation skills as specified by the standards for
presentations guidelines. (check your presentation skills, p. 522-523)
*(All letters that you create and submit must be accompanied by an appropriate envelope.)
TEACHING STRATEGIES/PROCESSES UTILIZED:
The following teaching methods will be utilized in the presentation of course materials:
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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 PowerPoint & other media
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Remember that a person's name is to that person the
sweetest and most important sound in any language. (Dale Carnegie)
STUDENT EVALUATION:
A point system will be utilized to configure grades with a total of 365 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. The instructor believes in sample grading of papers.
INSTRUCTIONAL TOPICS (350 points)

Students are required to complete and submit the assignments below as specified by the instructor 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’s criteria. Please
review grading standards (pages 7-8) 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.
10 pts. ___
Employment Correspondence—Career Awareness
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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.
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. The intent of
this assignment includes the experience of meeting a new person (networking) with
whom you might one day discuss employment opportunities.
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20 pts. ___
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5
Compose/type Personal Resume in both standard and electronic format
6
Compose/type Job Application Letter/envelope
7
Compose/type Follow-up/Thank You Letter
8
Participate in job interview simulation/Company Research
20 pts. ___
20 pts. ___
5 pts. ___
10 pts. ___
Presentation Skills
9
Deliver Impromptu Speech
5 pts. ___
10
Delivering 20-minute Speech/presentation – business-related topic approved by
Prof.
50 pts. ___
11
Business Report
60 pts. ___
Evaluation
13
Exam I. Two exams and a final will be given. They will be based upon lecture
notes, textbook assignments, class discussions and relevant outside readings.
40 pts. ___
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Exam II.
40 pts. ___
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Final. A comprehensive examination is scheduled. It will assess your ability to
apply your knowledge of business communication theory. The exam is scheduled
at 1:00 p.m., Wednesday, May 7th. NO EARLY EXAMS ARE POSSIBLE.
20 pts. ___
Attendance
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Attending class (up to 10 [ten] extra credit points possible-no absences, no
exceptions.)
Points possible
10 pts. ___
350 pts. ___
Class Policies
1.
Attendance and Tardiness
Being present and aware in this class is essential in order for you 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 me 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. The professor will
NOT supply these materials after they have been distributed in class.
3.
Excessive tardiness can result in instructor withdrawal from the course. The class will begin promptly at 2:00 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:
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
When students miss an examination…complete a Request to Retake an Examination Form from the Division
Office no more than 48 hours after returning to campus. Fill out the form including the reason for absence (with
verification). The Division has the discretion to approve or disapprove the Request to Retake an Examination.
When it is determined that the absence was legitimate; the professor may schedule Make-up Examinations at
appropriate times. The rescheduled exam will take place during the week of final exams.
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 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: Some assignments will be created during class. Lab hours will be posted on the classroom doors or windows
for others.
8.
Academic Dishonesty: It is the policy of this professor to follow the guidelines for Academic Dishonesty as
specified in the 2003-2005 College Catalog on page 183, or in 2005-2007 Catalog on page 223 or in 2007-2009
Catalog on page 36. Cheating or plagiarism on tests or assignments will not be tolerated, and will result in
expulsion from the class with a grade of F and in some cases, further action may be sought.
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 contact the 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 letter writing chapters. Students must label each letter in
the upper right hand corner with: student name, number of chapter, and number of assigned letter.
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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.
Week/
Date
One
Week of
Jan. 23
Two
Week of
Jan 30
Class Work
Assignment and/or Work Due
Introduction and Review of syllabus
Unit 1: Communication Foundations
Chapter 1 Establishing a Framework for Business
Communication
Student introductions
 Introduction to Turnitin.com
 Submit Trial document to Turnitin.com




Class Name: Bus Comm
Class ID: 2154371
Password: comm
Work in group-complete Ch 1, Activities 2, 6, 11
 Form collaborative writing groups.
 Grammar Pretest
 Introduce Interview of successful person
Chapter 2 Focusing on Interpersonal and Group
Communication
assignment, due Mar. 19
Three
Week of
Feb 6
Unit 2: The Writing Process
Chapter 3 Planning Spoken and Written Messages
Chapter 4 Preparing Spoken and Written Messages
Four
Week of
Feb 13
Appendix A—Document Formatting
Appendix C- Language Review
Review for Exam 1
Five
Week of
Feb 20
Exam 1, Chapter 1-4, Appendices A & C
Chapter 6 Delivering Good- and Neutral-News Messages
Six
Week of
Feb 27
Seven
Week of
Mar 5
 Review of Grammar Pretest
For next week:
 Study for Exam 1, Ch 1-4, Appx. A and C
For next week: Read Chapter 6 Delivering Goodand Neutral-News Messages
Introduce Company Research Assignment—due Apr 30
Chapter 7 Delivering Bad-News Messages
Peer evaluation of writing in class
Chapter 8 Delivering Persuasive Messages
 Reminder: Interview of successful person
assignment, due Mar 19
For next week:
Read Chapter 7, Writing Bad-News Messages
Chapter 7 Write messages in class
Complete Chapter 8 assignment
Business Report and Oral Presentation assigned
Mar 7Mar 16
Eight
Week of
Mar 19
SPRING BREAK
Unit 5: Communication for Employment
Chapter 13 Preparing Resumes and Application Letters
Exam 2 (Ch. 5-6-7-8)
Interview of successful person assignment, due
Nine
Week of
Mar 26
Ten
Week of
Apr 2
Chapter 13 Preparing Resumes and Application Letters
(cont’d)
Prepare/revise resume in class, submit
Chapter 14 Interviewing for a Job and Preparing
Employment Messages
Employment Law Basics 101
Resumes will be returned for revision
Prepare Job Application letter
Please note: Include all previous drafts of your
resume with the new draft you submit.
Eleven
Week of
Apr 9
Unit 4: Communication through Reports and Business
Presentations
Chapter 9 Understanding the Report Process and
Research Methods
Twelve
Week of
Apr 16
Chapter 11 – Organizing and Preparing Reports and
Proposals homework due
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Bring in your current resume next week
Job Application Letters returned for revision
For next class meeting:
(Review Chapter 10 on your own).
Business Report and Oral Presentation draft
due
Business Report returned for revision



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Thirteen
Week of
Apr 23
Fifteen
Week of
Apr 30
Sixteen
Week of
May 7
7
Ch 12, Designing and Delivering Business Presentations
Presentations
Final Business Report due
Last class Wed, May 7
Group Presentations and
FINAL EXAM
Comprehensive final, emphasis on business report
writing & employment, Chapters 9, 11, 12, 13, 14
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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.
CLASSROOM MANAGEMENT:
The name of this course (Business Communications) reflects the following guidelines for communicating and for the
assignments in this course.
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!!!!!!
1. Students will be expected to have access to a computer to check e-mail accounts and to also e-mail me
homework assignments.
2. When e-mailing me your assignment, please put the following in the SUBJECT BOX:
3. Student name, class, and the subject. Sometimes your email address does not have your name.
4. Be prepared and attentive in class.
5. Please read and study textbook assignments before coming to class and come to class with prepared questions
about the material you do not understand.
6. You should be able to effectively use technology to prepare papers, problems, assignments and present material
in both oral and written format.
7. Learn to prepare assignments in various formats and styles as required and submit those assignments on time.
8. 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.
9. Students are encouraged to take advantage of office hours for assistance with assignments.
10. Professor will adhere to attendance policy this semester.
11. ZERO TOLERANCE POLICY!! If you are caught cheating, I will dismiss you from the course with an “F”
grade.
12. 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.
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TURNITIN.COM
Note: All the assignments must be submitted on www.turnitin.com. You will bring a paper copy to submit
in class as well. Credit for assignments will only be given if the assignments have been successfully
submitted to www.turnitin.com and a copy has been turned in to the appropriate class meeting.
Instructions to join the class on www.turnitin.com:
1. Go to www.turnitin.com, and click on “New User” at the top right corner of the page.
2. On the next screen, select “student” from the top-drop box.
3. On the following screen you will be asked for the Class ID and Class Enrollment Password.
Class Name: Bus Comm
4. Enter 2154371 for Class ID, and “comm” (small-case) for the Class Enrollment Password.
5. On the following screen, enter your email address.
6. Then you will select a password for your account.
7. Select a secret question and then on the following screen enter your name.
8. Accept the agreement and you are finished.
Now you are enrolled in the class. To submit your assignment, go to www.turnitin.com and enter your
email and password and then submit. If you have any problems, please call or email.
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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
10
6
3
Selection of an Appropriate Comm Channel
230
6
4
Useful Subject Lines
231
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7
268
7
5
Determining Appropriate Sequence of Ideas
271
7
6
Writing Inductive Openings
272
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
11
Okuma America Corp Offers Solutions
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
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