SAM HOUSTON STATE UNIVERSITY
COLLEGE OF BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION
DEPARTMENT OF GENERAL BUSINESS AND FINANCE
GBA 389 - Business Communication
Sec. 04 – CID #8013
SCHEDULE & ROOM:
July 5-August 3, 2007, 12:00-1:50 p.m., 208 SHB
INSTRUCTOR:
OFFICE:
PHONE:
EMAIL:
OFFICE HOURS:
Geraldine E. Hynes, Ph.D.
210H Smith Hutson Building
936-294-4149
hynes@shsu.edu
M-F: 10:45-11:45 a.m. and 2-5 p.m.; Thursdays: 5-6 p.m. at TUC; and by
appointment
TEXT:
Raymond V. Lesikar and Marie E. Flatley. (2005). Basic Business
Communication Skills for Empowering the Internet Generation. McGraw-Hill.
10th Edition.
PREREQUISITES:
SHSU Computer Account
Proficiency in MS Word and PowerPoint
COURSE DESCRIPTION:
This course focuses on oral and written communication as a management tool in business and as a personal
skill, with emphasis on the logical and psychological development of routine business documents.
Ethics is stressed throughout the course. Emphasis is placed on ethical concepts, conveying honest and accurate
information, showing equal treatment through nonsexist and nondiscriminatory writing, exhibiting fair
mindedness and a sensitivity to feelings, and respect for human rights.
COURSE OBJECTIVES:
The general objective of business communication is to build on general studies (such as language skills of
writing, grammar, and punctuation) in conjunction with the business foundation courses (accounting, finance,
management, marketing, etc.) within a communication framework and a business context enabling students to
develop effective business communication skills to solve business problems. Students will:

Develop a foundation and principles for successful business communication.

Learn to adapt language and style in various business message situations.

Learn to construct clear sentences and paragraphs using accepted standards of English grammar and
punctuation, with emphasis on variations in sentence structure and effective paragraph design.

Learn to compose effective business letters, memos, and short reports.
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
Develop and employ effective and ethical writing strategies that are tactful, courteous, positive, and
maintain goodwill.

Learn research terminology and methodology and how to prepare well structured and well-written
objective reports.

Develop interpersonal skills such as team work, group dynamics, and leadership skills.

Develop an awareness and understanding of international and cross cultural communication issues
and how they impact effective communication.
COURSE EVALUATION:
Required Assignments
Exams (3 @ 100 pts)
Short Report
Presentation
Informative/Good news message
Negative/Bad news message
Persuasive/Sales message
Resume and Cover Letter
Points
300
100
150
50
50
50
100
800
Final Grade Distribution
800 - 720 = A
719 - 640 = B
639 - 560 = C
559 - 480 = D
479 or less= F
Note: Final grades are based on points only. Percentages are not used. Grades are not curved.
COURSE POLICIES:
1. Students are responsible for material in assigned chapters whether it is discussed in class or not.
2. Assignments must be submitted at the beginning of class on the date due or 10 points per class period
late will be deducted.
3. Arrangements can be made to submit work, including exams, earlier than the assigned date.
4. All assignments must be completed.
5. All written assignments must be keyed.
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6. In-class assignments cannot be made up. If you are not in class when an in-class letter/memo assignment
is done for a grade, you will be given a zero for that assignment.
7. Exams cannot be made up.
8. Regular and punctual class attendance. Every absence will cost 5 course points. Two tardies or early
leaving of class equal one absence. Exception: Students are allowed to miss class and other required
activities, including examinations, for the observance of a religious holy day. Students remain
responsible for all work. Students intending to miss class for religious activities must notify the
instructor in writing by July 6, 2007. See Student Syllabus Guidelines at http://www.shsu.edu/syllabus/
9. No food or drink are permitted in the classroom.
10. Students are expected to assist in maintaining a classroom environment that is conducive to learning.
Students are to treat faculty and students with respect.
11. Students are to turn off all cell phones while in the classroom. Under no circumstances are cell phones
or any electronic devices to be used during times of examination.
12. Students with Disabilities Policy: It is the policy of Sam Houston State University that individuals
otherwise qualified shall not be excluded, solely by reason of their disability, from participation in any
academic program of the university. Further, they shall not be denied the benefits of these programs nor
shall they be subjected to discrimination. Students with disabilities that might affect their academic
performance should visit with the Office of Services for Students with Disabilities located in the
Counseling Center. See Student Syllabus Guidelines at http://www.shsu.edu/syllabus/
13. Only registered students may attend class. Exceptions can be made on a case-by-case basis by the
professor. In all cases, visitors must not present a disruption to the class by their attendance. Students
wishing to audit a class must apply to do so through the Registrar’s Office.
14. Academic Dishonesty Policy. All students are expected to engage in all academic pursuits in a manner
that is above reproach. Students are expected to maintain honesty and integrity in the academic
experiences both in and out of the classroom. Any student found guilty of dishonesty in any phase of
academic work will be subject to disciplinary action. The University and its official representatives may
initiate disciplinary proceedings against a student accused of any form of academic dishonesty
including, but not limited to, cheating on an examination or other academic work which is to be
submitted, plagiarism, collusion and the abuse of resource materials. For a complete listing of the
university policy see: http://www.shsu.edu/administrative/faculty/sectionb.html#dishonesty
15. Using a computer during class for any purpose other than the assigned task or for taking lecture notes
will cost 5 course points for each misuse.
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SAM HOUSTON WRITING CENTER:
Writing tutors will help you generate, organize, or revise a draft of any assignment. The center is located in
Farrington 111. Walk in or call 936-294-3680 for an appointment. Distance tutoring via email is also available.
NOTE:
Working with Writing Center personnel does not guarantee a satisfactory grade on any assignment
in this course.
DAILY SCHEDULE:
Monday
Tuesday
Wednesday
Thursday
7/5
Communication at
work (ch 1)
Friday
7/6
Intro to business
language (ch 2)
7/9
Sentences &
paragraphs (ch 3)
7/10
Writing for effect
(ch 4)
7/11
EXAM 1 (ch 1-4)
Intro to the writing
process (ch 5)
7/12
Direct order
messages (ch 6)
7/13
INFORMATIVE
MESSAGE
7/16
Indirect order
messages (ch 7)
7/17
NEGATIVE
MESSAGE
7/18
Persuasive and
sales messages (ch
8)
7/19
PERSUASIVE
MESSAGE
7/20
Job search strategies
(ch 9)
7/23
EXAM 2 (ch 5-9)
7/24
RESUME &
COVER LETTER
Research methods
(ch 19)
7/25
Report Writing (ch
10)
7/26
Short reports (ch 11)
7/27
Long reports &
graphics (ch 12, 13)
7/30
REPORT
Making business
presentations (ch
15)
7/31
Principles of
PowerPoint design
8/1
EXAM 3 (ch 1013, 15, 19)
8/2
8/3
PRESENTATIONS PRESENTATIONS