BUSINESS COMMUNICATIONS
BE 3340-105/106
MWF 1:00 – 1:50 (105) MWF 2:00 – 2:50 (106)
Edwin Duncan Hall 212
Instructor
Grant Dean, BSBA - ASU ’95, MEd – Clemson ‘07
deanrg@appstate.edu
College of Education, Edwin Duncan Hall
Office – 116-E
Office Phone – 2054
Office Hours – MW 11:00 – 1:00, other hour by appointment
Introductory Statement
Business Communications focuses on effective communication as an essential function of
leadership. This course should enhance your ability to communicate so as to inspire other
through clear and concise messages.
Academic Integrity Code:
The Appalachian State University Integrity Code will be followed in all cases of academic
misconduct. The Code may be viewed at the Office of Student Conduct web site:
http://studentconduct.appstate.edu/
(Click on "Academic Integrity Code”)
Violations of this code by teacher education candidates are regarded as particularly serious and
may result in removal from the program.
Americans with Disabilities Act:
Appalachian State University is committed to making reasonable accommodations for
individuals with documented qualifying disabilities in accordance with the Americans with
Disabilities Act of 1990, and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973. Those seeking
accommodations based on a substantially limiting disability must contact and register with The
Office of Disability Services (ODS) at http://www.ods.appstate.edu/ or 828-262-3056. Once
registration is complete, individuals will meet with ODS staff to discuss eligibility and
appropriate accommodations.
Any student whose disabilities fall within ADA should inform the instructor at the beginning of
the term of any special needs or equipment necessary to accomplish the requirements of the
course.
Course Description
Students will gain experience in written and spoken business communications. The will be
through typical and non-typical activities such as; writing e-mail, memoranda, letters, proposals,
reports. Others may be added at the appropriate time. (WRITING; SPEAKING)
Objectives
Upon completing of this course, students will be able to:
 Competently complete written and oral business communication projects

Exhibit professional, efficient work habits in using communication systems

Articulate current issues in interpersonal, global and intercultural communication

Integrate current skills with new skills in business or education
Teaching Philosophy
I have taught High School Business for 10 years in three states. This has afforded me a great
deal of exposure to both effective and ineffective communication. This experience will be a key
to this course as I try to focus its direction in ways that will have an impact on your future
careers. The most basic desired outcome of this course should be to improve your ability to
communicate effectively with a diverse audience.
The class atmosphere will be relaxed but professional. I will be challenging you to produce your
best, and in return I also will be challenged. Communication will be a key component for this to
occur.
This course will be made up of a variety of activities and projects. ASULearn will be used to
improve the communication for the course as well as distribute information. Class time will be
productive and planned to move everyone toward the ultimate goals of improved
communication.
Texbook: Bovee, Business Communication Today, 9th Ed, ISBN: 0131995359
Potential Course Topics

Understanding the foundations of business communication

The three-step writing process

Business Documents (letters, memos, e-mails, instant messaging)

Finding and Communication Information

Oral Presentation (designing and delivering)

Employment communication and interviewing
Calendar/Important Dates
Jan 19th
March 9-13
Feb 4-8
MLK – No Classes
Spring Break
AMTE Conference
April 13-14
April 30
May 1-6
No Classes
Reading Day
Final Exams
Course Requirements
All assignments will be posted on ASULearn. You will need to check this almost daily to stay
current for the assignments and class meeting schedule. The basic course content will include:
 Outside Reading (textbook, newspapers, etc)

Case Studies and Writings

Presentation

Quizzes and Exams
Attendance Policy
It is the student’s responsibility to sign in for all classes. Signing in for another student not in
attendance will constitute an act of academic dishonesty. This includes class sessions that might
be held online.
Learning is a social process. Thus, students are expected to attend every class and be an active
participant in the classroom practices. Absent students are responsible for any work announced
in class and for all announced changes, additions, and deletions to the syllabus. Absence from
class is not a valid excuse for failing to meet deadlines or fulfill course requirements.
Attendance is one of the first things I consider when determining a grade change at the end of the
semester.
Grading
Quizzes........................... 40%
Class Work ..................... 40%
Group Grade................... 10%
Final Exam ..................... 10%
Grading Scale:
A = 94 – 100
A- = 90 – 93
B+ = 87 – 89
B = 83 – 86
B- = 80 – 82
C+ = 78 – 79
C = 76 – 77
C- = 74 – 75
D = 69 – 73
F = ↓ 69
Academic Dishonesty
The University Integrity Code is mentioned earlier in this syllabus. The basic guideline for this
course is to create individual and/or unique solutions to the problems posed. Providing
assistance to classmates with things like basic computer skills is not only expected but
encouraged. Participation in class is expected and some of that discussion may be present in
completed work. “Working together” on individual assignments is not permitted. This included
different groups “working together” on group projects. For group projects and assignments only
group members may collaborate.
Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA)
FERPA gives parents certain rights with respect to their children's education records. These
rights transfer to the student when he or she reaches the age of 18 or attends a school beyond the
high school level. Students to whom the rights have transferred are "eligible students." (20
U.S.C. § 1232g; 34 CFR Part 99)
Generally, schools must have written permission from the parent or eligible student in order to
release any information from a student's education record. However, FERPA allows schools to
disclose those records, without consent, to the following parties or under the following
conditions (34 CFR § 99.31):
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School officials with legitimate educational interest;
Other schools to which a student is transferring;
Specified officials for audit or evaluation purposes;
Appropriate parties in connection with financial aid to a student;
Organizations conducting certain studies for or on behalf of the school;
Accrediting organizations;
To comply with a judicial order or lawfully issued subpoena;
Appropriate officials in cases of health and safety emergencies; and
State and local authorities, within a juvenile justice system, pursuant to specific State law.
DON’T WAIT UNTIL IT’S TOO LATE!
Help will be provided as is most convenient for everyone involved. I live on campus (LLR 203)
and can be available to meet at most any time and usually on short notice. Email is usually the
best way to get in touch with me (deanrg@appstate.edu). Early and frequent contact with me is
the best way to prevent small issues from becoming the things that prevent your success in the
course.