PREREQUISITE Recommended placement in ENGL 0307 based on score from Asset or COMPAS test.
MATERIALS
1. Business English, Eighth Edition, shrink-wrapped with answers to the odd-numbered questions,
by Guffey, South-Western, 2003. (Required)
2. The Gregg Reference Manual, Ninth Edition, by William A. Sabin (optional)
3. One Zip disk or USB Flash / Pen Drive
4. Three-ring notebook or binder for course materials
COURSE DESCRIPTION AND OBJECTIVES
Business English is an introduction to a practical application of basic language usage skills. The course provides skill development in practical applications, which emphasize the improvement of writing skills necessary for effective business communications.
The primary responsibility of the office worker is to communicate information. The ability to write clearly and correctly has always been an essential skill for the successful officer worker. This is especially true in today's business organization, in which technology has totally changed both the way and the extent to which business people communicate through writing.
Modern technology has caused employers to place a premium on your ability to communicate correctly and quickly. The increased volume made possible for computer technology as well as the need to make the technology cost effective by using it to its full potential requires you to have mastered the correct use of the English language. Your correct usage must come automatically.
Numerous studies tell us that your ability to communicate, even more than your expertise in your field, will be the most important factor influencing your success in the business world. No matter how much you know, if you are unable to express it clearly and correctly, your knowledge is lost to others. They will not fully understand you, and they will not respect you if your writing is marked by grammatical and spelling errors.
This course will help you develop your ability to communicate well.
1. Apply the basic rules of grammar, spelling, capitalization, number usage and punctuation.
2. Utilize terminology applicable to technical and business writing.
3. Develop proofreading and editing skills.
4. Write effective sentences and paragraphs for business applications.
5. Compose and produce effective business communications appropriate to industry needs.
6. Apply critical evaluation techniques to business communications.
7. Recognize the importance of coherent, ethical communication principles in business and industry.
8. Demonstrate effective listening skills.
9. Demonstrate knowledge of correct format and styles for business letters, memorandums, and reports.
10. Communicate effectively in written form.
11. Produce and distribute appropriately formatted business documents.
12. Demonstrate effective speaking skills.
13. Plan, develop, and deliver an oral presentation.
14. Demonstrate sensitivity in communicating with a diverse workforce.
15. Develop communications skills for an international audience.
The Secretary’s Commission on Achieving Necessary Skills (SCANS) has researched and listed the competencies that make up the know-how that employees need for workplace success. The following list shows how this course's objectives relate to these competencies.
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SCANS Competency |
Course Learning Outcomes |
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Demonstrates effective reading, writing, speaking, and listening skills. |
· Students apply the basic rules of grammar, spelling, capitalization, number usage and punctuation. · Students utilize terminology applicable to technical and business writing. · Students write effective sentences and paragraphs for business applications. · Students demonstrate effective listening skills. · Students demonstrate effective speaking skills. |
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Shows individual responsibility, self-esteem and self-management, sociability, and integrity. |
· Students recognize the importance of coherent, ethical communication principles in business and industry. |
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Demonstrates ability to learn, to reason, to think creatively, to make decisions, and to solve problems. |
· Students develop proofreading and editing skills. · Students communicate effectively in written form. |
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Works on teams, teaches others, serves customers, leads, negotiates, and works well with people from culturally diverse backgrounds. |
· Students demonstrate sensitivity in communicating with a diverse workforce. · Students develop communication skills for an international audience. |
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Knows how to allocate time, activities, and materials. |
· Students plan, develop, and deliver an oral presentation. |
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Acquires and evaluates data, organizes and maintains files, interprets and communicates, and uses computers to process information. |
· Students compose and produce effective business communications appropriate to industry needs. · Students apply critical evaluation techniques to business communications. · Students demonstrate knowledge of correct format and styles for business letters, memos, and reports. |
|
Selects equipment and tools, applies technology to specific tasks, and maintains and troubleshoots equipment. |
· Students produce and distribute appropriately formatted documents. · Students prepare visuals or electronic presentations. |
This course covers both grammar and writing. You must demonstrate proficiency in both areas by completing assignments, taking chapter tests, and producing acceptable written documents according to the following standards:
I. Grammar and Editing:
o All assigned activities (only Levels I & II) from each chapter – points deleted if incomplete
o Eight grammar/editing tests – some cover more than one chapter
Grammar and Editing will be evaluated numerically. An alternate test may be taken, and the better of the two grades will be recorded.
II. Writing:
o All assigned writing activities from writing workshops – must be done
o One writing test over business letters:
· Informational letter (good news)
· Refusal letter (bad news)
Writing will be evaluated using levels of proficiency. Criteria are stated below for achieving each level. You assume responsibility for your performance. If you write on an unacceptable level, you are given an opportunity to rewrite or correct your work.
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A (90 – 100) |
Exemplary |
· Illustrates creative writing and higher-level thinking · Contains no formatting or language errors (100%) · Allows a couple minor (typos) correctable errors (90%) · Demonstrates the mastery of composing by using the four Cs of good writing |
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B (80 – 89) |
Competent |
· Illustrates signs of creativity · Allows two major correctable language or formatting errors · Composes a well-written letter that incorporates the four Cs and contains all necessary information |
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C (70 – 79) |
Standard |
· Demonstrates writing that includes basic facts and incorporates the four Cs but shows no creativity · Allows three correctable language or formatting errors |
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NA (below 70) |
Novice |
· Demonstrates limited effort in writing correspondence · Omission of basic facts or uses incorrect information · Has many language and formatting errors · Does not use the four Cs |
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You can have the opportunity to rewrite unacceptable documents (below 70%). Documents that show improvement can then earn a maximum percent of 70.
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III. Final Report Project:
A written report and presentation. Possible topic ideas: business ethics, financial aid services, public transportation in Houston, starting your own business, safety in the workplace, study skills, business etiquette, etc. For the presentation, you are required to use visuals – such as an electronic presentation (PowerPoint). You also need to prepare a handout for your audience.
IV. Overall Final Grade
The final grade is based on points earned compared to total possible points. During the course, you can view total possible points in WebCT under the Total Points column under My Scores. After the grading of each assignment or completion of a test, you will also see your earned points in WebCT under the Total Points column. Letter grades assigned according to the 90, 80, 70, and 60% of total points.
PARTICIPATION POLICIES
Participation is logging into WebCT to get and submit assignments, being part of the Bulletin Board discussions, questions and answers, and take tests. An absence for more than 4 days, please contact me. You may not be able to complete the course objectives if you are unable to work consistently in the course. You may, however, access the course wherever you can access the Internet. If you find it necessary to stop participating in this class, process an official drop before the withdrawal date. The withdrawal date is found in the Credit Schedule and through the college website.
The North Harris College Policy & Procedure Manual [Student Conduct, Section 562.01.d] states, "Disruptive activity that hinders other students' learning or deters an instructor from effective teaching will not be tolerated under any circumstances." This policy applies to language and attitude expressed in emails, chats, bulletin board participation.
DISABILITIES
North Harris College provides reasonable accommodations, in compliance with Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act and the Americans with Disabilities Act. Please inform your professor of any special accommodations which you may need as a result of disability. It is the student's responsibility to request these accommodations.
ACADEMIC INTEGRITY
The College's academic integrity policy states, "NHMCCD is committed to a high standard of academic integrity in the academic community. In becoming a part of the academic community, students are responsible for honesty and independent effort. Failure to uphold these standards includes, but is not limited to, the following:
1. Plagiarizing written work or projects
2. Cheating on exams or assignments
3. Collusion on an exam or project
4. Misrepresentation of credentials or prerequisites when registering for a course.
Refer to the NHMCCD catalog (also online) additional information.
TESTING PROCEDURES
Tests may only be taken under the administration of your own instructor or in the testing center in the Academic Building, ACAD 102 (North Harris), or the Learning Centers at Carver and Parkway. See the course calendar and assignments sheet for help in making sure you are taking the tests at least on schedule or close to the scheduled timeframe.
VIRUS PROTECTION
The College will not be held liable for any corruption of data caused by virus contamination. Our computers are regularly screened and are protected against computer viruses to the best of our ability. We do not guarantee that our systems are virus free at all times. Procedures are in place in all labs for you to scan your diskettes. It is your responsibility to protect your data from virus corruption.
STUDENT SERVICES
Libraries
The libraries at each college provide print and non-print resources and services for students. The materials have been selected to serve the curricular, vocational, and recreational needs of the college community. Each college library provides computer access to a variety of information in electronic form including bibliographic indexes to journals, Internet resources, and multimedia publications.
Learning Centers
Learning Centers at each college provide print and audio-visual materials as well as tutorial assistance and computer labs for students who need academic support services. Materials from other disciplines are available in each center including reading, writing, math, and college study skills. The Learning Center at North Harris College is located in ACAD 202. The Learning Center at Parkway is on the third floor and at Carver, on the first floor – check at the main desk for directions.
Internet & Email
The District provides computing and network resources to students. Students are encouraged to use the computers, software packages, and electronic mail (email), for educational or District-related activities and to facilitate the efficient exchange of useful information. However, the equipment, software, and network capacities provided through the District computer services are and remain the property of the District. Use of the equipment and networks is to comport with the policies and procedures of the District, and access may be denied to any student who fails to comply with the District's policies and procedures regarding its use.
Access to the District's email and similar electronic communication systems are a privilege, and certain responsibilities accompany that privilege. District users are expected to demonstrate the same level of ethical and professional manner as is required in face-to-face or written communications. Anonymous or forged messages will be treated as a violation of this policy. For additional information, refer to the NHMCCD catalog.