BCEN 3510

Course Syllabus

Course Description

A review of the theory and processes involved in oral and written business communication, with emphasis on the general functions of business communication and composing effective business letters (3 credit hours).

Course Objectives1. Understand the communication process including barriers to effective

communication.

2. Write effective business communications including letters, memos, reports, and e-mails.

Plan, organize, and edit documents for correctness in grammar, punctuation, spelling, style, format, etc.

Ensure that documents meet the “C-qualities” for effective communication—that they’re clear, complete, correct, concise, courteous, concrete, and cohesive

Be aware of the impact that document appearance has on the receiver.

Course Objectives3. Learn and apply basic skills needed for effective job search,

application, and follow-up.

4. Understand the scope and use of technology in business communication.

5. Create and give an oral presentation.

6. Understand challenges associated with multicultural and global communication.

7. Understand the importance of making ethical and legal communication decisions.

8. Understand the importance of nonverbal communication and listening.

Required Textbook

Business Communication: Developing Leaders for a Networked World, 2nd ed.

by Peter Cardon McGraw Hill, 2016 (ISBN 978-0-07-340328-1)

Homework Assignments

Announced in class

Due before midnight on the next class date (D2L) or at the beginning of the next class period (in-class)

Late assignments NOT accepted

Letters, Memorandums, Emails, Reports, Resumes, and End-of-chapter Exercises

Make-Up, Extra Credit, and Bonus

Opportunity to submit up to three (3) missed assignments

and/or revised documents

Two opportunities for extra credit10 points each (on raw score)

Attendance Bonusbased on number of absences

0-2 absence = 10 bonus points OR 3-4 absences = 5 bonus points

Quizzes and Exams

Quizzes. Unannounced grammar, punctuation, and usage quizzes (taken from Appendix A) will be given throughout the semester to encourage attendance. The quizzes cannot be made up.

Exams. Exams will include mainly multiple choice items with some true/false, short answer, error correction, and writing. Please bring a 50-item scantron for each exam.

Grading

Category Number Points Policy

Assignments (Homework and In-Class Activities)

10+/- 50 each

Submitted to D2L or in class by deadline; no late submissions but will allow submission of three missed or revised documents at the end of the semester

Exams 3 100 each Can be made up (excused absence or 20% penalty)

Quizzes 12-16 5 each Cannot be made up; one freebie

Grading Scale: A=90-100% B=80-89% C=70-79% D=60-69% F=Below 60%