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BUSI 3660: Professional Speaking, Writing, and Presentation in a Global Environment

Master Syllabus

Course Description The course provides students with the knowledge and skills necessary for effective oral and written communication in domestic and international professional settings. Students will learn to communicate professionally by mastering how to write effective documents, deliver structured presentations, increase intercultural competencies, and develop employment communication skills.

Course Objectives Students who successfully complete BUSI 3660 will be able to:

Professional Communication 1. Demonstrate the ability to select the most effective channels for written and oral

communication. 1.1. Explain the purposes, functions, and characteristics of digital and non-digital channels for written and oral communication. 1.2. Select the right channel for the right audience and purpose.

2. Demonstrate the ability to produce professional written documents. 2.1. Apply knowledge of the writing process to the creation and revision of effective written documents used in a professional setting. 2.2. Apply knowledge of the writing principles to the creation and revision of effective written documents used in a professional setting. 2.3. Evaluate the clarity, conciseness, and correctness of written documents used in a professional setting.

3. Demonstrate the ability to deliver professional oral presentations. 3.1. Apply knowledge of the writing process to the creation and revision of oral presentations occurring in a professional setting. 3.2. Apply knowledge of the writing principles to the creation and revision of oral presentations occurring in a professional setting. 3.3. Demonstrate verbal and nonverbal communication skills while delivering professional presentations. 3.4. Design professional visuals for presentations. 3.5. Evaluate the clarity, conciseness, and correctness of the content and of the delivery of professional presentations.

Intercultural Communication 4. Examine how to communicate cross-culturally.

4.1. Discuss how cultural dimensions and perceptual biases affect written and oral intercultural communication. 4.2. Describe intercultural verbal and nonverbal business etiquette and customs in key international markets. 4.3. Determine techniques for improving verbal and nonverbal communication across cultures.

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4.4. Formulate written and oral messages for global audiences. Employment Communication 5. Develop a job application package.

5.1. Apply knowledge of the writing process to the written and oral aspects of the job application package. 5.2. Apply knowledge of the writing principles to the written and oral aspects of the job application package. 5.3. Analyze the needs of the potential employers and the interests and qualifications of the potential employees. 5.4. Produce effective written documents for the job application process. 5.5. Demonstrate interview skills with potential employers. 5.6. Manage online reputation.

Teaching Methods The instructors will use lectures, PowerPoint presentations, discussions, videos, handouts, guest speakers, peer reviews, and practical exercises to reach the course objectives. The instructors will emphasize experiential applications of knowledge by devoting a minimum of 25 percent of class time in the semester to speaking and writing workshops. Students will be responsible for not only understanding but also demonstrating effective oral and written communication skills. Active participation will be essential.

Evaluation Methods Instructors will assess students’ performance with the following methods of evaluation. Written Assignments 25% Oral Assignments 25% Practical Exercises 20% Exams and Quizzes 30% The practical exercises, exams, and quizzes are predominantly writing based. The minimum number of graded assignments in each of the three communication areas will be as follows:

1. Professional Communication: one written assignment and one oral assignment 2. Intercultural Communication: one written assignment and one oral assignment 3. Employment Communication: one written assignment and one oral assignment

In addition, instructors will administer pre- and post-tests to assess written and oral skills. Students who complete all pre- and post-tests will receive bonus points at the individual instructors’ discretion. Students must dress professionally for major oral assignments. Individual instructors may require additional assignments.

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Required Textbook Shwom, B. and Snyder, L. G. (2019). Business communication: Polishing your professional presence (4th

ed.). New York, NY: Pearson. Individual instructors may require additional reading or digital materials.

Academic Integrity Standards and Sanctions for Violations The University of North Texas (UNT) promotes the integrity of the learning process by establishing and enforcing academic standards. According to UNT Policy 06.003, Student Standards of Academic Integrity, academic dishonesty occurs when students engage in behaviors, including, but not limited to, cheating, fabrication, facilitating academic dishonesty, forgery, plagiarism, and sabotage. A finding of academic dishonesty may result in a range of academic penalties or misconduct sanctions ranging from admonition to expulsion from UNT. Additional information is available at https://policy.unt.edu/policy/06-003.

Acceptable Student Behaviors Students should conduct themselves in a manner that demonstrates respect for the rights and property of others and upholds the integrity of the university community. Student behaviors that interfere with the instructor’s ability to conduct a class or the students’ opportunity to learn are unacceptable. Students engaging in unacceptable behaviors may be directed to leave the classroom and may be referred to the Dean of Students. UNT’s expectations for student conduct apply to all instructional forums, including onsite and online classrooms, labs, discussion groups, or field trips. The Code of Student Conduct is available at https://deanofstudents.unt.edu/conduct.

Access to Information – Eagle Connect Students’ access point for business and academic services at UNT is my.unt.edu. All official communication from UNT, including communication from the instructors, must occur via each student’s Eagle Connect account. Students who prefer using another account should forward their Eagle Connect account to their preferred account. Information on how to forward e-mail messages is available at it.unt.edu/eagleconnect.

Americans with Disabilities Act

UNT complies with the Americans with Disabilities Act and provides reasonable academic accommodation for qualified students with disabilities. Students seeking accommodation must first register with the Office of Disability Accommodation (ODA) to verify their eligibility. After verifying the students’ eligibility, the ODA will provide accommodation letters, which students need to deliver to their instructors within the timeframe specified. Students may request accommodations at any time; however, students must obtain a new letter of accommodation for every semester and must meet with each faculty member prior to implementation in each class. Additional information is available at https://disability.unt.edu.

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Attendance Policy Responsibility for class attendance rests with each student. After a certain number of unexcused absences, students should drop the course, or they will receive a grade of “F” at the end of the semester. The specific numbers of unexcused absences will vary with the course schedule. In all cases, that number will amount to 20 percent of the total number of classes. In the case of authorized university absences, the instructors will decide how to grant accommodation. In the case of temporary illnesses, the instructors will decide whether to grant accommodation since no legal requirements exist for such absences. Additional information is available at https://policy.unt.edu/sites/default/files/06.039_StudentAttendance_2016.pdf and at https://deanofstudents.unt.edu/resources/temporary-illness.

Emergency Notification & Procedures – Eagle Alert UNT uses a system called Eagle Alert to quickly notify students with critical information in the event of an emergency (for example, severe or inclement weather, campus closing, and health and public safety emergencies like chemical spills, fires, or violence). Students are responsible for providing UNT with their phone numbers. The system can send voice messages and text messages. UNT also has a campus emergency Twitter account at @UNTEagleAlert and a “Mean Green Ready” mobile app. In the event of a university closure, students should refer to Canvas for the contingency plans prepared by their instructors.

Emergency Evacuation Procedures for Business Leadership Building Severe Weather: In the event of severe weather, all building occupants should immediately seek shelter in the designated shelter-in-place area in the building. If unable to safely move to the designated shelter-in-place area, seek shelter in a windowless interior room or hallway on the lowest floor of the building. All building occupants should take shelter in rooms 055, 077, 090, and the restrooms on the basement level. In rooms 170, 155, and the restrooms on the first floor. Bomb Threat/Fire: In the event of a bomb threat or fire in the building, all building occupants should immediately evacuate the building using the nearest exit. Once outside, proceed to the designated assembly area. If unable to safely move to the designated assembly area, contact one or more members of your department or unit to let them know you are safe and inform them of your whereabouts. Persons with mobility impairments who are unable to safely exit the building should move to a designated area of refuge and await assistance from emergency responders. All building occupants should immediately evacuate the building and proceed to the south side of Crumley Hall in the grassy area, west of parking lot 24.

Retention of Student Records The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974 (FERPA) protects the privacy of the students’ educational records. Individual instructors will maintain their students’ educational records, such as exams and assignments, in a secure location for at least one calendar year after course completion. Students have the right to view their individual record. Additional information is available at https://policy.unt.edu/sites/default/files/07.018_FERPA_2011.pdf.

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Student Perceptions of Teaching Effectiveness (SPOT)

The SPOT survey provides instructors, CoB’s administrators, and UNT’s administrators with a measure of teaching effectiveness for all organized classes at UNT. The survey becomes available during weeks 13 and 14 of each long semester. When the survey becomes available, students receive an e-mail message with the survey link. Once students complete the survey, they receive a confirmation e-mail. Additional information is available at http://spot.unt.edu.

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BUSI 3660.005/006/007/008: Professional Speaking, Writing, and

Presentation in a Global Environment

Syllabus – Fall 2019

Professor: Prof. Thépaut

Office: BLB 385P

Email: Sabine.Thepaut@unt.edu

Telephone: (940) 565-4749

Office Hours: Monday and Wednesday from 3:00 to 5:00 PM and by appointment

Put your phone and electronic devices away Set your phone on silent mode and put it away during class unless specifically told that you can use it to

complete an activity. You may not text at any time. Use your laptop and tablet for note-taking only

except when you must complete in-class assignments requiring online research or word processing.

Use Canvas You are responsible for checking Canvas for class announcements, assignments, and postings. Contact the university IT help desk immediately if you encounter a technical difficulty. Be sure to ask for a ticket number. After you email me the ticket number and official report of the incident, I will determine whether or not you can submit an assignment at a later date based on the report and university policies.

UIT Help Desk: Sage Hall 330 | (940) 565-2324 | http://it.unt.edu/helpdesk

Come to class on time every time You will learn much of the material through class discussion and activities; therefore, if you are absent,

you will miss this learning experience and will be unable to perform well in the course. Note that you are

responsible for all materials covered during any absences.

Plan to arrive in class on time just as you would a business meeting. Sign the attendance sheet before

the beginning of class. If you are late, sign the “late” attendance sheet. Three tardy arrivals (less than 15

minutes) or two instances of disruptive behavior will result in one absence. Examples of disruptive

behavior include stepping out during the middle of class, leaving class early, and doing work for another

class. If you are more than 15 minutes late, you will be marked absent.

After nine absences, you will need to drop the course for non-attendance. If you don’t drop the class or

have more than nine absences after the W/WF period, you will receive a grade of “F.”

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Earn points and seek help Your performance on written and oral assignments, practical exercises, quizzes, and tests will determine

your grade in this course. I will calculate your grade by adding the points you earned.

Graded Components Grading Scale

Employment

Communication

Resume 80 points A 900-1,000 points

Mock Interview 85 points B 800-899 points

Professional

Communication

Negative-News Letter 85 points C 700-799 points

Individual Presentation 85 points D 600-699 points

Intercultural

Communication

Video Project 85 points F 0-599 points

Team Presentation 80 points No curves. No

percentage roundups.

No additional exercises

at the end of the

semester to improve

grades.

Tests, Quizzes,

and Practical

Exercises

Practical Exercises 200 points

Exam 1 (Midterm Exam) 140 points

Exam 2 (Writing Post-test) 40 points

Exam 3 (Final Exam) 120 points

Total 1,000 points

Know assignment due dates and test dates. These are available in the attached course schedule and on

Canvas. You will have less time than your classmates to complete a test if you arrive late on a testing

day. You may not start taking a test after a student leaves the class.

Seek feedback. I am here to help you. Make an appointment to see me if you are confused about the

class material or an assignment.

Meet all deadlines. All paper submissions are due at the beginning of class, and all electronic submission

deadlines are posted on Canvas. You will have a grace period of 24 hours after the deadline to submit

major assignments for half the points. For example, if an assignment worth 80 points is due on

September 16 at 11 AM and you submit it on September 16 at 11:10 AM or on September 17 at 10:55

AM, you can receive a maximum of 40 points. If you submit your assignment on September 17 at 11:03

AM, you will receive a grade of zero.

You will be unable to make up assignments or exams unless you have official documentation from UNT

explaining why you could not submit your assignment by the deadline. “I had a technical problem,” “My

Internet was down,” and ‘I could not find a parking place” are not excuses. If you miss a test or submit

an assignment after the grace period and don’t have proper documentation, you will receive a grade of

zero.

Check your grades every week. You have seven days to inquire about your grade on an assignment,

exercise, or exam after I post it on Canvas. If you disagree with the grade you received, send me an

email explaining why I should reconsider your grade and submit any supporting documentation. Your

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grade is final seven days after its release if you don’t contact me. This time frame is much shorter for the

final exam and will depend on your final exam schedule.

Use my UNT email address when you want to send me an email. I will try to respond to email inquiries

received Mondays through Fridays within 24 hours.

Complete all assignments and take all tests

The course components described below will make up your total grade. More information about the

assignments and grading rubrics will be available on Canvas.

1. Employment Communication: Job Application Package

You will develop your personal brand and create a job application package by:

Creating or updating your LinkedIn profile

Managing your social media presence

Finding a job announcement

Writing a resume

Writing a persuasive cover letter

Participating in a mock employment interview

2. Professional Communication: Refusal (Negative-News Letter)

You will first read a short case. Then you will write a letter refusing a request and explaining the

company philosophy.

3. Professional Communication: Investment Pitch (Individual Persuasive Presentation)

You will research an up-and-coming product or service and pitch it as a key investment opportunity

for a venture capital company.

4. Intercultural Communication: Video Project (Professional Email)

You will first find or create a short video that illustrates an intercultural communication concept

discussed in class. You will then compose a professional email in which you explain specifically how

the clip illustrates the course concept.

5. Intercultural Communication: Business Etiquette and Customs in Key International Markets (Team

Presentation)

You will work in teams to research the business etiquette and customs of a country, design a

PowerPoint presentation, and deliver it in class. To facilitate teamwork, you will design and develop

your presentation in “meetings” held during class.

6. Practical Exercises

Practical exercises will help you improve your written and oral skills. They will also help you prepare

for the major assignments. You will complete exercises in class workshops and outside of class. Each

graded practical exercise will be worth 20 points. You will be unable to obtain a good grade if you

don’t study your class notes and the textbook unit before you complete a practical exercise. Unless

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you have an official excused absence from UNT, you will be unable to make up any practical

exercises completed during workshops, and I will not accept late assignments. Occasionally, you will

need to bring a laptop to class to complete a practical exercise. You can borrow a computer from

the CoB Information and Learning Technologies Center (BLB 185-190).

7. Exam 1 (Midterm Exam)

The midterm exam will include the following two sections:

Class Packet A (50 points): You will need to complete the class packet throughout the first

eight weeks of the semester and turn it at the beginning of class on the test day. You will

receive more information about the packet in class.

45 multiple choice questions (90 points): This portion of the midterm exam will be

administered in class. It will cover assigned material and class discussions. You are

responsible for knowing all assigned textbook material even if we don’t cover it in class.

8. Exam 2 (Writing Post-test)

The writing post-test (40 points) will consist of 20 short writing tasks.

9. Exam 3 (Final Exam)

The final exam will include the following two sections:

Class Packet B (50 points): You will need to complete the class packet throughout the

second half of the semester. You will receive more information about the packet in class.

35 multiple choice questions (70 points): This portion of the midterm exam will be

administered in class. It will cover assigned material and class discussions. You are

responsible for knowing all assigned textbook material even if we don’t cover it in class.

10. Pre- and Post-tests

Pre-and post-tests will assess your written and oral skills. The writing pre-and post-tests will ask you

to identify and correct grammar, mechanics, style, and formatting mistakes. The first speaking

assignment will serve as your oral pre-test, and the third in-class presentation will be your oral post-

test. Dr. Tracy Dietz, Associate Dean for Assessment and Academic Reporting, will receive a copy of

the test results. You will earn 10 points if you complete the writing pre-test.

11. Extra Credit

You will have the following opportunities to earn extra credit:

Writing Pre-test: You will earn 10 bonus points if you complete the writing pre-test in class.

Career Fair: You can earn 20 bonus points if you attend the UNT Career Fair on February 13

and complete a few tasks.

Social Media Project: You can earn up to 10 bonus points if you complete this optional

assignment. You can find more information about this assignment on Canvas.

SPOT Evaluations: You can earn 10 bonus bonus points if the class achieves an 85 percent

completion rate on the SPOT evaluations. Your feedback is very important as I work to

continually improve my teaching.

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Extra-credit points can make a difference in a course letter grade, so take advantage of these

opportunities to earn additional points.

The instructor reserves the right to make changes to the syllabus and course schedule.

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BUSI 3660.005/006/007/008 Course Schedule Fall 2019

All paper submissions are due at the beginning of class. All electronic submission deadlines are posted on Canvas.

Date Topics, Quizzes, and Tests Reading and Assignments

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8/28 Writing Pre-Test (Extra-credit Opportunity)

8/30 Guest Speaker: Dr. Hirsch, Senior Associate Director, UNT Career Center

Chapter 12 (pp. 468-486)

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9/4 Resumes

Chapter 12 (pp. 468-486)

9/6 Workshop: Resume First draft of resume due at the beginning of class Practical Exercise #1 in class

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Practical Exercise #2 in class. Bring a laptop.

9/11 Job Interviews

Practical Exercise #2 due on Canvas Chapter 12 (pp. 495-511)

9/13 Communication Process

Chapter 3

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Chapter 3. Job posting and resume due at the beginning of class

9/18 Communication Process

Chapter 3

9/20 Mock Interviews

Career Center in Chestnut Hall

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9/23 Workshop: Grammar, Mechanics, and Usage

Appendix C, 1.1 pp. 561-567, 1.3.3-1.3.5 pp. 570-571, and 2.6.1 p.576

9/25 Workshop: Grammar, Mechanics, and Usage Career Fair 3-6 pm

Practical Exercise #3 due at the beginning of class Appendix C, 1.2 pp. 567-568; 1.3.1-1.3.2 pp. 569-571; and 2.1-2.4 pp. 574

9/27 Workshop: Grammar, Mechanics, and Usage

Practical Exercise #4 due at the beginning of class Appendix C, 2.6 p. 576 and 3.1-3.2 pp. 577-580 Practical Exercise #5 in class

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Practical Exercise #6 in class

10/2 Routine Messages

Chapter 4

10/4 Routine Messages Chapter 4

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10/9 Intercultural Communication Chapter 2 (pp. 52-56)

10/11 Intercultural Communication Chapter 2 (pp. 52-56)

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Packet A due at the beginning of class Chapters 2 (pp. 52-56), 3, 4, and 12

10/16 Business Presentations

Chapter 11

10/18 Business Presentations

Chapter 11

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Chapter 11

10/23 Workshop: Business Presentations Practical Exercise #8 (due on Canvas at the end of class)

10/25 Team Meeting: Intercultural Communication Project

Video Project due at the beginning of class. Video link submitted on Canvas. Attendance mandatory

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Communication Project Attendance mandatory.

10/30 Intercultural Communication Presentations (Group 1)

Attendance mandatory. Practical Exercise #9 in class

11/1 Intercultural Communication Presentations (Group 2)

Attendance mandatory. Practical Exercise #9 in class

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Presentations (Group 3) Attendance mandatory. Practical Exercise #9 in class

11/6 Negative Messages

Chapter 6

11/8 Negative Messages

Chapter 6

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Practical Exercise #10 (in class)

11/13 Persuasive Messages

Chapter 5

11/15 Persuasive Messages

Chapter 5

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class. Investment Pitch Practice

11/20 Investment Pitch (Group 1)

Attendance mandatory

11/22 Investment Pitch (Group 2)

Attendance mandatory

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Attendance mandatory

11/27 Business Reports

Social Media Project due (optional) Chapter 10 (pp. 346-353 and 361-372)

11/29 Thanksgiving

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12/4 Exam 2

Chapters 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, and 12

12/6 Reading Day No Classes

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Packet B due in class before the final exam starts Section 005 (MWF, 10:00 am-10:50 am): Final exam on Saturday, December 7, 8 am-10 am Section 006 (MWF, 11:00 am-11:50 am): Final exam on Monday, December 9, 10:30 am-12:30 pm Section 007 (MWF, 1:00 pm-1:50 pm): Final exam on Saturday, December 7, 10:30 am-12:30 pm Section 009 (MWF, 2:00 pm-2:50 pm): Final exam on Monday, December 9, 1:30 pm-3:30 pm

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