BROOKLYN COLLEGE
Department of Speech Communication
Business and Professional Communication
SPEC 2623 Section ER6 (Course Code 0667)
Fall, 2012, Thursday, 6:30pm-9::00pm
3420 Boylan Hall
Dr. Foulger
Office: 406S Whitehead Hall

Syllabus

Discussion Notes / Assignments (Class Moodle)

Course Description

Business and Professional Communication: an applied course that seeks to improve workplace communication skills. We will cover a lot of ground in the course, including basic communication theory, intercultural communication, interpersonal communication, small group communication, interviewing, and presentations, but we'll try to do so in an practical and integrated way. You will do real work in groups that will be constructed using an interviewing process and which will do practical work. Along the way you'll wind up learning something about the stock market (which will be the focus of your research, group work, and presentations) as well.

Text

Adler, R. and Elmhorst , J.M.  (2009).  Communicating at Work: Principles and Practices for Business and the Professions, 10th Edition. McGraw-Hill.

Additional Materials

Outcomes Assessment

Instructions for Accessing the Moodle Discussion/Learning Space

  1. Point your web browser at http://messageecologies.com/ed
  2. Click on "Login" at the bottom of the screen.
  3. If you haven't accessed this Moodle before.
    1. Press the "Create New Account" button in the right column of the login screen.
    2. You'll be asked to fill in a series of fields that include your user ID, password, e-mail address, location, etc. Fill them in as accurately as you can. Remember your userid and password. You will need them to log in again.
    3. When processing of this page completes you will be sent an e-mail at the address you specify. Open that e-mail and confirm your registration by pressing the confirmation link in the e--mail.
    4. When you submit this page you will enter the moodle environment. If you see a button marked courses, press it. You will see this course (Business Communication Fall, 2012) listed. Select the course.
  4. If you are already registered for this Moodle, enter your user id and Password and then select "Business Communication Fall, 2012".
  5. You will be asked for a key. It is "2623fall2012". Pay attention to case. All letters must be written in lower case.

Course Rules

  1. Attendance is required for all classes, including the final exam period. Punctuality is much desired.
  2. Complete reading assignments, questions, and think assignments prior to coming to class. Be prepared to discuss the readings and your questions.
  3. Write and present using your own words. Reference the ideas you use to the original sources. Plagiarism and cheating will are unacceptable.
  4. Unexcused late assignments will be penalized 1/2 of a letter grade if one period late and one full grade thereafter.

Good Advice

  1. The reading and writing load for this course shouldn't be particularly challenging. Readings will average around 40 pages a week. There are several exercises, including a group presentation and management presentation, but they will generally be are linked and will be set up by other assignments. There are, however, lots of little assignments along the way. If you can't keep up with the readings, papers, or other assignments, you may want to drop the course early on. 

  2. Keep a copy of any assignment you submit, just in case the original gets lost. 
  3. Write your name on the front of any assignment you submit.
  4. Assuming you work on a computer, maintain backups of your paper in a reliable and convenient format. USB flash drives work on just about all computers now, can be readily obtained for less than $20.00, and are much less likely to fail than diskettes. Assume the worst. Maintain two backups.
  5. If at any time you find yourself confused or have questions, especially in terms of the writing assignments, please ask me (either in class or in private) for help. One person's question may help countless others in class. If you can't meet me during my office hours, we can probably find another time.
  6. Please speak with me confidentially if you have a disabling condition that may require some accommodation in class. I'm here to help.