Valencia College

Business Communications Spring Term 2003/2004

OST1335 CRN 22588

Instructor:  Storm Russo  

E-mail: srusso@mail.valencia.cc.fl.us or jrusso@atlas.valenciacollege.edu

Phone:  407-582-2348      Office and Office Hours:  As Posted, Portable 2C

Web Page:  http://faculty.valencia.cc.fl.us/srusso/

Course Description:  BUSINESS COMMUNICATIONS:  
 This course presents an overview of business communications, including international considerations, and focuses on constructing, formatting and proofreading good news, bad news, and persuasive business messages.  Preparation and formatting of proposals, business reports and oral presentations are included.  Students will proofread, review grammar, and create an employment package consisting of resumes, application letters and job interviewing techniques.  (Special Fee:  $25.00)

Prerequisite:  None. 

Course Outcomes and Core Competencies: Upon completion of this course the student will demonstrate the ability to:

• Understand the process of communication from the positions of "receiver" and "sender" in a variety of business and professional contexts. 
• Apply specific reasoned, practical, and ethical business communication principles to composing and delivering typical business and professional messages. 
• Enhance awareness of communication contexts and practices in other cultures. 
• Practice business communication skills in both independent and collaborative/team situations.

This course seeks to reinforce the following Valencia Student Competencies:

• Think clearly, critically and creatively by analyzing, synthesizing, integrating and evaluating symbolic works and truth claims.
• Reflect on your own and other’s values form individual, cultural, and global perspectives.
• Communicate by reading, listening, writing and speaking effectively.
• Act purposefully, reflectively and responsibly by implementing effective problem solving and decision making strategies. 

Attendance:

• Valencia's attendance policy is that a student will be present for all class meetings (see college catalog). After two absences (one in a night class), a student will receive a warning notice, and may be withdrawn at any time at the discretion of the instructor.
• Continual tardiness or leaving early will be viewed as absences and/or a disruption of class (see conduct code in catalog).

Withdrawal From Class:

 A student may withdraw at any time before or on March 26, 2004 and receive a W for a grade. After this date, if a student withdraws or is withdrawn by the professor for excessive absences or other reasons, the professor will assign a withdrawal grade of WP (Withdrawn Passing) or WF (Withdrawn Failing), based upon the student's academic achievement in class as of the last day of attendance. A W or WP will not be counted in the grade point average; a WF will be calculated as an F in the grade point average. If the student fails to take the required final examination, the professor will assign a WF.

 Textbook and Materials:

• Guffey, M.E. (2002). Business Communication: Process & Product. 4th Edition. Mason, OH: South-Western
• Reference Books as needed.

 Grading

Evaluation

• 30% of final grade = Average of all In-class and Book Activities
• 20% of final grade = Career Exploration Paper
• 20% of final grade = Oral Presentation
• 20% of final grade = Tests and Quizzes
• 10% of final grade = Final Exam
• NO LATE ASSIGNMENTS WILL BE ACCEPTED.  NO MAKE-UP TESTS WILL BE GIVEN.

 Student Conduct:

Valencia College is dedicated not only to the advancement of knowledge and learning but is concerned with the development of responsible personal and social conduct.  By enrolling at Valencia College, a student assumes the responsibility for becoming familiar with and abiding by the general rules of conduct.  The primary responsibility for managing the classroom environment rests with the faculty.  Students who engage in any prohibited or unlawful acts that result in disruption of a class may be directed by the faculty member to leave the class.   Violation of any classroom or Valencia’s rules may lead to disciplinary action up to and including expulsion from Valencia.   Disciplinary action could include being withdrawn from class, disciplinary warning, probation, suspension, expulsion, or other appropriate and authorized actions.  You will find the Student Code of Conduct in the current Valencia Student Handbook.

Academic Dishonesty:

Each student is expected to be in complete compliance with the college policy on academic honesty as set forth in the college catalog and the student handbook.  Any student cheating on and exam will receive a zero on the exam and the professor, at his discretion, can withdraw the student from the class.

DISCLAIMER 

Changes may be made to the syllabus at any time during the term by announcement of professor followed by a revised printed copy.  It is the responsibility of the student to make any adjustments as announced.

Note To Students With Disabilities:

Please schedule a conference with the instructor so that we can arrange assignments or testing to assure your best chance to succeed in this course.