OST1335 –Business Communications CRN12936

8:30 am – 9:45 am Tuesday and Thursday

Course Description & Prerequisites – OST 1335 3 3 0 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 employments package consisting of resumes, application letters and job interviewing techniques. (Special Fee:  $25.00)

Term & Year: Fall Term, 2004-2005

Name of the Instructor:  Storm Russo

Office Building and Room Number: Building 1, Room 143

Office Hours: Posted on Office Door (will announce during first week of class)

Contact Number: 407-582-2348  srusso@valenciacollege.edu

Course Text and Supplemental Materials: Guffey, M.E. (2002). Business Communication: Process & Product. 4th Edition. Mason, OH: South-Western

Course Outcomes (or objectives) - Upon completion of this course the student will demonstrate the ability to describe and explain:

• 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.

Important Dates:

Withdrawal Deadline – November 5^th, 2004

Credit Classes Do Not Meet - Sept 6, Sept 21, Oct 5, Oct 7, Nov 24-27

Final Exam – Dec 16 (Attendance Required)
Tentative Course Schedule

Valencia Student Core Competencies

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. 

Evaluation Process

• 25% of final grade = Average of all In-Class and Homework Activities
• 25% of final grade = Average of Tests
• 20% of final grade = Career Exploration Paper
• 20% of final grade = Presentation
• 10% of final grade = Final Exam
• NO LATE ASSIGNMENTS WILL BE ACCEPTED

Attendance /Tardiness / Withdrawal Policy 

Regularity in classroom attendance and punctuality is vital to academic success.  Students are expected to attend class regularly and punctually.  Students who do not maintain regular attendance and who fall behind in their work may be withdrawn by the professor.  A student may withdraw at any time during the term in Atlas.  Students will receive a W  if withdrawn by November 5^th, 2004.  After this date, if a student withdraws or is withdrawn by the professor for excessive absences or other reasons, the professor will assign a grade of WP (withdrawn passing) or WF (withdrawn failing), based upon the student’s academic achievement in the class as of the last day of attendance.  W and WP will not be counted in the grade point average.  WF will be calculated as an F in the grade point average. 

Make-Up Policy for Examinations and All Other Assignments: 

No Make-Up tests will be given.  All test dates are published and announced.  If it is necessary to miss a test, students must make arrangements with the instructor and take the test BEFORE the original date.  No Make-Up assignments or LATE Assignments will be given or accepted.

Expected 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 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 Honesty:  

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.

Computer/Equipment Use Policy

Use of computers in the Business, IT, and Public Services classrooms at Valencia College is restricted to those activities designated by the instructor to enhance the class materials.  Any other use is strictly forbidden.  Inappropriate use includes, but is not limited to:

            Use of computer to send E-mail or access Internet sites not specifically assigned in class.

            Use of computer for job, internship, homework or other activities not assigned in class.

            Modifying any hardware or software system configuration or setting.

            Activities not in accordance with the Valencia Student Code of Conduct

Use of computers in the departmental open lab is limited to those activities involved with preparing homework or coursework in this department and is subject to the same restriction as listed above.

Computer use is remotely monitored; any student using computers inappropriately may be subject to dismissal from class or banishment from the lab.  Subsequent offense may be sent to the campus administration for further disciplinary action.

Students with Disabilities

Students with disabilities who qualify for academic accommodations must provide a notification from the Office for Students with Disabilities (OSD) and discuss specific needs with the instructor, preferably during the first two weeks of class.  The Office for Students with Disabilities determines accommodations based on appropriate documentation of disabilities.  The East Campus Office is located in Building 5, Room 216.

Disclaimer Statement

This outline may be altered, at the instructor’s discretion, during the course of the term.  It is the responsibility of the student to make any adjustments as announced.