Business Communication 128 – Online
Cuyamaca College
Spring 2020
Cuyamaca College – www.cuyamaca.edu
Online Platform – https://gcccd.instructure.com/
Prerequisites – “C” grade or higher or “Pass” in ENGL 110 or equivalent
3.0 Units
Instructor: Dr. Michael Aubry
Phone: Office – (619) 660-4217, Cell – (619) 757-7124
Email: [email protected], [email protected]
Skype Username: mbaaubry
Office Number: E-111B
Office Hours: Tuesday/Thursday – 7:30 to 9:30 (AM)
Online Office Hours – Monday – 7:00 to 8:00 AM
Text: Bovee. Business Communication Today, 14th Edition. Pearson Education, 2018
Course Description:
Development of the ability to analyze, organize, and compose various types of written and
oral business communications with emphasis on the writing of clear, concise and
persuasive letters, memos and reports.
Student Learning Outcomes (rev 10/20/15):
Upon completion of this course, you will
1) Identify strategies for communicating effectively both orally and in writing in today’s
business environment.
2) Define the major characteristics of effective oral and written business communication.
3) Define and apply the five “C’s” of communication to achieve a business-like tone that
is clear, concise, complete, correct, and courteous in both oral and written
communication.
4) Describe and apply the three-step writing process when preparing business reports,
composing memos, letters, good news, bad news and persuasive messages.
Attendance:
Because this class is online and onsite, there is no formal attendance policy; however, your
success depends on your active participation in online discussions and activities.
Format:
The instructional format consists of online activities – this includes the possibility of
discussion boards, Internet research assignments, and writing activities. Each student is
expected to respond to and actively participate in weekly online discussions.
Accommodations:
Students with disabilities who may need accommodations in this class are encouraged to
notify the instructor and contact Disabled Student Services & Programs (DSP&S) early in
the semester so that reasonable accommodations may be implemented as soon as possible.
Students may contact DSP&S in person in Room Z300 or by phone at 619-660-4239 or
619-660-4386 (TTY for deaf).
Tutoring:
The General Tutoring Center provides assistance at no cost to currently enrolled
Cuyamaca College students seeking help with course work. Tutoring is available in a
variety of subjects including business, child development, computer science, foreign
languages, graphic design, all sciences and social science courses. Study groups are
available for certain subjects. The General Tutoring Center is located in the LRC, with all
tutoring by appointment only. Appointments can be made by stopping by the Center. For
more information call (619) 660-4306.
Writing Center:
The Writing Center, located in B-167, provides support for students in any course who
would like assistance with reading, writing, or ESL skills. Thirty minute tutoring sessions
are available by appointment. Drop-in students are also served when scheduling permits.
The Writing Center’s computer lab with wireless Internet access provides a supportive
environment in which students may work on course-related assignments. Reading, writing,
and ESL skill-building software is available for self-paced study. For more information,
please contact (619) 660-4463.
Academic Integrity:
As a student it is important to understand the implications of plagiarism. According
to Webster’s dictionary, plagiarism is defined as “the unauthorized use or close
imitation of the language and thoughts of another author, and the representation of
them as one’s own original work.” Because plagiarism is considered the ultimate
academic offense, it is important for students to be familiar with the various
components of this type of Academic Misconduct. These components are closely
examined on the http://www.plagiarism.org/ website. This website will further
explain the various facets of plagiarism and how you can avoid this by following
various rules; including:
1. Turning in your own work
2. Properly citing your references
3. Paraphrasing properly
You must give credit for any outside references used – this includes: Assignments,
Discussion Boards, and your Research Report.
If you are caught cheating or plagiarizing, the following actions may be taken:
1. Review – no action.
2. An oral reprimand with emphasis on counseling toward prevention of further
occurrences.
3. A requirement that work be repeated.
4. A reduction of the grade earned on the specific work in question, including the
possibility of a failing grade or no credit for the work.
5. A reduction of the course grade as a result of item 4 above including the possibility of a
failing grade for the course, if a failing grade for the work produces such a result.
6. Referral to the office of the Associate Dean of Student Affairs for further administrative
action, such as a failing grade for the course, suspension or expulsion.
Grades:
This class is made up of a variety of assignments. Points will be awarded as follows:
Assignments (3 @ 50 pts. each)
Discussion Boards
Oral Report
Research Report
Tests (2 @ 100 pts. Each)
Total
150 points
160 points
100 points
200 points
200 points
810 points
The instructor will use the plus/minus grading scale for all grades C or above.
Grading Scale: 810 – 786 = A+; 785 – 753 = A; 752 – 729 = A-; 728 – 705 = B+; 704 – 672
= B; 671 – 648 = B-; 647 – 623 = C+; 622 – 567 = C, 566 – 486 = D, 485 and below= F
*****It is the student’s responsibility to monitor their grades throughout the
class and immediately bring to the instructor’s attention any discrepancies.
The instructor will assign grades on the scores posted in Canvas after the last
assignment has been graded. If a score is missing, then it is treated as a -0- if
not brought to the instructor’s attention immediately. If the student needs the
grade so transcripts can be sent to a transfer college, the instructor will not put
that student’s request before other students’ grades that were properly handled.
IN OTHER WORDS, IF YOU SNOOZE, YOU LOSE.
Assignments must be turned in through Canvas as directed. If the assignments
are not showing for the instructor, they cannot be graded. Remember to always
“submit” your assignments. You can tell if it is submitted properly by going to
the grade center and looking at the icon that’s contained in the assignment
column. If it’s a green! then you’ve done it properly. If nothing is there or
there is a note pad, contact me immediately. Do not ask the instructor to check
to see if it has been properly submitted – that responsibility lies with the
student. The problem will arise if the work was submitted in the wrong format.
In that case, resubmit the work with an explanation. Each written assignment
can be submitted twice if necessary*****
Course Requirements:
Discussion Boards:
? One discussion board forums will be posted each week – the first week will include
two (online introduction and biography – this forum is ungraded). Discussion
questions will be posted by Sunday at 6 a.m. each week. Your initial posting and
reply must be received by Saturday at 11:55 p.m. (Pacific Standard Time) the same
week – late work will not be accepted. Discussion topics will be relevant to the
material that is being discussed that week.
? Students are expected to apply the weekly reading towards the discussion
board postings. Please use chapter concepts and terms in your initial posting.
Posts that use the chapter concepts are considered good and above. Posts that
incorporate little if any information from the chapters is considered average or
below. Your posts will also be evaluated to make sure that they are on topic
and incorporate concepts from the weekly readings. Please use full responses
when replying to your classmates (i.e. – responding to your classmates postings with
“that’s cool”, “I agree”, “right on” – in other words, please explain why you agree or
disagree – if you disagree, please do so in a courteous and a professional manner – use
“Netiquette”). You are highly encouraged to reply to your classmates’ postings and bring
outside material to the discussion boards.
? You may find that some student(s) who posted prior to you may have covered the
points you wanted to cover. Explore the material to see if there isn’t something
additional to add or a new perspective.
? Check your grammar and spelling before posting to the discussion boards.
? Do not plagiarize or use texting language on the discussion boards (examples of this
includes OMG, BFF, etc.)
? Do not use profanity, derogatory, or abusive language.
? The discussion boards are left open in case you need to refer to prior postings for
case studies or your final paper. YOU CAN ALWAYS REFER TO THE
MODULES IN CANVAS FOR THE APPROPRIATE DISCUSSION
BOARDS.
Discussion Board Grading Rubric:
? TO RECEIVE TEN POINTS ON THE WEEKLY POSTINGS PLEASE
FOLLOW THESE REQUIREMENTS (Please choose one of the following):
1. One post (answering the initial forum question) AND a minimum of two replies –
an extremely good one paragraph post (this would be a minimum of eight full lines)
and two replies that enhances the discussion and demonstrate mastery of the content.
2. Four one paragraph posts (this would be a minimum of four two-line posts). Four
replies can be done in lieu of answering the initial forum question.
? TO RECEIVE EIGHT TO NINE POINTS ON THE WEEKLY POSTINGS
PLEASE FOLLOW THESE REQUIREMENTS (Please choose one of the
following):
1. One post (answering the initial forum question) AND a minimum of one reply –
an extremely good one paragraph post (this would be a minimum of seven full lines)
and one reply that enhances the discussion and demonstrates mastery of the content.
2. Three one paragraph posts (this would be a minimum of three two-line posts).
Three replies can be done in lieu of answering the initial forum question.
? TO RECEIVE FIVE TO SEVEN POINTS ON THE WEEKLY POSTINGS
PLEASE FOLLOW THESE REQUIREMENTS (Please choose one of the
following):
1. One post (answering the initial forum question) – a one paragraph post (this
would be a minimum of six full lines) no replies.
2. Two one paragraph posts (this would be a minimum of two two-line posts). Two
replies can be done in lieu of answering the initial forum question.
? TO RECEIVE ONE TO FOUR POINTS ON THE WEEKLY POSTINGS
PLEASE FOLLOW THESE REQUIREMENTS (Please choose the following):
1. One post – with below average information (this would be anything below six full
lines)
? TO RECEIVE 0 POINTS ON THE WEEKLY POSTINGS PLEASE
FOLLOW THESE REQUIREMENTS (Please choose the following):
1. No participation on the discussion boards.
Tests:
? Tests ARE open book and timed – therefore it is important that you understand and
have read the material prior to taking the exam – your success is contingent upon
your ability to comprehend the reading assignments. You will have only one
opportunity to complete each exam. You cannot retake an exam. You will be
able to view your results immediately after completing each exam.
Research Report – Selling Overseas and Marketing in Another Country:
? This project should be completed individually.
? Select a product or service that you currently own (or use) and a country that you’re
not familiar with. You are encouraged to select a product or service that is unique
and innovative.
Imagine that you are with the international sales department of the company that
manufactures and sells the item (or service) that you are proposing to make or
introduce in the country you have selected.
The first step is to learn as much as possible about the country where you plan to
market the product. Check almanacs, encyclopedias, the Internet, and library
databases for the most recent information, paying particular attention to descriptions
of the social life of the inhabitants, their economic conditions, and cultural traditions
that encourage or discourage use of the product or service.
? Your Task – Write a five page report that describes the product or service you plan
to market abroad (it must be another country other than the United States); briefly
describes the country you have selected, indicates the types of people who would
find the product or service attractive, explains how the product or service would be
transported or introduced into the country (or possibly manufactured if materials and
labor are readily available in the host country), recommends a location for a regional
sales center, and suggests how the product or service should be sold. Your report is
to be submitted to the chief operating officer of the company, whose name you can
either make up or find in a corporate directory. The report should include your
conclusions (how the product or service will do in this new environment) and your
recommendations for marketing (steps the company should take immediately and
those it should develop later). You are highly encouraged to include financials,
action plan, and a social media strategy.
? General Format –
1. The paper must be typed
2. Use headings within the report when appropriate (please review Pages 430-445 for
Parts of a Formal Report). For this report please include a Cover, Memo of
Transmittal, Table of Contents, Introduction, Body, Summary, Conclusions,
Recommendations, and a Bibliography (The Cover, Memo of Transmittal, Table
of Contents, and Bibliography will not be counted towards the five page
requirement).
3. Plan the paper carefully so as to develop an organized and non-redundant report. It
should be organized and assembled as a continuous report and should not appear to
be several independent segments bound together.
4. You must have a minimum of five sources. Please cite your sources using APA
Format – (the Writing Center can offer assistance if you do not know how to do
this). These five sources must be SCHOLARLY. You should include peerreviewed, journal articles. I would suggest reaching out to the library if you need
help finding these https://www.cuyamaca.edu/academics/support/library/default.aspx.
Some other helpful sites include http://owl.english.purdue.edu/owl/resource/560/01/,
http://owl.english.purdue.edu/owl/resource/557/01/,
http://www.cuyamaca.edu/tpagaard/EnglDept/Resources.htm
Assignments:
? There will be several assignments given during the class. The requirements for
these assignments will be discussed on Canvas before they are due. Your success is
related to your ability to understand and comprehend the lecture material that is
being discussed in class.
Oral Report:
You will be presenting your research report. Because this is an online class it
will have to be a virtual presentation. You will need to create PowerPoint slides
and either (1) “Click to Add Notes” at the bottom of each slide (2) Click on the
“Slide Show” tab in PowerPoint, then click “Record Slide Show” – if you choose
this option, your presentation should be approximately 5-10 minutes in length; or
(3) If you are not sure how to do either of the following two options, then you
will still need to create a PowerPoint Presentation and include a Word Document
explaining the bullets on each slide (use appropriate numbering).
Week #
Assignments/Quizzes/Tests
1
Jan 26 – Feb 1
2
Feb 2 – Feb 8
3
Feb 9 – Feb 15
4
Feb 16 – Feb 22
5
Feb 23 – Feb 29
6
Mar 1 – Mar 7
7
Mar 8 – Mar 14
?
Self Introduction on Discussion Board
?
Weekly Discussion Board Participation – One Topic at Ten Points
?
Please read Chapter 1 – Professional Communication in a Digital, Social,
Mobile World
?
Weekly Discussion Board Participation – One Topic at Ten Points
?
Please read Chapter 2 – Collaboration, Interpersonal Communication, and
Business Etiquette
?
Weekly Discussion Board Participation – One Topic at Ten Points
?
Please read Chapter 3 – Communication Challenges in a Diverse, Global
Marketplace
?
Weekly Discussion Board Participation – One Topic at Ten Points
?
Please read Chapter 4 – Planning Business Messages
?
Assignment #1 DUE – Analyzing Miscommunication – Due Saturday,
February 22nd
?
Weekly Discussion Board Participation – One Topic at Ten Points
?
Please read Chapter 5 – Writing Business Messages
?
Weekly Discussion Board Participation – One Topic at Ten Points
?
Please read Chapter 6 – Completing Business Messages
?
Weekly Discussion Board Participation – One Topic at Ten Points
?
Please read Chapter 10 – Writing Routine and Positive Messages
?
Assignment #2 DUE – Memo – Due Saturday, March 14th
8
Mar 15 – Mar 21
Mar 22 – Mar 28
9
Mar 29 – Apr 4
10
Apr 5 – Apr 11
11
Apr 12 – Apr 18
12
Apr 19 – Apr 25
13
Apr 26 – May 2
14
May 3 – May 9
?
Weekly Discussion Board Participation – One Topic at Ten Points
?
Please read Chapter 11 – Writing Negative Messages
NO CLASS – HAVE A GREAT SPRING BREAK!
?
Weekly Discussion Board Participation – One Topic at Ten Points
?
Exam #1 – Chapters 1-11 (100 Points, 50 Multiple-Choice Questions,
the Exam must be completed before 11:55 p.m. on Saturday, April
4th). The exam will exclude Chapters 7, 8, and 9).
?
Weekly Discussion Board Participation – One Topic at Ten Points
?
Please read Chapter 18 – Building Careers and Writing Resumes
?
Assignment #3 DUE – Resume – Due Saturday, April 11th
?
Weekly Discussion Board Participation – One Topic at Ten Points
?
Please read Chapter 12 – Writing Persuasive Messages
?
Weekly Discussion Board Participation – One Topic at Ten Points
?
Please read Chapter 14 – Planning Reports and Proposals
?
Weekly Discussion Board Participation – One Topic at Ten Points
?
Please read Chapter 15 – Writing and Completing Reports and Proposals
?
Research Report – Due Saturday, May 2nd at 11:55 p.m.
?
Weekly Discussion Board Participation – One Topic at Ten Points
?
Please read Chapter 16 – Developing Presentations in a Social Media
Environment
?
Oral Report – Due Saturday, May 9th at 11:55 p.m.
15
May 10 – May 16
16
May 17 – May 23
17
May 24 – May 26
?
Weekly Discussion Board Participation – One Topic at Ten Points
?
Please read Chapter 19 – Applying and Interviewing for Employment
?
Weekly Discussion Board Participation – One Topic at Ten Points
?
Review for Final Exam
?
Exam #2 – (100 Points, 50 Multiple-Choice Questions, the Exam must
be completed before 11:55 p.m. on Tuesday, May 26th). The exam
will include chapters: 12, 14, 15, 16, 18, and 19.
******LATE WORK WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED*****
*****THIS COURSE ADHERES TO THE POLICIES OUTLINED IN
THE CUYAMACA COLLEGE CATALOGUE. FOR FURTHER
INFORMATION SEE ACADEMIC POLICIES STATED IN THE
CATALOGUE*****
*****THIS SYLLABUS MAY BE SUBJECT TO CHANGE*****
Week #
Assignments/Quizzes/Tests
1
Jan 26 – Feb 1
1
Self Introduction on Discussion Board
.
Weekly Discussion Board Participation – One Topic at Ten Points
Please read Chapter 1 – Professional Communication in a Digital, Social,
Mobile World
2
Feb 2- Feb 8
.
Weekly Discussion Board Participation – One Topic at Ten Points
• Please read Chapter 2 – Collaboration, Interpersonal Communication, and
Business Etiquette
3
Feb 9 – Feb 15
Weekly Discussion Board Participation – One Topic at Ten Points
Please read Chapter 3 – Communication Challenges in a Diverse, Global
Marketplace
4
Feb 16 – Feb 22
Weekly Discussion Board Participation – One Topic at Ten Points
Please read Chapter 4 – Planning Business Messages
.
Assignment #1 DUE – Analyzing Miscommunication – Due Saturday,
February 22nd

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