MGMT 122 Syllabus

 

Course Syllabus:  Syllabus MGMT 122

COURSE SYLLABUS Bus 222 and MTG 122

 

Business Writing (BUS-222) Section: 11896 SPRING 20158Room: A-108 Day/Time:  Tues 6:00 PM–9:10PM Office hours: By appointment instructor: Mr. Rob Allington_Robin@sac.edu Textbook  You do not need to buy a textbook, however, I will reference McGraw Hill's Concise Guide to Writing Reseach Papers By Kenneth W Davis Phd.  &Business Correspondence; a guide to everyday Writing Second Edition by Lin Lougheed

 

Welcome to my class! Welcome to Business Writing!  I look forward to our time together, and consider it a privilege to be your instructor this term.  The way we write plays a huge part in the way people perceive our intellect and abilities.  This is especially true at work regardless of your chosen career path.  Your communications skills will help you get hired and promoted (or keep you from getting hired and promoted if they are not adequate

 

Santa Ana College Mission Statement The mission of Santa Ana College is to be a leader and partner in meeting the intellectual, cultural, technological, workforce and economic development needs of our diverse community. Santa Ana College prepares students for transfer, employment, careers and lifelong intellectual pursuits in a dynamic learning environment. Business Division Mission Statement  The mission of the Business Division is to prepare Santa Ana College students for professional careers in business and to provide a transfer pathway from the Community College to University. The Business Division offers courses and programs of study that emphasize excellence in teaching with content. 

 

Course Description Overview of oral and written communication skills used in business. Emphasizes guidelines for improving writing and speaking skills, common solutions to common communication problems, ethical issues facing business communicators today, instructions on how to identify areas of legal vulnerability, and tested techniques for communicating successfully in today's high-tech, international business environment. We will also do practical writing assignments and presentations related to social media writing assignments such as created Linked in and Facebook advestising.

 

Assignments & Grading Homework assignments   250 Writing Assignments (in class) 350 Term Paper 50 Term Paper Rough Draft 50 Individual Presentations 50 Group Presentations & Paper 100 Cover Letter & Resume 50 Participation 100 Total 1000 

A: 100%-91% | B: 90%-81% | C: 80%-71% | D: 70%-61% | F: <61% Extra Credit 

 

Extra credit can be earned.  You and I will negotiate the nature of the extra credit assignment and how much it will be worth in terms of points.  Bring me your own ideas if you have some and don’t be afraid to be creative – but it has to relate to the course. Writing Assignments As one of my favorite writing instructors once said, “You learn to write by writing.”  Written assignments will largely e done in-class and relate to the current chapter we are covering.  For instance, if we are covering persuasive messages, the writing assignment for that week will be on, yes, creating a persuasive message.  These works will be graded and marked-up for errors or other issues.  DO NOT be discouraged if you get a heavily marked-up paper – after all, you’re still learning!   Homework Assignments Homework includes assignments that will be given in-class that will focus on areas and topics where I think there might be some need of ‘reinforcement’.  It also includes the assigned reading from our textbook.  An inability to participate in class discussions due to not having read the assigned reading may result in homework points penalties. Term Paper (and rough draft) The term paper will be on a topic of mutual agreement.  I will have ideas for you, and you are encouraged to bring forward your own ideas.  The term paper will highlight your abilities to organize a larger work than what is done with our in-class writing assignments.  You will also learn some basic but very useful tips and tricks in MSWord that will help you for the rest of your college and professional careers (you’re welcome).  As for length, plan on about 5 to 8 real pages of writing (double spaced). Individual Presentations Composing and delivering presentations is an important part of being successful in business.  This course is an opportunity for you to learn, develop, and practice these skills.  Yes – you can do your presentation on your term paper topic if you so choose (you’re welcome again). Group Presentation and Paper 

Working with others to compose and deliver presentations is an important part of being successful in business – and is often far more difficult than doing one on your own.  This course is an opportunity for you to learn, develop, and practice not only group presentation skills, but the skills it takes to work effectively in a group of diverse individuals.  The paper for this presentation will be discussed later this term. Cover Letter and Resume You might not be ready to look for a job immediately after you finished this class, but someday you’re going to benefit from learning the skills it takes to create an effective cover letter and resume.  The course is a great place to learn those skills and start a ‘living resume’ that will grow as you do. Exams We will have a midterm and final exam that will cover major themes and topics.  These will be comprised of multiple choice and short answer questions.  You can use one 8.5x11 sheet of paper, one-sided, of handwritten (in your handwriting) notes. 

 

Course Policies Attendance Policy 

In accordance with the college drop policy, students who do not access the class web site or submit the “first assignments” by the due date may be dropped as a no show. Students who fail to turn in the weekly assignments and or participate in the discussion boards will be considered “absent” and may be dropped from the class for “excessive absence.” Students are responsible to officially drop the class or they will receive a letter grade based on their performance. No Show Drop: In this course, you must complete all of the following activities by Friday of the first week of classes or you will be dropped as a “No Show”: 1. Send your instructor an email using the 

following subject: BUS222 – Your Name – First Email 2. Post a new thread on Discussion board Week #1, following directions described in the thread, and respond to at least two students 3. Complete the Orientation Quiz Excessive Absence Drop: If two consecutive weeks of non-participation is observed by the instructor the student will be dropped. Prerequisite English 101 – Students who need to improve their grammar skills should spend time in SAC’s Success Center to work on grammar. We also have a special program to help with your grammar. The Success Center is located in Room 206 on the 2nd floor of the SAC library. Class Participation (review for redundancies with above paragraph) You are wanted!  And your participation in class is greatly appreciated (and also required).  Therefore, good attendance and reporting to class on time are important. Excessive absences and lack of participation will result in you not learning the course material (and hence also result in you being dropped from the class).  We don’t want that, so be here for class.

 

Drop Dates TBD Last day to drop a full-semester class with enrollment fee refund and no "W" grade.  Not full-semester courses = 10% of the course - Please refer to the section information via WebAdvisor for a specific section date. 

TBD Last date to drop a full-semester class with a "W" grade. Not full-semester courses = 10% of the course - Please refer to the section information via WebAdvisor for a specific section date. 

Make-up Policy There will be no make-up assignments except for illness (doctor’s note) or a death in the family.  Cell Phones? No…  There will be consequences. Santa Ana College Honesty Policy A student found cheating on an exam or assignment will receive a grade of “0” for that exam or assignment. A second instance of cheating will result in a failing grade for the class and will be reported to the Dean of Student Services for further disciplinary action. Students are responsible for reading and complying with all aspects of the “Standards of Conduct for Computer Classrooms and Computer Labs”. Santa Ana College is eager to accommodate students with disabilities. It is the responsibility of the student to inform the instructor of any special needs in a timely manner. 

 

ACCOMMODATIONS FOR DISABILITIES Your success in this course is important to me. Santa Ana College and I are committed to providing reasonable accommodations for all individuals with disabilities. If you have a disability that may have some impact on your ability to do well in this course, I encourage you to speak with me as soon as possible. Also, please contact Disabled Student Programs & Services so that we can all collaborate on your classroom accommodations in a timely manner. DSP&S is located in U-103 and their phone number is 714-564-6264. The DSP&S office requires documentation of your disability in order to receive reasonable accommodations. If you do not have documentation they will work with you to acquire it. I look forward to supporting you to meet your learning goals. 

 

***This syllabus is subject to change at the discretion of the instructor***   

Weekly Agenda (This may – and likely will – change based on how we progress through the term) 

 

02/06 Introductions and general course discussion I will have you provide a writing sample in class. I will show you my strategy for writing term papers on anything to do with Business regardless of the topic.

 

02/13 We will have a  discussion of Module one Interpersonal and Group Communication.  Review Sample Writing Assessment, Group Discussions and sharing of opinions on Channel Selection Case Scenario(s).  Introduction to basic online research and citations for term paper development In-class writing assignment provided:  Outline pros/cons for selected communication channel(s) and/or expanding on themes of appropriate channel selection for different types of messages. HW: Reading assignment online from open sources will be provided

 

2/20 Module  2 review and discussion of Communicating Electronically.  Group work on rephrasing passive sentences to active sentences. Perform rewrites to sections from your original Sample Writing Assessment to improve attention-getting, readability, and ‘message power’ using themes from this chapter.  In class writing assignment HW: Bring a term paper topic to class for approval next week! 

 

2/27 Module 3 review and discussion on Communicating Electronically.  Review instructor feedback from Sample Writing Assessment rewrites done last week. Discuss the concept of ‘peer review’ in workplace.  Discuss primary business communications ‘formats’ (email, memo, business letters, etc.) and their use. Create a business-appropriate email message (topic TBD), perform peer review(s), edit accordingly, and turn in for instructor feedback. Discuss strategies for conducting and using research for and in your term paper.  

 

3/06 Module 4 review and discussion of Good- and Neutral-News Messages. Critical review of writing samples (may include actual edits, time permitting).  Discuss why neutral messages are of critical importance to your credibility and how you are perceived by others at work.  Review the In-Class Writing Assessment assignments – the first one is day-aftertomorrow. Discuss formats and channels appropriate for IN-CLASS WRITING ASSESSMENT #1:  Creating and delivering Good/Neutral-News Messages.! 

 

3/13 Module 5 review and discussion of Bad News Messages.  Sensitivity and channel selection strategies.  Strategic use of the passive voice.  Discuss the pros/cons of the traditional “sandwich” strategy of wrapping a criticism between two compliments (Warning: I have an opinion :).     Review last week’s Writing Assessment (areas to watch this-time-‘round). IN-CLASS WRITING ASSESSMENT #2:  Creating and delivering Bad-News Messages.  HW: Read supplemental materials I will provide. 

 

3/20 Module 6 and supplemental materials review and discussion of Delivering Persuasive Messages.  Sales messages vs other persuasive messages.  Why your instructor believes this is the most important skill in the field of business communications (just my opinion).   Review last week’s Writing Assessment (areas to watch this-time-‘round). IN-CLASS WRITING ASSESSMENT #3:  Creating and Delivering Persuasive Messages.  HW: Read materials I provide! 

 

03/26  Reseach proposal/rough draft of Term Paper due Module 7 review and discussion of Understanding the Report Process and Research Methods. Discusssion of Stats and  How to lie with statistics

 

04/02 Module 8 review and discussion of Managing Data and Using Graphics.  Overview and practice on creating charts and graphs in Excel. Create a group Presentation Creating charts and graphs and ‘infographics’ for use in your Term Paper. HW:Work on your term paper! 

 

04/09 Module 9 review and discussion of Organizing and Preparing Reports and Proposals. 10/29 IN-CLASS WRITING ASSESSMENT #4: Business Letter using email (properly formatted), subject to be decided instructor.  HW: work on term paper

 

04/16 Module 10 review and discussion of Designing and Delivering Business Presentations.  Begin Individual practice at podium on pre-prepared, very simple topic– concentrating on body language, eye contact, use of space, vocal clarity, pacing, and other concepts from the chapter.  Constructive feedback from group (warning – we might record these for analysis). Presentation skills practice continues.   HW: work on term paper! 

 

04/23 Module 11 Individual Presentations (warning – we might record these for analysis later.  Oh yea, and ‘dress to impress’.) INDIVIDUAL TERM PAPER DRAFT of PROGRESS (NOT FINAL, BUT DRAFT) DUE FOR DISCUSSION WITH INSTRUCTOR  Individual Presentations (if needed), praise and constructive feedback on presentations.  HW: Read Next Chapter! 

 

04/30 Module 12 review and discussion of Preparing Resumes and Application Messages.  Selecting a sample job from Indeed.com.  Begin drafting a cover letter and resume 11/19 Chapter 14 review and discussion of Interviewing for a Job and Preparing Employment Messages. 

 

05/01 Peer/instructor reviews of cover letters and resume.  Conduct mock interviews.

 

05/8 FINAL IN-CLASS WRITING ASSESSMENT (#5) – Details TBD FINAL COVER LETTER AND RESUME DUE.

 

05/13 Catchup session and work on term paper 

 

05/20 Group presentation due

 

05/27  Group discussion of Business Communications issue and a structured academic debate around this issue

 

06/04 TERM PAPER/ If you do not bring it to class it will not be accepted without medical note/ Watch a film as group

 

 

 

 

 

 

Meet Your Instructor: Rob Allington MBA CVA Allington_Robin@sac.edu

 

Course Description:  You will learn business and communication fundamentals for both practical business and academic purposes; See syllabus 

Textbook Information: 

You do not need to buy a textbook, however, I will reference McGraw Hill's Concise Guide to Writing Reseach Papers By Kenneth W Davis Phd.  &Business Correspondence; a guide to everyday Writing Second Edition by Lin Lougheed

Additional Course Information: