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36:016 Business and Professional Communication

Description of Course/Curriculum Fit:

Communicating in business and professional settings can be very different from everyday conversations. Thus, the main objective of this course is for students to recognize the differences between everyday and professional communication and develop the skills to adapt to the business world accordingly. This course emphasizes the performative aspects of communication in professional settings; therefore, students will be required to actively participate in class discussions and activities.

This is a practice course. These courses focus on the production and practice of communication. The primary objective of these courses is the acquisition of practical skillsÑhowever modest. At the introductory level students often spend a large part of the course learning to recognize and understand the communication skills of others (whether they be interpersonal, public speaking, or media communication skills). Students are trained to be skilled observers of communication practices, as well as informed practitioners.

There are no prerequisites for this course.

Course Goals:

Specifically, the student should expect to achieve the following goals by the end of the semester:

    1. Confidence in developing and presenting individual and group presentations.
    2. The ability to craft effective written documents for business and professional audiences.
    3. Knowledge and practice of the skills for effective employment interviewing.
    4. . Skills for providing professional feedback.
    5. The ability to think critically about and analyze professional interactions.
    6. Knowledge about a particular career field or interest.

Suggested Textbooks:

DiSanza, J. R., & Legge, N. J. (2003). Business and professional communication: Plans, processes, and performance (2nd ed.). Boston, MA: Allyn & Bacon. ISBN: 020535954X

Gaut, D. A., & Perrigo, E. M. (1997). Business and professional communication for the 21st century. Boston, MA: Allyn & Bacon, Inc. ISBN: 0133035794

Hartley, P., & Bruckmann, C. (2001). Business communication. New York, NY: Routledge. ISBN: 0415195500

Locker, K. O., & Kaczmarek, S. K. (2003). Business communication: Building critical skills (2nd ed.). Columbus, OH: McGraw-Hill Companies. ISBN: 0072865717

In addition, many instructors require supplementary books on resumes, cover letters, and/or interviewing.

Typical Workload/Assignments:

Resume, Cover Letter, Follow-Up Letter, Job Interview, Group Presentation, Individual Presentations, Quizzes, Midterm Exam, and Final Exam. Some instructors have chosen to incorporate non-profit information in the course by assigning a grant writing unit.

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