Mar 28, 2024  
2019 - 2020 Cowley College Academic Catalog 
    
2019 - 2020 Cowley College Academic Catalog [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

BUS1640 BUSINESS COMMUNICATIONS COURSE PROCEDURE


BUS1640 BUSINESS COMMUNICATIONS

3 Credit Hours

Student Level:

This course is open to students on the college level in either the freshman or the sophomore year.

Catalog Description:

BUS1640 - Business Communications (3 hrs.)

Students will learn principles that apply to the major types of business letters and the application of those principles in the actual construction of effective business letters and report writing. Emphasis on letter mechanics, organized thinking, and practical psychology.

Course Classification:

Lecture

Prerequisites:

None

Controlling Purpose:

Business Communications is designed to cover the communication skills that are necessary in a high-technology global business environment. These skills include competencies in written and oral communication; an awareness of international, legal, and ethical issues; the ability to work collaboratively on group projects; and proficiency in using microcomputers.

Learner Outcomes:

  • Communication Foundations: The student will learn the foundations of communicating the workplace.
  • Technology: The student will apply current technology in producing business documents with correct grammatical applications and will use various forms of technology for classroom assignments and research.
  • Writing Effective Communication: The student will analyze the purpose of a business message and apply the correct plan of organization in writing an effective communication.
  • Individual Strengths: The student will analyze individual strengths and apply them in career communication.
  • Oral Presentation Techniques: The student will learn and apply oral presentation techniques.

Unit Outcomes for Criterion Based Evaluation:

The following defines the minimum core content not including the final examination period. Instructors may add other content as time allows.

UNIT 1: Communication Foundations

Outcomes:   The student will learn the foundations of communicating in the workplace.

  • Identify the process of communication
  • Identify and describe the ways to overcome interpersonal communication barriers
  • Understand and apply techniques for communicating in organizations
  • Identify the skills needed to work in groups and teams
  • Understand team development, roles, and conflict
  • Understand the listening process and identify techniques for improving listening skills
  • Identify the characteristics of successful teams and understand the importance of developing individual teamwork skills
  • Develop an understanding of alternate meeting formats, including virtual meetings
  • Apply collaboration technologies to facilitate meetings, manage projects, and make decisions
  • Develop a sensitivity to cultural differences and understand the importance of intercultural communication
  • Work together to reach a common goal
  • Participate in group and team verbal communications

UNIT 2: Writing Effective Communication

Outcomes: The student will analyze the purpose of a business message and apply the correct plan of organization in writing an effective communication.

  • Develop and apply techniques for analyzing, anticipating, adapting, researching, organizing, composing, revising, proofreading, and evaluating written documents
  • Understand the legal responsibilities of written messages
  • Create the appropriate type of written communication based on the message to be communicated
  • Create business reports, proposals, and formal reports
  • Determine specific activities to accomplish a task and order of procedures to accomplish the task

UNIT 3: Technology

Outcomes:  The student will apply current technology in producing business documents with correct grammatical applications and will use various forms of technology for classroom assignments and research.

  • Apply electronic means of storage, printing, and retrieval of information
  • Use the Internet for classroom assignments and research
  • Use and proper care for information technology equipment

UNIT 4: Individual Strengths

Outcomes:  The student will analyze individual strengths and apply them in career communication.

  • Develop a resume and accompanying application letter
  • Develop an electronic employment portfolio
  • Participate in simulated interview

UNIT 5: Oral Presentation Techniques

Outcomes: The student will learn and apply oral presentation techniques.

  • Learn techniques for giving effective oral presentations
  • Participate in a group project and deliver an oral presentation

Textbook:

Contact Bookstore for current textbook.

Materials/Equipment Required:

Microcomputer

Attendance Policy:

Students should adhere to the attendance policy outlined by the instructor in the course syllabus.

Grading Policy:

The grading policy will be outlined by the instructor in the course syllabus.

Maximum class size:

Based on classroom occupancy

Course Timeframe:

The U.S. Department of Education, Higher Learning Commission and the Kansas Board of Regents define credit hour and have specific regulations that the college must follow when developing, teaching and assessing the educational aspects of the college. A credit hour is an amount of work represented in intended learning outcomes and verified by evidence of student achievement that is an institutionally-established equivalency that reasonably approximates not less than one hour of classroom or direct faculty instruction and a minimum of two hours of out-of-class student work for approximately fifteen weeks for one semester hour of credit or an equivalent amount of work over a different amount of time. The number of semester hours of credit allowed for each distance education or blended hybrid courses shall be assigned by the college based on the amount of time needed to achieve the same course outcomes in a purely face-to-face format.

Refer to the following policies:

402.00 Academic Code of Conduct

263.00 Student Appeal of Course Grades

403.00 Student Code of Conduct

Disability Services Program: 

Cowley College, in recognition of state and federal laws, will accommodate a student with a documented disability. If a student has a disability which may impact work in this class which requires accommodations, contact the Disability Services Coordinator.