Proffessional Communication Syllabus
 
Monroe Community College
Professional Communication, English 250
Spring, 1998

INSTRUCTOR: Donna H. Cox Phone: 292-3377      Office: 5-534 Office Hours: MWF 8:00–9:00
                                                                                                                                     TR 11:00–12:00

NOTE:
English 101 or its equivalent is a prerequisite for this class. At any point I discover you have not met this requirement, I will withdraw you from this class. (I do check records.) COURSE DESCRIPTION: English 250 is a study of writing, speaking, and listening for the pre-professional and business student emphasizing awareness of audience, clarity, organization, appropriate language and format. OBJECTIVES: Upon successful completion of English 250, students will be able to do the following:
    1. understand the principles of professional communication
    2. analyze an audience and understand the importance of knowing an audience
    3. write business communications that are precise, clear, concise, and relatively free of mechanical errors
    4. read, analyze, and evaluate professional communication
    5. demonstrate research skills as they relate to professional communication
    6. demonstrate the ability to use a computer to write a variety of professional communication documents
    7. ask questions willingly and effectively
REQUIRED MATERIALS: Business Communication, Guffey, M. E.

Dictionary (optional)

Floppy disk for Macintosh Computer

 ATTENDANCE: Attendance is mandatory. See College Bulletin. After 3 absences I may withdraw you from this class, but do not assume I will withdraw you if you simply quit coming to class. Formal withdrawal is your responsibility. (Exceeding the allowed absences after it's too late for me to withdraw you will result in a one letter grade cut per absence.) COURSE

REQUIREMENTS:

Students must fulfill the following requirements:
    1. letters and memoranda
    2. reports and abstracts
    3. résumé
All major (6+ pts.) assignments and all major oral presentations must be completed to pass this course.

EXAMINATIONS:

The course will not have a midterm or a final, but quizzes will be given at the instructor's discretion. GRADING: See attached sheet. PAPERS: Note the following directions and warnings.
    1. All assignments must be typed or computer generated.
    2. Late papers are ineligible for a rewrite, are accepted only at my discretion, and will receive a grade cut. (One week maximum for late papers.)
    3. Staple papers, use a paper clip, or simply write your name on all pages. Do not dog-ear or fold.
    4. Put name, date, and section number in the upper right hand corner of all papers that do not already contain your name.
    5. Date all correspondence.
    6. Excessive spelling errors will result in an unacceptable paper.(I consider more than three errors excessive.)
    7. Your absence does not automatically extend a due date;papers are due as stated on your assignment sheet.
    8. All letters and memos must be signed or initialed to be acceptable.(I do not evaluate unsigned correspondence.)
    9. Three papers may be rewritten for a better grade. Remember: late papers may not be rewritten.
 
I will feel free to refuse or penalize any papers that do not follow these guidelines.
Tentative Grading Scale
Professional Communications, Spring, 1998

 

ASSIGNMENTS Unacceptable Acceptable Superior Penalty

___________________________________________________________________________
    1. Letter of Introduction 0 1 2
    2. Résumé 0 2 4
    3. Letter of Application 0 2 4
    4. Revision Assignments 0 3 6
    5. Oral Presentation - your choice 0 2 4
    6. Short Report 0 4 8
    7. Abstracts —Informative 0 2 4
    8. Descriptive 0 1 2
    9. Letters Bad News 0 2 4
    10. Progress Report(s) 0 2 4
    11. Organization Assignment 0 1 2
    12. In class writings (3) 0 3 6
    13. Photo journal 0 2 4
    14. Final Project - Written Prop. (g) 0 7 14
    15. Oral Pres. (i) 0 3 6
    16. Journal (i) 0 1 2
    17. Attendance 0 1 2
    18. Class Participation 0 1 2
0 44 88

Note the following important information:

All major (6 pts.+) assignments and all oral presentations must be completed to pass this course.

Rewrites deadline: May 3, 1998 (Must submit original with rewrites.)

Rewrite grading: Original 1/3, rewrite 2/3.

Note: Rewrites not permissible on late papers.

Scale:

81–88 A 54–8 C+ 39–43 D+

74–80 A- 49–53 C 34–38 D

70–73 B+ 44–48 C- 30–33 D-

64–69 B 0–29 F

59–63 B-
 
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