W3 = Preview (Days 11 - 15)

Mon. - Ice Breaker (sales), Review of Career Search Project
Weds. - Lecture (professor and small group)
Thurs. - Library research (continued) - Pending outcome of Monday's review

Activities

Mini Presentations
Reading Retention

Outcomes
1. Understanding of week 1/2 chapter readings
2. Understanding of week 3/4 -Career Project - what the complete project will look like:
A. Proposal: Main part of the assignment - Cover Sheet, Content = Assignment Area,
Finding Area, Narrative, Call to Action.
B. Data Collection: Time Line & all of data (numbered would be good -even if hand written.

W-2 Email Posting - Send to Twitter (private note)

Students,

Please send two personal email addresses to my twitter account.

Directive:

1. MyCSU & personal email
2. Post these two email addresses within a 'direct message' to this twitter account.


Note: Addresses will be kept private.

W-2 Individual Assignment Posting 'Career Search'

Business Communication
Weeks: 2/3/4
Days: 6 & 9 Online Classroom & Library Visit

Directive
1. Read this post in its entirety
2. Put activity log in your calendar – Design a project time line (as displayed in class - refer to Day 5 notes).
3. Begin a folder for your findings – data will be used for other course assignments (note - your first week is data collection - but it is recommended that you take notes of your findings along the way).
4. Final Project A: Prepare a brief outline of your data findings
5. Final Project B: Prepare a narrative of your findings and career goal statement
***To be placed within areas A&B of project: Collect six current key terms of your industry and job description
*** Material will be provided within MS Word document
6. Final Project C: 4 minute verbal presentation of findings (will occur within two class periods)
*** Students will provide (classroom) verbal reports throughout the three week project
*** Power Points advised (one slide) - no music or special features unless your industry traditionally relates to employee base in visual form of communication method.

Required Activity
1. Classroom Assignment Introduction – Day 4 – Monday 8/24/09 – Search Salary.com
2. Written Assignment Directive posted on line – Day 5 Wednesday – 8/26/09
3. Library Research/Online Classroom posting – Day 6 Friday 8/28/09
4. HOMEWORK – Weekend between second and third course week.
5. Review – small group of findings to date – Day 7 Monday 8/31/09
6. Library Research/Online Classroom posting – Day 9 – Friday 9/04/09
7. Assignment Due date – Week Four, Day 10 Wednesday 9/09/09
NOTE: Lorenzo will be meeting with individual students during Days 6& 9 (either by her request or the students. Drop ins are welcomed but students must text professor (at least ten minutes prior to meeting request) for approval..

Activity Time Line - W’s 2/3/4

8/24 - AA
8/28 - LV
8/31 - R
9/04 - LV
9/09 - DD

Codes:
AA – Assignment Announced
LV – Library Visit
R – Review
DD – Due Date

Assignment Purpose:
1. Prepare student to build resume
2. Prepare student to enter the work force
3. Prepare students to relate course topic to career goals
4. Improve academic and business research skill development
5. Improve industry language/term base

Required Research Findings:

1. Training and education needed
2. Earnings (zip code specific)
3. Expected job prospects
4. What workers do on the job
5. Working conditions
6. Business Magazine (general) – Identify target audience and why you choose it)
7. Industry Magazines (specific to your field)
8. One expert in your field ( example: Management – Peter Drucker)
9. Business Academic Journal (specific to your field)
10. Business or trade Journal (specific to your field)
11. Industry specific national membership association

Suggested References (sampling - assignment will require more):
Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2008-09 Editionhttp://www.entrepreneur.com/tradejournals/index.html
http://www.salary.com/
Business Academic Journal listing: http://www.lib.washington.edu/business/guides/topjournals.html

W2 - Overview

Week Two

1. Monday: Emails submitted, Review of W-1's journal entries/class discussion,role play
2. Weds.: Detailed Review of chapters 1&2 (small group activity)
3. Fri.: Library Visit (Online Classroom/Site Visit). Assignment directive will be provided.

Activity

A. Homework - Reading of chapters 1/2/3/4
B. Classroom - Detailed review of chapters 1/2 - classroom
C. Online - Secure all online functions are operational
D. Library Visit - Assignment: Search - Industry, Job Title, Journals, Salary Range (regional, projected growth, Leaders in the field Associations (2 reference sources)


Expectations

a. Journals are up todate
b. Text is purchased
c. Only Instructor approved online viewing during course period
d. Wednesday - dress for success
e. Cell phones are off
d. Identify if journal will be online
f. Twitter, Blog following
g. Timely arrivals

W1 - Mini Lecture

Mini Lectue: How to Read Academic Texts Critically


Directive: Read this mini lecture prior to reading text chapters 1&2. Mini Lecture will be reviewed during Day 2 of the course, as it relates to the preview of course text.


How to Read Academic Texts Critically(Adapted from Canberra University at http://www.canberra.edu.au/studyskills/criticalthinkingX.htm)

Academic material is not meant to be read. It is meant to be ransacked and pillaged for essential content. This means that you should never just sit down to read academic works as if they were novels or magazine articles. Academic study is not suited to such an approach, and the chances are you could spend hours reading and then not have a clue what you have been reading about (does that sound familiar?).

Rule #1 Never read without specific questions you want the text to answer. If you want your reading to stay in your memory, you must approach your text with a list of questions about the particular information you are after, and search the text for the answers to those questions. Don't just read with the hope that an answer will appear.

Rule #2 Never start reading at page 1 of the text. If there is a summary, a conclusion, a set of sub-headings, or an abstract, read that first, because it will give you a map of what the text contains. You can then deal with the text structurally, looking for particular points, not just reading ‘‘blind'' and so easily getting lost. Always keep in mind what you need, what is relevant to the question you are asking the text.

Rule #3 Think critically as you read. In reading academic texts you need to develop a personal (but nevertheless academic and rational) response to the article/ theory/ chapter through(1) developing an understanding of the content and(2) evaluating and critiquing the article. Therefore, before reading a text closely, read the introduction or abstract and skim read the text to give you a preliminary idea of what it is about.Then read it closely and critically. Some questions to help you read critically are:
a. What are the main points of this text?
b. Can you put them in your own words?
c. What sorts of examples are used? Are they useful? Can you think of others?
d. What factors (ideas, people, things) have been included? Can you think of anything that has been missed out?
e. Is a particular bias or framework apparent? Can you tell what 'school of thought' the author belongs to?
f. Can you work out the steps of the argument being presented? Do all the steps follow logically?g. Could a different conclusion be drawn from the argument being presented?
h. Are the main ideas in the text supported by reliable evidence (well researched, non-emotive, logical)?
i. Do you agree or disagree with the author? Why?
j. What connections do you see between this and other texts?
k. Where does it differ from other texts on the same subject?
l. What are the wider implications——for you, for the discipline?

Rule #4 Treat critical reading as a skill which can be developed through practices, such as:
a. Taking notes of the text's main ideas and adding your own responsive comments.
b. Talking to others about what you have read.
c. Relating a given text to others in the syllabus by identifying similar or contrasting themes.
d. Explaining what the text means to a non-specialist and noting what you would have to add to make it intelligible? (This will help you to see the underlying, unstated assumptions.)
e. Asking yourself: "Is it possible to disagree with any of this?"
f. Asking yourself: 'How can I convince my peers/teachers that I understand what this is about?'

W1 - Activity

Classroom

M - Welcome, Introductions, Course Overview, Blog Review, Journal Entry
T - Syllabus Review, Mini Lecture Review, Text Preview
W - Technology Compliance, Role Play

Homework

1. Read course syllabus
2. Read Online Welcome post and comply with all directives.
3. Read Mini Lecture, 'How to Read an Academic Text'
4. Read Chapters 1 & 2 (including questions/summary)
5. Sign up to follow course blog
6. Sign up to be a 'fan' of course Face book
7. Sign up for CSU Blackboard (instructor needs to populate attendance roll)

Week 1 - Course Syllabus

COURSE SYLLABUS

CENTRAL STATE UNIVERSITY
DEPARTMENT OF BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION
COLLEGE OF BUSINESS AND INDUSTRY

Course Information
Document Date: Fall2009
Course Name: Business Communications
Course Number: 2260-02
Course Prerequisites: N/A
Credit Hours: 3
Classroom Location: Smith Hall 229, Third Floor Computer Classroom
Class Time and Day: M/W/F 11:00AM

Instructor Information
Name: Annette Lorenzo
Instructor’s Office Room Number: Wesley Hall #337
Instructor’s Office Telephone Number: 937-776-6410
Instructor’s e-mail address: alorenzo2@aol.com
Instructor’s Office Hours: 8:00/9:00 AM – M/T/W/TH/F, 1:00 – 2:00 M/T/W/TH/F

Biographical Statement:
Professor Lorenzo has a MPA and an undergraduate degree in Social Sciences. She has taught grades K-12, undergraduate and graduate level courses. With almost 15 years of higher educational experience in departments of Physical Education, Business, Sociology, Psychology and General Education she is well verse in classroom management and student relationship building.

Required Texts and Materials
Textbooks and Supplies:
Locker O. Kitty, Kennedy, Kaczmarik Kyo Stephen, Business Communication -Building Critical Skills. McGraw - 2007.
Central State Universities Student Handbook
A paperback dictionary, available at the bookstore.
One 3-ring binders or folders (one for your portfolio, one for your journal).
External Flash Drive
Computer - Course Blog membership
Journal/pen

Electronic Course Management Tool:
Blackboard -Central State University Blackboard tool - http://centralstate.blackboard.com/webapps/blackboard/content/contentWrapper.jsp?content_id=_7306_1&displayName=Learning+Community+Course+Syllabuses&course_id=_677_1&navItem=content&href=http://centralstate.blackboard.com/webapps/portal/frameset.jsp
Blackboard - Mandatory Student Training session attendance
Course Face book
Course Blog
Student Email Address - One personal and One CSU student email address is required to be submitted by student
MyCSU account
Power Point
MS Word 2007 version

Course Description
This CSU Business Communication course is an introduction to current business communication practices to include computer skills for written reports, and oral presentations. Emphasis is placed on current technology as used in contemporary business, as well as clear, concise, accurate, thorough and truthful written and oral communication.

Course Objectives/Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of this course, the student shall:

LEARNING OUTCOMES ,TOOLS, ASSESSMENT

Outcome 1 Gain a broad view of Business Communication
Tools - Face book, Blackboard, Blogs, Newspapers, Twitter, Magazines, Library
Assessment - Exams, Discussion
Outcome 2 Design and present written and oral documents
Tools - Power Point, Debates Presentation, You Tube
Assessment - Exams Discussions
Outcome 3 Write Effective, and positive business messages and reports
Tools - MS Word, Excel, Power Point, Email, Face book, Blog, Blackboard
Assessment - Individual and Group Oral Presentation
Outcome 4 Analyze and organize business information
Tools - Newspapers, Blogs, Fiscal reports, Journals
Assessment - Letters, Memos, Resume
Outcome 5 Think and write critically
Tools - Online lectures/quizzes, Discussion questions, class discussion
Assessment - Final Project

Course Content/Topics
· Online Communication Methods
· Technology in Business
· Basic Business Grammar
· Formal & Informal Communication Methods
· Oral Presentation Strategies
· Non Verbal Communication
· Resume (online/traditional)
· Organizational Structure Communication Guidelines
· Personal vs. Company Speak
· External & Internal Communication Channels

Course Schedule/Calendar
Week
Dates
General Topic/Reading/Assignment/Paper/Exam

WEEK 1 8/17
Ice-Breaker, Syllabus Review, Blog Following, Face book Fan, Text Review, Key Concept, Library Visit, Student Handbook Review, Office Visit, First entry into course journal

WEEK 2 8/24
Blackboard Training, Office Visit, Student Bio, Review of writing skills, How to Read A Book – Lecture and Exercise, Business vs. Personal Communication, Syllabus Quiz

WEEK 3 8/31
Role Playing Exercise, Grammar Drills

WEEK 4 9/07

Holiday (Four day week) 9/08 Tues
Review of MS/Power Point tool, Review of internal and external communication methods

WEEK 5 9/14
First Interim Grades Due, Developing Critical Thinking Lecture and Exercise, Debate Exercise

WEEK 6 9/21
Online Classroom – 9/23, Letter Writing

WEEK 7 9/28
Business Journal/Magazine Review
WEEK 8 10/05 (Four Day Week) Fall Break 10/9 Friday
Mid Term Exam, pre-exam drills, review of course journal, Business Plan Design, Guest Speaker WEEK 9 10/12 (Four Day Week) Holiday 10/12
How to develop Presentation Skills, Developing a professional image,

WEEK 10 10/19 (Four Day Week. Career Day off
Second Interim Grade Due, Career Day 10/21, Advancing writing skills

WEEK 11 10/26
Refresher Drills – Sentence Structure/Grammar, Begin Final project (Ms Word documents and Power Point)

WEEK 12 11/02
Leadership Communication

WEEK 13 11/09
Course topic review

WEEK 14 11/16
Final Paper =Oral Presentations

WEEK 15 11/23 (Two Day Week)
Final Paper = Oral Presentations
*11/25 – 11/29 = Thanksgiving Holiday Break
WEEK 16 11/30
Students Evaluation of Faculty,

WEEK 17 12/07
FINAL EXAM WEEK – Schedule to be announced


Course Policies
Evaluation Policy:
The following activities/methods will be used to evaluate students:
1. Exams: Two exams (Mid Term & Final)
2. Quizzes: Four pop quizzes (online)
3. Oral Presentation: Final Exam Presentation (Power Point/MS Word Document)
4. Homework and Assignments: Online/Traditional, Individual and Group
5. Participation: Verbal/Technical/Student Handbook/Homework/Meetings with Professor/Retreats/Attendance/Small Groups/Study Tables
6. Class Demeanor: Student behavior in class will also be evaluated in determining the final grade. The student is expected to behave and perform in a professional manner (e.g. be punctual, dress appropriately especially on Wednesdays and be attentive during class). Respect the rights of all participants by turning off any device that could cause a disturbance during class (this includes pagers, cell phones and personal alarms). Negative behavior patterns in class (e.g. unexcused absences, tardiness, class disruptions, wearing hats, eating, drinking, smoking and sleeping) could result in a reduction of up to 10% of a student’s final grade.

Grading Policy:
The student’s final grade for the course will be calculated as follows:

Activities/ Evaluation Methods (Points)
Exams 400
Quizzes 200
Homework and Assignments 200
Participation/Class Demeanor 100
Other 100
Total 1000 points

---------------------------------------------------------------
The final letter grade will be based on the following scales:

Points
Letter Grade Interpretation
90 – 100 A Superior (Very High)
80 – 89 B Above Average (High)
70 – 79 C Average (Satisfactory)
60 – 69 D Below Average (Low/Poor Work)
Below 60 F Failure


Attendance Policy:
Regular class attendance is required and necessary in this course. When the number of unexcused absences exceeds __3__ (insert credit hours), the student will automatically receive an F in this course. This is a university policy and there are no exceptions (see University Catalogue).

Tardiness/Lateness Policy:
Excusive tardiness will result in a 10% reduction in total accumulation of points. Professor reserves the right to prohibit any students from entering the classroom, five minutes after the assigned beginning time of class. Students will not attempt to justify their tardiness/lateness, and if said student attempt to do so, the Professor will view this as student misconduct.

Academic Integrity/Honesty Policy: Academic dishonesty in any shape or form will not be tolerated. Written or other work submitted by a student must be the product of his/her own efforts. Plagiarism, cheating and other forms of academic dishonesty, including dishonesty involving computer technology and cell phones, are prohibited. Students caught engaged in any form of academic dishonesty will automatically receive an F in the course.

ADA Policy:
CSU provides individuals with disabilities reasonable accommodations to participate in educational programs, activities and services. Students with disabilities requiring accommodations to participate in class activities or meet course requirements should contact the Office of Student Disability for their CSU accommodation letters. It is the student’s responsibility to obtain and present the accommodation letter to the instructor
at the beginning of the semester.


Instructional Methods:
This course will be a paperless course. Students are required to view the mastering of basic technological skills as mandatory core skill base to pass this course. Online classrooms will be conducted and should be viewed equal to the face-to-face class environment both in assignment weight and time frame to perform task. The professor will conduct an online evaluation drill two weeks in the course to secure students are not dysfunctional in this learning modality model. Study table attendance will be mandatory if student is found to be deficient in function within a ‘blended’ technical classroom.

Amendments to Syllabus:
This syllabus provides a general plan for the course. The instructor reserves the right to amend this syllabus at any time. Any such change will be announced, and if practical, distributed in class. As with all other class requirements, the student is responsible for being present to receive such changes.

August 7, 2009

Week 1 - Welcome and Week One Argeements

Sunday, August 16, 2009

Welcome and First Week's agreements

Dear Students,

Ms.Lorenzo is thrilled to have you in her class!

We will have great success in English 1100, during the fall2009 semester.

If you are reading this blog - you are headed in the right direction.The first week of the course - all students must:

1. Become a member of this course blog and blackboard site.
2. Become a fan of the course's face book account.
3. Review the posted course syllabus. Class review will occur during the first day of class.
4. Provide two email addresses for course communication purposes.
5. Obtain: a course journal, dictionary, course texts, portable flash drive and writing material.
6. Have working knowledge of basic computer systems: MS Word, Power Point, MLA & APA tools.
7. Obtain an MyCSU account.
8. Know and visit the instructors office.9. Visit the CSU Library (individual activity)10. Complete all assignments
11. Find a CSU computer lab.
12. Review and be in compliance with the CSU Student Handbook. Class review will occur during the first week of class.