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Credit- Degree applicable
Effective Quarter: Fall 2020

I. Catalog Information


BUS 85
Business Communication
3 Unit(s)
 

Advisory: EWRT 211 and READ 211, or ESL 272 and 273.

Lec Hrs: 36.00
Out of Class Hrs: 72.00
Total Student Learning Hrs: 108.00

Application of writing skills to business communications; public relations functions of business correspondence.


Student Learning Outcome Statements (SLO)

 

Describe and apply the principles of written and verbal business communications.


 

Develop and use a variety of communication strategies that are effective in different business situations.


 

Identify the most effective written and oral communication skills that fit personal communication style and situation.


II. Course Objectives

A.Apply basic principles of effective business communication.
B.Articulate the impact of verbal and written communication on interpersonal relationships.
C.Compose letters that are clear, concise and complete.
D.Demonstrate how to achieve maximum impact with written messages.
E.Compose the most common types of business correspondence and other written materials.
F.Apply communication skills learned in the class.
G.Use LinkedIn to connect with potential employers and other business professionals in the network.
H.Demonstrate effective cross-cultural communication skills.

III. Essential Student Materials

 None

IV. Essential College Facilities

 None

V. Expanded Description: Content and Form

A.Apply basic principles of effective business communication.
1.Setting objectives for each written type of business missive.
2.Determining the appropriate type of response to different types of written business missive.
3.Establishing a good relationship with the reader.
4.Planning and pre-writing different types of messages.
B.Articulate the impact of verbal and written communication on interpersonal relationships.
1.Within the workplace.
2.Within the community.
C.Compose letters that are clear, concise and complete.
1.Presenting the main idea immediately and concisely.
2.Developing necessary and appropriate supporting material and ideas.
3.Concluding with suggestions, recommendations or requests for reply.
D.Demonstrate how to achieve maximum impact with written messages.
1.Editing for style and clarity of thought.
2.Cutting out non-productive wording and sexist or prejudicial language.
3.Editing with consistent attention to proportion and emphasis.
4.Develop mechanic skills of grammar, punctuation, and spelling.
E.Compose the most common types of business correspondence and other written materials.
1.Inquiry letters.
2.Letters that say yes or no.
3.Letters for special situations such as good news, bad news, reject request, and more.
4.Sales letters.
5.Business reports.
6.Oral presentations.
7.Meetings and conferences.
F.Apply communication skills learned in the class.
1.Using class forums.
2.Using electronic mail.
3.Using chat rooms.
G.Use LinkedIn to connect with potential employers and other business professionals in the network.
1.Establish a LinkedIn profile that will attract potential employers
2.Increase visibility online and build a professional brand through LinkedIn profile
3.Make profile public by customizing URL.
4.Create a LinkedIn signature to use in email.
5.Getting found on LinkedIn by potential employers through LinkedIn profile.
H.Demonstrate effective cross-cultural communication skills.
1.Define culture and its effects on cross-cultural communication
2.Describe cultural differences in body positions and movements.
3.Describe cultural differences in views & practices concerning human relations.
4.Explain the language equivalency problem and techniques for minimizing its effects.

VI. Assignments

A.Weekly forums with open discussion questions.
1.Small group discussions of course content with emphasis on cases and experiential exercises.
2.Online class discussions.
3.Small group presentations on course material.
B.Written:
1.Six group (or individual) written messages for six different common business situations including: good news message, bad news message, reject request message, persuasive message, a voice message of a business type. If used, teams are simulating a business.
2.Prepare a written detailed business charter of any type of business to use in a class project simulation of business communications.
3.A final team paper of a small business investment prospectus report. The report will include business objectives, summary of projected financial targets, market positioning and strategy; explain how the investment proceeds will be used. The report shall include graphs, tabulated data, and pictures or any other visual material to make report appeal to investors.
4.Five individual written assignments requiring research and to demonstrate proper form of short messages found in business communications.
C.Reading:
1.Assigned readings from text.
2.Library research.

VII. Methods of Instruction

 Lecture and visual aids
Discussion of assigned reading
Exploration of Internet resources
Homework and extended projects
Collaborative learning and small group exercises
Collaborative projects

VIII. Methods of Evaluating Objectives

A.Participation in online discussions require substantive contributions that demonstrate an understanding of the key issues involved, provide new insights and/or present new ideas.
B.Written Assignments demonstrate the level of appropriate application and use of the various forms, style and tone that should be presented in each type of correspondence.
C.Term paper and projects require students to conduct outside research; summarize their findings; and present the information such that the internal organization of ideas is effective, the transitions are smooth, ideas are well developed, shows originality (in visual impact, reader benefits, details and word choice) and is easy to read.
D.Midterm(s) and a final exam consisting of objective and/or essay questions require student to demonstrate comprehension of key terms and concepts presented.

IX. Texts and Supporting References

A.Examples of Primary Texts and References
1.Rentz, Kathryn, and Paula Lentz, “Business Communication,” 3rd Edition, New York, McGraw-Hill/Irwin, 2015. ISBN-978-0-07340322-9
2.Rentz, Katherine, and Paula Lentz, "Lesikar's Business Communication: Connecting in a Digital World," 13th edition, New York: Irwin/McGraw-Hill, 2013. ISBN-13-9780073403212
B.Examples of Supporting Texts and References
1.None