Business Communication

Course Number:
BA 205
Transcript Title:
Business Communication
Created:
Jul 26, 2022
Updated:
Jun 29, 2023
Total Credits:
4
Lecture Hours:
40
Lecture / Lab Hours:
0
Lab Hours:
0
Satisfies Cultural Literacy requirement:
No
Satisfies General Education requirement:
No
Grading Options
A-F, P/NP, Audit
Default Grading Options
A-F
Repeats available for credit:
0
Prerequisites

IRW 115 or WR 115 or equivalent placement; placement into MTH 65 or MTH 98

Recommended
WR 121 or WR 121Z
BA 131
BA 101

Course Description

Examines the legal and ethical collection, organization, and presentation of business information. Develops research skills using library and Internet resources. Creates effective communications utilizing word processing, spreadsheet, and graphics applications. Introduces techniques for efficient report writing, persuasive presentation, and writing instructions and productive e-mails within a business context. Recommended: WR 121 or WR 121Z, BA 131, BA 101. Prerequisites: IRW 115 or WR 115 or equivalent placement; placement into MTH 65 or MTH 98. Audit available.

Course Outcomes

Upon successful completion of this course, students will be able to:

  1. Communicate personal and organizational information using standard business document formats and business presentation techniques and tools.
  2. Research, write, and edit business documents using on-line and library resources and business software applications common to the contemporary business environment.
  3. Identify and select appropriate technology, including social media and mobile computing, for business communication needs based on the message and audience.
  4. Work collaboratively with teams to communicate business information in a project environment.
  5. Create a resume and cover letter.

Suggested Outcome Assessment Strategies

Assessment methods can include: examinations, quizzes, homework assignments, research papers, and small group problem-solving of questions arising from application of course concepts and concerns to actual experience, oral presentations.

Course Activities and Design

The determination of teaching strategies used in the delivery of outcomes is generally left to the discretion of the instructor. Here are some strategies that you might consider when designing your course: lecture, small group/forum discussion, flipped classroom, dyads, oral presentation, role play, simulation scenarios, group projects, service learning projects, hands-on lab, peer review/workshops, cooperative learning (jigsaw, fishbowl), inquiry based instruction, differentiated instruction (learning centers), graphic organizers, etc.

Course Content

  • Examines and develops listening, speaking and writing skills for business communications.
  • Determines the purpose of the communication and the intended audience.
  • Organize information, plan, and compose the message.
  • Prepares and deliver a presentation using technology.
  • Uses print and/or electronic references.
  • Writes a business report, appropriately formatted and annotated.
  • Selects and use appropriate technology to format and transmit messages.
  • Uses software collaboration tools on group projects.
  • Develops an awareness of cultural diversity issues.
  • Create employment documents such as resumes and cover letters.

Department Notes

Business Communications differentiates business writing from academic writing.  Writing assignments can be graded as workplace documents where zero-error documents would merit an A grade.  The importance of clear, concise, and complete business writing is stressed throughout the course.