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Syllabus
for EGL1320-DL01 Online (Syn. 53221)
Fall 2012
Writing for Business
The
course requirements, relevant assignments, and readings are outlined in
the material that follows on this page.
*The syllabus is subject to change
prior to the start of the semester.
To
communicate with my by e-mail, you must use your Owl Mail account
(provided by the college). Please include a clear, descriptive subject
line.
Required Books
M: Business Communication,
2nd edition, Flatley, Rentz, & Lentz, (2012), McGraw-Hill/Irwin. ISBN:
978-0-077-91004-4
Rules
for Writers,
Hacker, 7th edition, (2012), St. Martin’s Press.
ISBN: 978-0-312-64736-0
Textbook Options:
The required texts are
available at the College
Bookstore. You may buy books in person or have them shipped to your
home. Contact the bookstore by phone, e-mail, or in person. For this online
section, you may purchase the e-version of the textbook by purchasing
Connect Plus (with e-book) and Access Code Card, using ISBN:
978-0-077-46248-2.
You must still purchase Rules for Writers, 7th
edition.
The Connect software will be integrated into Blackboard, but you will
still need an access code to first register on the Connect Web site
BEFORE you can access materials within Blackboard. You will access
Connect from within Blackboard, where you can also purchase the e-Book
and Access Code Card. (Instructions will be available in Blackboard.)
Recommended Book
The Business Writer’s Companion, 6th ed.,
Alred, St. Martin’s. ISBN:
978-0-312-63132-1
Course
Outcomes
By the end of the course,
you will have the resources and skills to:
-
Plan, organize,
write,
and format various business documents in
cogent, standard English and a clear, concise business style
appropriate to audience, context, purpose, and writer’s role.
-
Conduct primary and secondary research to collect, select,
analyze, interpret, and organize data, and use it appropriately
in various modes of business communications.
-
Create and integrate headings, visuals, and other graphics into
business communications.
-
Analyze and explain cross-cultural, ethical, and legal
considerations pertinent to business communication.
-
Prepare and deliver an effective business presentation with
appropriate graphics.
-
Prepare employment résumé and application letter.
-
Work collaboratively with classmates.
Course Requirements
All assignments must
be typed or word-processed; either single-spaced or double-spaced
(depending on the type of document). To submit
documents (to me or your classmates), and unless otherwise specified,
you must save them in Rich Text Format (.rtf); use your
last name and assignment title as your file name. Any other file format
will NOT be accepted, and the document will be treated as "not
submitted." Documents must be correctly formatted (as a letter, memo,
or report). I expect you to follow the models in Blackboard and on the
textbook's Web site.
(Documents will be submitted to me via the
"Assignment" function in Blackboard. Instructions will be provided
within Blackboard.)
All work
must be carefully proofread,
free from visible corrections, completely free of typographical and
other mechanical errors. Each assignment will require a distinctive
format; I will expect you to follow specific instructions for each
assignment.
All work will
generally be due by
11:00
p.m. on the assigned date (see the calendar for due dates). If
absolutely necessary, you may request an extension for
any two assignments (excluding the final term project), provided you do so in writing
well in advance (at least
1 week) of the actual due date. Otherwise, I will NOT accept late assignments (this will
result in a zero for that assignment).
-
For
obvious reasons, the term project
cannot have any extension
-
I
will evaluate assignments based on worth and clarity of the topic,
organization, and presentation. I expect correct, standard American
English on all work.
Course Policies
This is a distance learning
course. As such, you have some flexibility in completing the course.
Persons enrolled in this section must complete all course requirements
as outlined in the following section. The due dates listed in the
calendar are firm; it is your responsibility to
schedule, complete, and submit required course assignments on time.
Likewise, you are responsible for scheduling and completing the course
chapters, the relevant reading for the course, and understanding of
associated exercises and tools. You are also responsible for
communicating and working with your team member to complete the final
project. You must complete and submit all material on time. A
final grade will be issued at the end of the term by the date required
by the College.
Classroom Code
of Conduct
In addition to the college's
Code of Conduct, our virtual
classroom also has a code of conduct. For the class to be effective,
each student must observe this code. All students must show their
classmates proper respect. This includes communication through email,
within the class and group chat rooms, and in the Discussion Forums.
All students must observe proper 'netiquette' (or, Internet etiquette).
Emails to classmates or to the professor must be appropriate. Avoid
social emailing. Avoid 'flaming'. (Avoid abusive, disruptive,
inappropriate language.) Such behavior will not be tolerated, and will
be dealt with according to the College's "Code of Conduct."
Online Etiquette
Rules for
interacting with others in your online course:
-
Unless
directed otherwise by your instructor, you should write email and
discussion board postings in standard written English (the kind of
language you would expect to find in a workplace). Messages
should be short and to the point.
-
Make
sure that you use a meaningful subject line so that your readers will
have a clear idea of who sent the message and what the message
contains. Many instructors and students are either teaching or taking
more than one online class; make the specific class clear from the
subject line.
-
Good
example - "Subject: XXX 000, J Smith, My feedback on the Taylor
article."
-
Poor
example - "Subject: Interesting Stuff."
-
Use
all capital letters sparingly. Capitalize words only to highlight an
important point or to distinguish a title or heading. Capitalizing
whole words that are not titles is generally seen as SHOUTING and is
often offensive to the reader.
-
Be
courteous about what you say about others in an electronic
format. Never say anything in an email or on a discussion board
that you would not want to see printed in the newspaper.
-
When
reacting to someone else's message, address the ideas, not the person.
-
Be
careful when using sarcasm and humor. Without face-to-face
communications your joke may be viewed as criticism.
-
Be
careful not to get too personal too fast.
-
Be
respectful of other, diverse opinions. Don't assume that everyone
shares the same views or background.
-
Be aware of
potential compatibility problems when sharing electronic
files. Even though you may be able to "attach" a file to an
electronic message, your recipient(s) may not be successful
in opening your file on the other end.
-
Don't
share copyrighted materials. Most things on the Internet are NOT
"fair use." Instead of copying a relevant article or web
page, provide a link to the material along with a short
description of its significance.
(Netiquette
rules based on materials developed by World Campus, Penn State)
Grammar
Component
The course will
also attempt to sharpen your understanding of grammar and syntax.
Grammar will be a major portion of each assignment, so you will be
expected to review the grammar section in the back of your textbook. Be
advised, however, that this is not a developmental course; students
with low proficiency will be responsible for additional tutorial work
at the Writing Center.
Civility
To promote a
community of scholarship and civility, everyone at Prince George’s
Community College is expected to be respectful, tolerant and courteous
towards others at all times, adhere to college policies and procedures,
and respect college property. Creating a culture of civility both inside
and outside the classroom is
everyone’s responsibility.
Civility is a college-wide commitment and in order to
identify PGCC students, we are requiring that ALL students have their
IDs visible while AT ANY COLLEGE SITE, WHETHER THEY ARE ON THE LARGO
CAMPUS OR ANY EXTENSION SITE.
Lanyards and ID holders can be obtained at the following
locations:
Largo Campus - College Life Services and the Admissions &
Records Office
Laurel College Center - Main office, Room 205
Joint Base
Andrews - Main office
University Town Center - Front desk
Students must keep their IDs current by requesting the appropriate sticker each
semester from the Admissions & Records Office or extension centers.
Code of Conduct
The Prince George's Community
College Code of Conduct defines the rights and responsibilities of
students and establishes a system of procedures for dealing with
students charged with violations of the code and other rules and
regulations of the college. A student enrolling in the college assumes
an obligation to conduct himself/herself in a manner compatible with
the college's function as an educational institution.
Refer
to the 2012-2013 Catalog, beginning
on page 169, for a complete explanation of the code of
conduct, including the procedure for dealing with disruptive student
behavior.
Academic
dishonesty, including plagiarism or cheating, has severe
consequences, from an automatic "0"
on the assignment, to an "F*" for
the course (an
F* remains on your transcripts permanently, and indicates a
violation of the Code of Academic Integrity).
Plagiarism:
Plagiarism is using someone
else's words or ideas without acknowledging your debt. For example, a
plagiarized paper might be one that is copied word for word from a
single source, one that contains some paragraphs or sentences lifted
directly from one or more sources, or one that changes a few words here
and there but basically presents another writer’s work as your own. In
English 1010, you were taught how to document any use of secondary
sources using correct MLA format. For this course, I recommend that use
the APA format, which is discussed in the textbook, the grammar
handbook, and online, and you are responsible for this information!
Disability Support Services
Students
requesting academic accommodations are required to contact the
Disability Support Services Office (M-1042) or call (301) 322-0838
(voice) or (301) 322-0122 (TTY) to establish eligibility for services
and accommodations. Students with documented disabilities should
discuss the matter privately with their instructors at the beginning of
the semester and provide a copy of their Student/Faculty Accommodation
Form.
College Resources and Services
Tutoring
and Writing Centers
<http://www.pgcc.edu/current/academicResources/tutoringWriting.aspx>
Bladen Hall, Room 107; Call 301-322-0748 to make an appointment.
The Writing
Center offers one-on-one tutoring for all
students who are working on any writing assignment in any course.
Student Development Services
<http://www.pgcc.edu/current/academicResources/studentDevelopmentServices/studentDevelopment.aspx>
301-322-0886
Student Development
Services has various programs that provide students
with mentoring, advising, and individual counseling. Call or check the
website for more information.
Library
<http://library.pgcc.edu>
Accokeek Hall
General information:
301-322-0105
Circulation services:
301-322-0475
Reference services:
301-322-0476
The Learning Resources Division provides a
range of library and media
services. Refer to the web site for hours and more information about
the services.
Campus Bookstore
<http://www.pgccbookstore.com>
Largo Student Center, Room 116
301-322-0912
Academic
Programs
Collegian Centers
http://academic.pgcc.edu/collegiancenters
The College’s Collegian Centers provide a “place to belong”
outside of the classroom. They bring
students in particular disciplines together for co-curricular activities and
opportunities:
-
Administration of
Justice
– for students interested in criminal justice,
corrections, forensic science, and paralegal/pre-law
E-mail:
AJCollegianCenter@pgcc.edu; 301-322-0753
Hillman Entrepreneurs Program
301-322-0700
Marlboro Hall, Room 2051
Students in any major, who have a
passionate desire to start, run, or own a business, may apply for
admission to the Hillman Entrepreneurs Program. Admission is
competitive. The program builds entrepreneurial skills, pays up to 64%
of tuition, provides a $500 stipend, and, qualified students transfer
to the University of Maryland College Park as Hillman Entrepreneurs
where they have up to 64% of their tuition paid and receive a $1,000
stipend.
Honors Academy/Program
301-322-0433
Marlboro Hall, Room 1087
The Honors Academy admits
academically outstanding honors students who are interested in a
rigorous program of academic excellence, intellectual development,
leadership and community service. Prince George's Community College
Honors Program promotes students’ intellectual growth and
enrichment.
International Education Center
301-322-0177
Lanham Hall, Room 117
http://academic.pgcc.edu/internationalcenter
The International Education Center
provides academic support and assistance to students who need help with
courses or with understanding the American higher education system. The
Center brings international and American students together for learning
enrichment activities, including a variety of discussion forums that
foster awareness and understanding of cultural issues.
Service Learning
301-322-0713
The Service Learning Program
encourages the development of civic responsibility through
students’ participation in service projects within the community
that support their academic objectives. Through Service Learning,
students learn actively by applying principles learned in the classroom
while developing critical reflective thinking as well as personal and
civic responsibility.
Computer/Internet
Requirements
Computer/Internet access and mastery of basic computer skills are
considered to be the student’s responsibility. To complete online
courses, you must have access to:
-
Home Computer: Pentium-class or MAC
computer with at least 128 MB RAM
-
Home Internet connection: Broadband
(DSL, Cable-modem, Satellite) is highly recommended.
-
Home Internet Service
Provider (ISP):
Examples: AOL, Verizon, MSN, NetZero, etc.
-
E-mail: Owl Mail account,
provided by Prince George's Community College.
-
Web Browser: Firefox 3.6 is the
recommended browser; any other browsers might not work with Blackboard.
- Software: Word Processing software
(Microsoft Word is the college standard); PowerPoint (required to
submit final presentations); Adobe Reader (suggested to view
“pdf” files )
Technical Support
Looking for answers to technical questions? The
Technical Support area
of the eLearning Center (formerly Distance Learning)
website has a wealth of technical information including Blackboard
login instructions, orientation information, hardware and software
requirements, web browser plug-ins and downloads, technical tips and
frequently asked questions (FAQs). The website for the eLearning
Technical Support area is: http://www.pgcconline.com/technicalSupport.html.
If you
have visited the eLearning
website and you need additional technical assistance with your online
course, you should contact the eLearning Center immediately! You may email or call the
eLearning Center at:
Email:
DistanceLearn@pgcc.edu, Telephone: 301-322-0463, FAX:
301-386-7568. You may also visit their office on campus in the
Accokeek Hall, 3rd floor. The
eLearning Center is open M-F, 8:30 am to 4:30 p.m. with
phone/email support until 9:00 p.m. (Hours subject to change.)
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