Course Syllabus & Schedule

ENGLISH 220-PROFESSIONAL BUSINESS COMMUNICATIONS

Instructor: Semester: Fall 2017
Text: Online Resources Section:
Email: Time:
Office Hours: Room:

Catalog Course Description, Prerequisites, and Minimum Grade

Description This course teaches students to communicate effectively using written and verbal presentation
principles. It prepares students to communicate in the workplace and to launch a successful job search. Students will
practice rhetorical analysis, real-world business writing, presentations, networking, interviewing, and personal
marketing. They will create professional portfolios as they work collaboratively and individually to write business
documents-- including resumes, memos, internal and external business letters, and proposals-- that are
professional, clear, concise, evidence-driven, and persuasive. From resume writing to interviewing, students will
prepare to enter the workforce with confidence as they acquire the communication skills needed to successfully find
and progress in a job that aligns with their strengths and skills.

Prerequisites: ENG 101 with a C or higher

Learning Resources
Online sources and links found in Brightspace; there is no purchased text for this course.
Assessment and Grading

Grading Scale
(total points earned divided by total points possible)

Score Grade Score Grade Score Grade

94-100% A 80-83% B- 67-69% NA
90-93% A- 77-79% NA 64-66% NA
87-89% B+ 74-76% NA 60-63% NA
84-86% B 70-73% NA 0-59% NA
 Grading Components
Assessment Activities
Prepare: Grade is
Discussion responses to videos and based on
readings (10 points per unit) total
Quizzes and practice activities (10-50 points
points each ) possible
Understanding Checks (10 points per unit)
Teach One Another: Grade is
Peer reviews (included in weekly based on
accountability check) total
Class gathering activities points
Participation in class meetings possible

Learning Outcomes Ponder: Grade is

Ponder discussion assignments (10 points based on
LDSBC cultivates a nurturing environment where per unit) total
practical skills are learned and discipleship is points
strengthened. possible
Prove: Grade is
There are three types of learning outcomes guiding Proofreading Exercises (20 points per unit) based on
curriculum and authentic learning experiences at Weekly Accountability Checks (10 points total
LDSBC. Students demonstrate the 1) College-Wide per week) points
Outcomes, 2) Program Competency Outcomes, and Quizzes (10-25 points each) possible
3) Course-Specific Outcomes through the Learning Workplace writing (350 points)
Pattern as they Prepare, Teach One Another, Ponder, Group Proposal (50 points)
and Prove their knowledge, skills, and abilities. Group Presentation (50 points)
Resume, part 1 (50 points)
Through this process, all LDSBC graduates are Resume, complete (50 points)
prepared to contribute in their homes, communities, Cover Letter (50 points)
the Lords church, and in future employment. Mock Interview (250 points)
Networking Message (25 points)
Thank You Note to Interviewer (50 points)
LinkedIn Profile ( 50 points)
ePortfolio Presentation (50 points)
Final Course Evaluation memo (50 points)
Attendance at Career Services Dress for
Success workshop (50 points)

Final grade is based on the percentage of

total points possible.

1. College-Wide Outcomes
1. Confirm personal testimony in the restored gospel of Jesus Christ
2. Collaborate with others using interpersonal skills in an honest, ethical, and Christ-like manner
3. Communicate effectively using written and verbal presentation principles
4. Construct new knowledge using technology and information resource tools
5. Comprehend and think critically to solve problems
6. Cultivate a strong, professional work ethic and lifelong learning opportunities
 3. Course-Specific Outcomes
7. Identify major genres of professional writing and design documents in generally accepted formats
for business communication.
8. Conduct basic audience or company research to determine communication styles.
9. Revise and improve professional documents by using multiple editorial strategies.
10. Demonstrate mastery of the PCCEP rubric of effective business communication: Professional,
Clear, Concise, evidence-driven, and Persuasive.
11. Use an understanding of groups, teams, and leadership to communicate in professional settings.
12. Use comprehension and critical thinking skills to analyze the various ways to communicate and
address communication issues in business settings.
13. Demonstrate effective verbal communication skills using techniques of planning, preparing, and
delivering presentations for use in classroom and business environments.
14. Demonstrate an understanding of personal and professional strengths, communication skills and
employment resources
15. Create professional marketing documents (i.e., resume, cover letter, reference page) in preparation
for the job search, using writing, formatting and proofing skills.
16. Conduct audience or company research to determine communication styles for writing and speaking
in the workplace.
17. Demonstrate what a job seeker should do before an interview to make an impressive initial contact.
18. Develop a career networking plan
19. Demonstrate quality interview skills
20. Design and assess a professional digital footprint
21. Present an eportfolio that demonstrates workplace preparation.

ePortfolio Statement

Because most employers use LinkedIn to review candidates employment qualifications on line, the
College will be using this as the repository for the eportfolio. If you have created an eportfolio in
another format, such as Weebly, you may link to it from your LinkedIn which must also include the
required elements as described in the eportfolio assignment.

Program and Course Policies

Although you will be required to meet in the classroom during the designated hours, you will
complete much of your work on line.

This is a 3-credit-hour course. Do not make the mistake of thinking that you can just show up to
class to pass. You will need to complete significant work outside of class.

Reliable Computer Resources: Success in this course requires a reliable, up-to-date computer that
can handle the workload. My computer doesnt work or I couldnt get online, or the videos
wont load on my laptop, are not excuses for missing assignments or activities. Have a backup
computer arranged with a friend or family. Use the computers on campus or at your local library. If
there are problems with the College system or with Brightspace, your instructor will know and will
adjust due dates if necessary.

You will need headphones, earbuds, or speakers to access video components of this course.
 Late Work Policy: Assignments must be submitted by the appointed time. Check the weekly
overview and plan accordingly. Assignments are grouped as you spend the first three days of each
class week in preparation, then move to teaching one another in discussion and peer reviews and
complete the week by proving and pondering what you have learned. Use your own knowledge of
how much time it takes you to read, write and revise, and budget the time to do quality work.

Rewrites: Your instructor will determine on a per-assignment basis whether rewrites are available
Use the writing tutors to revise and perfect our work.

Participation Policy: You will receive credit for participating in class in addition the benefit of
learning from your instructor and from other students.

Course Assignments

Most of your course assignments will be completed individually and submitted in Brightspace. You
will peer review and receive instructor feedback on your writing if you submit it during the review
period every week. Your instructor will determine whether assignments may be resubmitted.

Group Assignments You will work in a group on at least one graded writing assignment and
presentation. Your group may meet on campus or virtually to prepare. At the end of the group work,
all group members will evaluate themselves and their peers confidentially; that evaluation will affect
individual grades

Mock Interview Week - Mock Interview Week lets you show your skills in a practice interview
with an employer or an LDSBC administrator. Mock Interviews take place near the end of the
semester. See your Course Schedule for the exact dates. Mock Interviews, like real job
interviews, cannot generally be rescheduled. The only exceptions would be a need on the part of the
interviewer or something like a medical emergency verified in writing by a doctor. Because it shows
your mastery of the principles you have learned in the course, your Mock Interview is a significant
part of your course grade.

ePortfolio Presentation After completing your ePortfolio, you will present your eportfolio to your
classmates and instructor in a graded presentation.

College Policies
Email as the Official Method of Communication

Official College messages to all students will be sent through LDSBC email. Students are responsible for all
information received through their LDSBC email account. Students are expected to regularly check their
LDSBC email accounts for official information from the College and their course instructors. This policy is
to ensure that important LDSBC communication is received in a timely and consistent manner.

Course Credit Hours & Classroom Preparation Time

LDSBC measures academic credit in credit hours. In accordance with federal regulation, a credit hour at
the College is the amount of work represented in intended learning outcomes and verified by evidence of
student achievement that reasonably approximates not less than one hour of classroom or direct faculty
instruction and a minimum of two hours of out-of-class student work each week for one semester hour of
credit.
Copyright

The course materials used in this class may be protected by copyright laws. Students are expected to make a
good-faith effort to respect the rights of copyright holders. For more detailed information, please see the
LDS Business College Copyright Policy. Students who disregard the policy may be in violation of the
Church Education System Honor Code, may place themselves at risk for possible legal action, and may
incur personal liability.

Students with Disabilities

Section 504 of the Vocational Rehabilitation Act of 1973 requires that reasonable modifications be provided
for students with physical, cognitive, systemic, learning and psychiatric disabilities. In order to receive
modifications in the classroom, students must first provide documentation of disabilities to Holly
Brinkerhoff, Student Support & Disabilities Interim Director (hbrinkerhoff@ldsbc.edu; Room 933) in order
to obtain a modification form. Students needing modification for this course may then provide the instructor
with a copy of the approved modification form.

Honor Code Policies and Procedures & Academic Honesty Policy

Students should be aware and review each semester the Honor Code Policies and Procedures and the
Academic Honesty Policy (See link below). The LDSBC learning environment and culture are created and
preserved through commitment to personal conduct that reflects these ideals and principles. Adherence to
these principles creates a community of saints where the Spirit may be in greater abundance.

https://www.ldsbc.edu/policies-and-procedures/policies-procedures.html

Course Calendar

Unit/Week 1 Introductions and Initial Resumes

Unit/Week 2 Writing Emails

Unit/Week 3 Writing Memos

Unit/Week 4 Writing Letters

Unit/Week 5 Writing Letters

Unit/Week 6 Proposals

Unit/Week 7 Presenting Proposals

Unit/Week 8 Preparing Resumes

Unit/Week 9 Finalizing Resumes

Unit/Week 10 Networking

Unit/Week 11 Preparing for an Interview

Unit/Week 12 Delivering a Mock Interview

Unit/Week 13 Presenting LinkedIn Eportfolios