COMM 312 ORAL COMMUNICATION IN BUSINESS 97F
INSTRUCTOR:
Office: 235 Pearson Hall
Office Hours: Sign-up sheet on office door
Phone: 8312687 (Voice Mail) E-mail:
TEXTBOOK/READINGS:
Adler & Elmhorst: COMMUNICATING AT WORK, 5th ed.
Handbook/Assignments Packet at Newark Newsstand
Videotape: 2-6 hour VHS format
Reserve Readings on Electronic Reserve
COURSE DESCRIPTION:
COMM 312 is an introduction to the study of communication
for non-majors. This introduction includes l) an analysis of the
types and principles of the communication inherent in the business
and professional setting; 2) a concentration upon the development
of presentational skills: analyzing audiences, questioning, interviewing,
researching, supporting, organizing, and delivering information;
and 3) an opportunity to develop and present materials within
dyads, small groups, and public contexts.
COURSE ACTIVITIES:
4 in-class presentations: 2 group and 3 individual
Written reports of research: overview of group presentation
Written audience analyses and outlines for public presentations
Three 50 minute examinations: questions written & selected
by all COMM 312 instructors
ATTENDANCE POLICY:
Because of the limited number of hours allowed for each of the discussion areas as well as the group work and films, daily attendance is expected. On the days you are to present a project or to take an exam, you will NOT be excused from class unless:
l. you have been officially excused PRIOR TO the class meeting (See p.22 Policies), or
2. you have a substantiated illness (DOCTOR'S
WRITTEN CONFIRMATION as the Health Center can not
confirm type nor extent of illness) or verified family
emergency. Excuses must be presented upon your return
to class for makeup work to be scheduled.
Any unexcused absence will mean an automatic "0" on
the assignment to be performed or turned in or on an examination.
Papers will be accepted for grading ONLY DURING THE CLASS PERIOD
DUE! Later papers will be read for comments only, but NO letter
grade will be given. See syllabus for assigned due dates.
Makeup exams will be essay question format. If you have any questions,
please see me BEFORE the problem arises.
EXTRA CREDIT WORK DOES NOT EXIST!
GRADING POLICY:
The Department of Communication adheres to the following grading policy:
Many students seem to believe that they start with an "A" in a class and then work their way down when they "do something wrong." Actually, the reverse is true. Students begin with a zero and work their way up if they "do something right."
Grades on individual projects, exams, or performances in the "D" range suggest that the work was done but is of poor quality. Grades in the "C" range suggest that the work fulfills the basic requirements of the syllabus and is of average quality. Grades in the "B" range suggest that the work fulfills the basic requirements and is of high quality. Grades in the "A" range suggest that the work is exceptional. Thus, good grades are earned, not an inherent right. Just as "F's" are not automatically given in every class, neither are "A's."
Grades will be computed based on points earned for each assignment.
The packet describes the requirements and grading criteria for
each of the major assignments. ALL written assignments are to
be typed in proper form with correct spelling and punctuation
and are due on the day of presentation. Late assignments will
NOT receive points. Points will be assigned accordingly;
the total number of points at the end of the semester will be
used to determine course grades. A Bell curve is NOT applied in
the grading of this course. Plus and minus grades may be
applied to point totals on either side of the dividing
lines--no specific percentage basis is designated in advance.
| 180 points: Projects | Proj. 1 10 Communication in Business Model - Group |
| Proj. 2 20 Oral Resume 10 BO/RO | |
| Proj. 3 - 10 Speaker Introduction 20 Intro. Outline / Interview questions/Audience Analysis 10 BO / RO & References 40 Information presentation | |
| Proj. 4 - 20 Group presentation 20 Individual presentations 10 Individual Outline & References 10 Peer Evaluation average | |
| 240 points: | 3 hourly exams |
| 420 points possible |
NOTE: 5 POINTS WILL BE DEDUCTED EACH MANDATORY
ATTENDANCE DAY YOU MISS!!
TEST SCORES WILL BE POSTED BY E-MAIL ONLY! To encourage
all students to become computer and E-mail literate, the scores
for all exams will be posted only by E-mail. Revisions of assignments
and additional information and materials will be sent via E-mail.
DROP/ADD POLICY: All Drop/Adds will be handled
through the University Phone Drop/Add system.
REGISTRATION STATUS: Because of the performance
orientation of this course, this class may NOT be
taken as Listener / Audit status. In addition, this course
may NOT to be taken if you have previously taken COMM 255
Fundamentals of Communication.