Delaney+Syllabus

**Spring 2013 **
 * English 205: Business Communication in its Rhetorical Contexts **

Ticket # 18097E-mail:erin.delaney.1@csun.edu T/Th 8:00 a.m.—9:15 a.m., JH1103Phone: (818) 677-0909 (no voicemail) Office Hours:T/Th 9:30—10:30Office Location:ST821 Course website: [|https://webteach.csun.edu]
 * Instructor:Professor Erin Delaney **

Welcome to English 205!This course will prepare you to compose effective communications in the business world.You will learn from both me and your fellow classmates in an interactive, writer’s workshop classroom.If you have any questions or concerns, you are always welcome to attend my office hours or to contact me by e-mail.I look forward to working with you this semester!


 * Texts: **
 * //Technical Communication: Process and Product // by Sharon J. Gerson and Steven M. Gerson.6th Edition.ISBN 978-0-13-615475-4.**(Required)**
 * //The Little Penguin Handbook //by Lester Faigley.ISBN 0-321-24401-X.**(Recommended)**
 * Various readings provided by the instructor.


 * Course Description: **Development of critical writing, thinking, research, and technology skills in the context of business.Through substantial writing and other work, students will hone their written, oral, and visual communication skills and their ability to find, synthesize, and make arguments based on primary and secondary sources.Emphasis on communication with a diverse audience and case studies about ethical issues common to the local and global business world.This course is required of students who have declared a major in Accountancy, Business Administration, Management, Marketing, Information Systems, or Finance.May also be taken as an elective by other students who wish to enhance their professional communication skills.Prerequisite:ChS 155, PAS 155, Eng 155, AAS 155, or equivalent.Not available for students who have earned credit for Bus 105 or Bus 205.

<span style="font-family: 'Garamond','serif'; font-size: 11pt;">You will develop the critical thinking abilities necessary to engage in the professional literacy demands of a complex and evolving local economy, as demonstrated by your:
 * <span style="font-family: 'Garamond','serif'; font-size: 11pt;">Student Learning Outcomes: **
 * <span style="font-family: 'Garamond','serif'; font-size: 11pt;">ability to communicate effectively in writing, orally, and visually;
 * <span style="font-family: 'Garamond','serif'; font-size: 11pt;">ability to reflect critically on the rhetorical choices involved in the communication process;
 * <span style="font-family: 'Garamond','serif'; font-size: 11pt;">ability to find, synthesize, and cite primary and secondary materials, and make a coherent argument about the significance of these materials;
 * <span style="font-family: 'Garamond','serif'; font-size: 11pt;">ability to recognize and analyze ethical issues; and
 * <span style="font-family: 'Garamond','serif'; font-size: 11pt;">ability to communicate with diverse audiences.

· <span style="font-family: 'Garamond','serif'; font-size: 11pt;">Because the business world frequently requires employees to work in a group setting, much of this course will be conducted in groups.Groups will be selected by the students and will be permanent for the course of the semester.Once groups are established (week 3), each group will develop its own contract to govern it’s conduct. · <span style="font-family: 'Garamond','serif'; font-size: 11pt;">Because the business world is increasingly reliant upon technology, much of this course will be technology-based.As such, students are required to check their CSUN email account frequently (which may be forwarded to a personal address).Students will also be required to check and contribute to our course website. · <span style="font-family: 'Garamond','serif'; font-size: 11pt;">Respect:in the business world, people often repeat the adage “don’t burn your bridges.”This means that people must behave in a respectful and courteous manner to one another in order to avoid missing future opportunities.The same will hold true in this course.I will show respect to you, and I expect you to show respect to each other and to me. · <span style="font-family: 'Garamond','serif'; font-size: 11pt;">Writing is a skill that people learn by practicing and through hard work.As such, students are expected to participate in writing activities, group work, in-class presentations, and class discussions. · <span style="font-family: 'Garamond','serif'; font-size: 11pt;">Lastly, **cell phones, Blackberrys, Sidekicks, iPods, and other electronic devices will be turned off during class.**
 * <span style="font-family: 'Garamond','serif'; font-size: 11pt;">Course Format/Procedures: **

<span style="font-family: 'Garamond','serif'; font-size: 11pt;">Success in this course requires in-class participation.If you miss class, you miss work that cannot be made up.Because of this, your grade will be lowered after **three** absences.If you are absent more than **five** classes, **//you will be in jeopardy of failing this course//**.Furthermore, it is very important that you arrive in class on time.Tardies count for **half an absence**.If you are absent, it is your responsibility to contact one of your classmates to find out what you missed and any work assigned. Students with perfect attendance (no absences and no tardies) will receive 20 extra credit points at the end of the semester.
 * <span style="font-family: 'Garamond','serif'; font-size: 11pt;">Attendance: **

<span style="font-family: 'Garamond','serif'; font-size: 11pt;">Plagiarism will not be tolerated.According to the CSUN catalog, academic dishonesty of any sort (including plagiarism and cheating) is an offence for which “a student may be expelled, suspended, or given a less severe disciplinary sanction.”Please be assured that I will report any instance of plagiarism to Dr. William Watkins, the Assistant Vice President for Student Life.//If you do not know whether or not you are committing plagiarism,// //please see me **before** you turn in your assignment//.
 * <span style="font-family: 'Garamond','serif'; font-size: 11pt;">Plagiarism: **

<span style="font-family: 'Garamond','serif'; font-size: 11pt;">All assignments are due at 8:00 a.m. on the date specified in the syllabus.If an assignment is worth less than fifty points, I **will not** accept it late.Late assignments will be reduced one full letter grade for each day they are late (this includes days that we do not meet).Assignments are graded on a plus/minus scale and there is no curve.I use the following scale:
 * <span style="font-family: 'Garamond','serif'; font-size: 11pt;">Grading Policy: **


 * <span style="font-family: 'Garamond','serif'; font-size: 11pt;">A || <span style="font-family: 'Garamond','serif'; font-size: 11pt;">100% - 92% ||  || <span style="font-family: 'Garamond','serif'; font-size: 11pt;">C+ || <span style="font-family: 'Garamond','serif'; font-size: 11pt;">79% - 78% ||
 * <span style="font-family: 'Garamond','serif'; font-size: 11pt;">A- || <span style="font-family: 'Garamond','serif'; font-size: 11pt;">91% – 90% ||  || <span style="font-family: 'Garamond','serif'; font-size: 11pt;">C || <span style="font-family: 'Garamond','serif'; font-size: 11pt;">77% - 72% ||
 * <span style="font-family: 'Garamond','serif'; font-size: 11pt;">B+ || <span style="font-family: 'Garamond','serif'; font-size: 11pt;">89% – 88% ||  || <span style="font-family: 'Garamond','serif'; font-size: 11pt;">C- || <span style="font-family: 'Garamond','serif'; font-size: 11pt;">71% - 70% ||
 * <span style="font-family: 'Garamond','serif'; font-size: 11pt;">B || <span style="font-family: 'Garamond','serif'; font-size: 11pt;">87% - 82% ||  || <span style="font-family: 'Garamond','serif'; font-size: 11pt;">D || <span style="font-family: 'Garamond','serif'; font-size: 11pt;">69% - 60% ||
 * <span style="font-family: 'Garamond','serif'; font-size: 11pt;">B- || <span style="font-family: 'Garamond','serif'; font-size: 11pt;">81% - 80% ||  || <span style="font-family: 'Garamond','serif'; font-size: 11pt;">F || <span style="font-family: 'Garamond','serif'; font-size: 11pt;">59% and lower ||

<span style="font-family: 'Garamond','serif'; font-size: 11pt;">There are 1,000 points available in this course.Some assignments will be completed individually and others will be completed in groups.**Unless otherwise specified, all assignments must be typed in 12 point Times New Roman font, double spaced and must conform to MLA format.**Spelling and grammar count towards your grade.The following are your assignments for the semester:
 * <span style="font-family: 'Garamond','serif'; font-size: 11pt;">Assignments: **


 * **<span style="font-family: 'Garamond','serif'; font-size: 11pt;">Group Assignments: ** || **<span style="font-family: 'Garamond','serif'; font-size: 11pt;">Points: ** ||
 * <span style="font-family: 'Garamond','serif'; font-size: 11pt;">Group Contract || <span style="display: block; font-family: 'Garamond','serif'; font-size: 11pt; text-align: right;">50 ||
 * <span style="font-family: 'Garamond','serif'; font-size: 11pt;">Identify Problem || <span style="display: block; font-family: 'Garamond','serif'; font-size: 11pt; text-align: right;">50 ||
 * <span style="font-family: 'Garamond','serif'; font-size: 11pt;">Research Problem, pt. 1: Wiki page || <span style="display: block; font-family: 'Garamond','serif'; font-size: 11pt; text-align: right;">75 ||
 * <span style="font-family: 'Garamond','serif'; font-size: 11pt;">Research Problem, pt. 2: Presentation || <span style="display: block; font-family: 'Garamond','serif'; font-size: 11pt; text-align: right;">75 ||
 * <span style="font-family: 'Garamond','serif'; font-size: 11pt;">Grant Proposal || <span style="display: block; font-family: 'Garamond','serif'; font-size: 11pt; text-align: right;">125 ||
 * <span style="font-family: 'Garamond','serif'; font-size: 11pt;">Final Presentation || <span style="display: block; font-family: 'Garamond','serif'; font-size: 11pt; text-align: right;">125 ||
 * **<span style="font-family: 'Garamond','serif'; font-size: 11pt;">Individual Assignments: ** ||  ||
 * <span style="font-family: 'Garamond','serif'; font-size: 11pt;">Common Assessment Assignment || <span style="display: block; font-family: 'Garamond','serif'; font-size: 11pt; text-align: right;">50 ||
 * <span style="font-family: 'Garamond','serif'; font-size: 11pt;">Employment Packet || <span style="display: block; font-family: 'Garamond','serif'; font-size: 11pt; text-align: right;">50 ||
 * <span style="font-family: 'Garamond','serif'; font-size: 11pt;">Plagiarism Quiz || <span style="display: block; font-family: 'Garamond','serif'; font-size: 11pt; text-align: right;">25 ||
 * <span style="font-family: 'Garamond','serif'; font-size: 11pt;">Writing in Business Genres || <span style="display: block; font-family: 'Garamond','serif'; font-size: 11pt; text-align: right;">100 ||
 * <span style="font-family: 'Garamond','serif'; font-size: 11pt;">Homework || <span style="display: block; font-family: 'Garamond','serif'; font-size: 11pt; text-align: right;">150 ||
 * <span style="font-family: 'Garamond','serif'; font-size: 11pt;">Class Work and Participation || <span style="display: block; font-family: 'Garamond','serif'; font-size: 11pt; text-align: right;">125 ||
 * **<span style="font-family: 'Garamond','serif'; font-size: 11pt;">TOTAL ** || **<span style="font-family: 'Garamond','serif'; font-size: 11pt;">1,000 ** ||

· **<span style="font-family: 'Garamond','serif'; font-size: 11pt;">Group Contract (50 points): **<span style="font-family: 'Garamond','serif'; font-size: 11pt;">You will develop a contract which will govern your group’s conduct, as well as developing an effective communication system for you to stay in contact.You may be fired from your team after one written warning, if your team opts for that penalty. If you are fired, you will have to complete all team assignments individually in order to receive full credit for the class. · **<span style="font-family: 'Garamond','serif'; font-size: 11pt;">Identify Problem (50 points): **<span style="font-family: 'Garamond','serif'; font-size: 11pt;">As a group, you will select one ethical issue in today’s business world.Be sure that the entire group agrees on which issue to choose, as it will be the basis for all of your group assignments.The problem you choose should be one in which you have a genuine interest, one that you feel is important and is sufficiently complex, so that it requires research and reflection. It should be a problem or issue that has generated significant controversy, perhaps one which is currently being debated. However, please do not choose an issue which is related to a religious belief. · **<span style="font-family: 'Garamond','serif'; font-size: 11pt;">Research Problem, pt. 1: Wiki Page (75 points): **<span style="font-family: 'Garamond','serif'; font-size: 11pt;">As a group, you will research the problem you selected.Use your research to create a properly-cited wiki page on www.wikispaces.com (a free site) about your problem.The wiki page should look like an encyclopedia entry.This means that you will need to provide text in between your quotations and be sure that the style of writing is consistent. · **<span style="font-family: 'Garamond','serif'; font-size: 11pt;">Research Problem, pt. 2: Presentation (75 points): **<span style="font-family: 'Garamond','serif'; font-size: 11pt;">As a group, you will create a PowerPoint presentation based on your research. You will conduct a 10 minute presentation to the class in which you inform them about the problem you selected. · **<span style="font-family: 'Garamond','serif'; font-size: 11pt;">Grant Proposal (125 points): **<span style="font-family: 'Garamond','serif'; font-size: 11pt;">As a group, you will write a grant that proposes a feasible solution to the ethical problem your group selected.The grant proposal will be written to Matadors, Inc., a publicly-held corporation; your aim is to convince the corporation to fund your proposed solution. · **<span style="font-family: 'Garamond','serif'; font-size: 11pt;">Final Presentation (125 points): **<span style="font-family: 'Garamond','serif'; font-size: 11pt;">As a group, you will create a PowerPoint presentation based on your Grant Proposal.You will present a 15 minute proposal to the Charitable Giving committee of Matadors, Inc. (the instructor and your classmates) in an attempt to convince the committee to fund your proposed solution. · **<span style="font-family: 'Garamond','serif'; font-size: 11pt;">Common Assessment Assignment (50 points): **<span style="font-family: 'Garamond','serif'; font-size: 11pt;">This assignment is designed to help the English department evaluate English 205.All students enrolled in English 205 will participate in this assignment. · **<span style="font-family: 'Garamond','serif'; font-size: 11pt;">Employment Packet (50 points): **<span style="font-family: 'Garamond','serif'; font-size: 11pt;">You will create a packet of materials that can be used for a future job search.This packet will include: a resume, a cover letter, prepared responses to standard interview questions, and a 5-7 minute practice job interview with the instructor. · **<span style="font-family: 'Garamond','serif'; font-size: 11pt;">Plagiarism Quiz (25 points): **<span style="font-family: 'Garamond','serif'; font-size: 11pt;">You will take a quiz designed to test your understanding of plagiarism and ethical ways to avoid plagiarism (quoting, summarizing, and paraphrasing).If you do not pass the plagiarism quiz, you can make up the points by reviewing the quiz with a tutor at the LRC and retaking the quiz at a later date. · **<span style="font-family: 'Garamond','serif'; font-size: 11pt;">Writing in Business Genres (100 points): **<span style="font-family: 'Garamond','serif'; font-size: 11pt;">You will have several assignments which will ask you to write in business genres, including letters, memos, and emails.These assignments will be based upon a prompt I will distribute in class. · **<span style="font-family: 'Garamond','serif'; font-size: 11pt;">Homework (150 points): **<span style="font-family: 'Garamond','serif'; font-size: 11pt;">Using our WebCT site, you will respond to two discussion questions every week.It is important that you not only respond to the question, but to the student(s) who answered the question before you. · **<span style="font-family: 'Garamond','serif'; font-size: 11pt;">Class Work and Participation (125 points): **<span style="font-family: 'Garamond','serif'; font-size: 11pt;">Class Work and Participation points are earned in class.If you miss class, you miss work that cannot be made up.We will be doing work worth points during every class session.


 * <span style="font-family: 'Garamond','serif'; font-size: 11pt;">Getting Help: **
 * <span style="font-family: 'Garamond','serif'; font-size: 11pt;">You may take any of your writing assignments to the Learning Resource Center (LRC) for tutoring.The LRC is located in Bayramian Hall 408 and can be reached at (818) 677-2033.The LRC strongly recommends that you make an appointment in advance of your visit.For each visit, verified with a form from the LRC, you will earn 5 points of extra credit.
 * <span style="font-family: 'Garamond','serif'; font-size: 11pt;">In addition, I welcome your visits to my office hours and will be happy to help you with your assignments.Feel free to come visit me with any questions.I am also happy to meet with you at different times by appointment.However, I share my office with other faculty members, so please let me know well in advance when you would like to meet so I can make sure the office is available.I check my email diligently, so feel free to contact me in that way as well.Do not suffer in silence.

<span style="font-family: 'Garamond','serif'; font-size: 11pt;">1.Show up.Your presence and active participation in class will enormously improve your performance as a writer and a student. <span style="font-family: 'Garamond','serif'; font-size: 11pt;">2.If you cannot show up, find out what happened while you were gone by contacting one of your classmates. <span style="font-family: 'Garamond','serif'; font-size: 11pt;">3.Check your CSUN email regularly (at least once a day).This is the way in which both the university and I will contact you. <span style="font-family: 'Garamond','serif'; font-size: 11pt;">4.Turn in all your work on time. <span style="font-family: 'Garamond','serif'; font-size: 11pt;">5.Take advantage of extra credit and learning opportunities by visiting the LRC. <span style="font-family: 'Garamond','serif'; font-size: 11pt;">6.Follow directions carefully.This will help you avoid losing points for careless mistakes. <span style="font-family: 'Garamond','serif'; font-size: 11pt;">7.If you need help, ask for it.I am happy to work with you to make this experience as painless as possible.
 * <span style="font-family: 'Garamond','serif'; font-size: 11pt;">Secrets of Success: **

<span style="font-family: 'Garamond','serif'; font-size: 11pt;">The Americans with Disabilities Act requires that reasonable accommodations be provided for students with physical, sensory, cognitive, systemic, learning, and psychiatric disabilities.Please contact me at the beginning of the semester to discuss any such accommodations for this course.
 * <span style="font-family: 'Garamond','serif'; font-size: 11pt;">Disabilities Statement: **

<span style="font-family: 'Garamond','serif'; font-size: 11pt;">If you experience a personal emergency that will prevent you from coming to class, contact me as soon as possible.//Do not// ask your classmates to deliver a message or wait until you return to class to talk to me.Your prompt communication will enable me to help you succeed in the class despite the emergency.
 * <span style="font-family: 'Garamond','serif'; font-size: 11pt;">Personal Emergencies: **

<span style="font-family: 'Garamond','serif'; font-size: 11pt;">You may use the below space to write the name and contact information of two or three of your classmates.If you miss class, you will appreciate having someone to contact.
 * <span style="font-family: 'Garamond','serif'; font-size: 11pt;">Networking: **


 * <span style="font-family: 'Garamond','serif'; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 150%;">Name: || <span style="font-family: 'Garamond','serif'; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 150%;">Phone: || <span style="font-family: 'Garamond','serif'; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 150%;">Email: ||

**<span style="font-family: 'Garamond','serif'; font-size: 11pt;">Tentative Course Schedule ** **//<span style="font-family: 'Garamond','serif'; font-size: 11pt;">Subject to Change per the Instructor’s Discretion //**

<span style="font-family: 'Garamond','serif'; font-size: 11pt;">Networking <span style="font-family: 'Garamond','serif'; font-size: 11pt;">Team-Building Strategies || <span style="font-family: 'Garamond','serif'; font-size: 11pt;">Read Ch. 1: “An Introduction to Technical Communication” || <span style="font-family: 'Garamond','serif'; font-size: 11pt;">1/29:Discussion questions due by 5:00 p.m. || <span style="font-family: 'Garamond','serif'; font-size: 11pt;">Read Ch. 2:“The Communication Process” || <span style="font-family: 'Garamond','serif'; font-size: 11pt;">2/5:Library Instruction Date (tentative) <span style="font-family: 'Garamond','serif'; font-size: 11pt;">Discussion questions due by 5:00 p.m. || <span style="font-family: 'Garamond','serif'; font-size: 11pt;">Read Ch. 3:“The Goals of Technical Communication” || <span style="font-family: 'Garamond','serif'; font-size: 11pt;">2/12:Discussion questions due by 5:00 p.m. || <span style="font-family: 'Garamond','serif'; font-size: 11pt;">Read Ch. 13:“Web Sites, Blogging, and Online Help” || <span style="font-family: 'Garamond','serif'; font-size: 11pt;">2/26:Library Instruction Date (tentative) <span style="font-family: 'Garamond','serif'; font-size: 11pt;">Discussion questions due by 5:00 p.m. || <span style="font-family: 'Garamond','serif'; font-size: 11pt;">First draft of memo assignment due || <span style="font-family: 'Garamond','serif'; font-size: 11pt;">Final draft of memo assignment due || <span style="font-family: 'Garamond','serif'; font-size: 11pt;">First draft of letter assignment due || <span style="font-family: 'Garamond','serif'; font-size: 11pt;">Read Ch. 7: “Employment Communication” || <span style="font-family: 'Garamond','serif'; font-size: 11pt;">3/26:Discussion questions due by 5:00 p.m. ||
 * **<span style="font-family: 'Garamond','serif'; font-size: 11pt;">Week ** || **<span style="font-family: 'Garamond','serif'; font-size: 11pt;">Tuesday ** || **<span style="font-family: 'Garamond','serif'; font-size: 11pt;">Thursday ** ||
 * <span style="display: block; font-family: 'Garamond','serif'; font-size: 11pt; text-align: center;">1 || <span style="font-family: 'Garamond','serif'; font-size: 11pt;">1/20: Welcome and Introductions || <span style="font-family: 'Garamond','serif'; font-size: 11pt;">1/22:Technological Demonstration
 * <span style="display: block; font-family: 'Garamond','serif'; font-size: 11pt; text-align: center;">2 || <span style="font-family: 'Garamond','serif'; font-size: 11pt;">1/27:Plagiarism Quiz
 * <span style="display: block; font-family: 'Garamond','serif'; font-size: 11pt; text-align: center;">3 || <span style="font-family: 'Garamond','serif'; font-size: 11pt;">2/3:Finalize Groups
 * <span style="display: block; font-family: 'Garamond','serif'; font-size: 11pt; text-align: center;">4 || <span style="font-family: 'Garamond','serif'; font-size: 11pt;">2/10:Group Contract due
 * <span style="display: block; font-family: 'Garamond','serif'; font-size: 11pt; text-align: center;">5 || <span style="font-family: 'Garamond','serif'; font-size: 11pt;">2/17:Read Ch. 4: “Audience Recognition and Involvement” || <span style="font-family: 'Garamond','serif'; font-size: 11pt;">2/19:Discussion questions due by 5:00 p.m. ||
 * <span style="display: block; font-family: 'Garamond','serif'; font-size: 11pt; text-align: center;">6 || <span style="font-family: 'Garamond','serif'; font-size: 11pt;">2/24:Identify problem due
 * <span style="display: block; font-family: 'Garamond','serif'; font-size: 11pt; text-align: center;">7 || <span style="font-family: 'Garamond','serif'; font-size: 11pt;">3/3:Read Ch. 6:“Routine Correspondence—Memos, Letters, E-Mail, and Instant Messaging” || <span style="font-family: 'Garamond','serif'; font-size: 11pt;">3/5:Discussion questions due by 5:00 p.m.
 * <span style="display: block; font-family: 'Garamond','serif'; font-size: 11pt; text-align: center;">8 || <span style="font-family: 'Garamond','serif'; font-size: 11pt;">3/10:Read Ch. 18: “Oral Communication” || <span style="font-family: 'Garamond','serif'; font-size: 11pt;">3/12:Discussion questions due by 5:00 p.m.
 * <span style="display: block; font-family: 'Garamond','serif'; font-size: 11pt; text-align: center;">9 || <span style="font-family: 'Garamond','serif'; font-size: 11pt;">3/17:Research Problem pt. 1 and 2 due || <span style="font-family: 'Garamond','serif'; font-size: 11pt;">3/19:Discussion questions due by 5:00 p.m.
 * <span style="display: block; font-family: 'Garamond','serif'; font-size: 11pt; text-align: center;">10 || <span style="font-family: 'Garamond','serif'; font-size: 11pt;">3/24:Final draft of letter assignment due