Communication 161:
Business and Professional Communication

Catalog Course Description

Study of face-to-face communication on the job. Development of interpersonal skills, meeting management, interviewing and presentational speaking. Study of communication flow in organizations.

Texts

1. Adler, R. and Elmhorst, J. (2004), Communicating at Work: Principles and Practices for Business and the Professions, eight edition, New York: McGraw-Hill.
2. Duplicated packet Student Materials for Business and Professional Communication

Purpose

This course is designed to help students become more effective communicators in the following areas:

1. Interviewing (employment, counseling, appraisal)
2. Interpersonal relationships (problem solving, listening, negotiating, etc.)
3. Group work (problem solving, meeting management, leadership)
4. Presentational speaking (to train, explain, and persuade)

Syllabus

Week 1 Introduction
Week 2 Basic Concepts and Communication Systems
Week 3 Interviewing Principles
Week 4 Employment Interviewing
Week 5 Interviewing cont., Language and listening
Week 6 Group Communication
Week 7 Negotiating and Problem Solving
Week 8 Midterm exam and review
Week 9 Presentational Speaking
Week 10 Presentational Speaking
Week 11-12 Presentation #1
Week 13 Persuasive Speaking
Week 14 Persuasive Speaking, cont.
Week 15-16 Presentation #2

Grading

• 300 points: TESTS. There will be one midterm and a final exam.

• 100 points: CAREER RESEARCH INTERVIEW. In this assignment students interview a stranger who can provide them with information and possibly other help in advancing their careers.

• 100 points: GROUP WORK. Since a major part of success on the job depends on working well with others, students will spend part of the class as part of a group. The grade in this area will depend on how well group mates operate as a team.

• 100 points: INSTRUCTOR EVALUATION. Points here reflect both the amount and quality of the student's contributions to the class.

• 100 points: ATTENDANCE. Students are entitled to miss one week's worth of classes without penalty. Beyond this, each absence will cost points.

• 200 points: PRESENTATIONS. Students deliver two presentations to the class. Grades will be based on such criteria as clarity, interest, strategy and delivery.