Recommended course to prepare you for online learning at BCC:
Introduction to Online Learning – BTS 095 – 1 credit course
Item 4102 OAS
By registering for BTS 095, you will be introduced to the online learning environment at Bellevue Community College (BCC). You will become familiar with My Blackboard/Vista, which is the delivery system for all of BCC’s online classes.
Teaching Philosophy
Online learning requires dedication and self-discipline. The instructor and students must work together and communicate weekly. All activities and assignments have been selected to increase your ability to professionally communicate.
I want to help you learn the core skills of grammar, spelling, usage, sentence structure, and all aspects of professional business writing. This knowledge will help you in your personal life as well as in your career. I expect all students to do their best by reading our excellent textbook, completing all assignments promptly, and asking for help when needed. I’ll encourage you all the way.
Course Description
Business Communications 109 is a course designed to develop and strengthen skills of effective, professional verbal, written, and non-verbal communications. Students will learn to compose clear, concise, purposeful, and error-free business messages. Grading components are listed below.
Tips for Success
- Complete assignments on time. Pace yourself and stay ahead.
- Read the syllabus! The syllabus is a detailed outline of the class and will answer many of your questions.
- Read the text. The text’s up-to-date content and practical examples will add invaluable knowledge as you prepare to enter the workplace.
- Ask questions. Feel free to ask the instructor questions when you need clarification or when you’re “not sure.”
- Proofread all documents before submitting. Write with clarity and conciseness. Proofread and revise every document you turn in. Our goal is perfect copy!
- Enjoy the challenge of online learning. Be disciplined and dedicated.
- Get to know others in the class. This will no doubt enrich your experience.
Course Objectives
Upon completion of this class, students will be able to:
- Understand the importance of becoming a professional communicator in today’s changing workplace.
- Know how culture affects communication and know how to improve communication among diverse workplace audiences.
- Identify the three phases of the writing process.
- Write with a “you” view, maintain a conversational tone, and use positive language.
- Organize ideas using direct and indirect patterns.
- Use active voice, passive voice, and parallel structure effectively in messages.
- Identify and fix misplaced modifiers in business messages.
- Write coherent paragraphs.
- Revise and proofread to eliminate repetition, slang, clichés, and wordiness.
- Write smart and effective e-mails and memos.
- Compose direct claim, request, and adjustment letters and goodwill messages.
- Write effective persuasive messages and sales messages.
- Write bad-news messages sensitively and ethically.
- Prepare an outline for an oral presentation and an accompanying PowerPoint presentation.
Grading Components
- 10 Weekly Chapter Assignments (20 points each)
- 10 Cumulative Editing Assignments (15 points each)
- Grammar/Mechanics Review Posttest (50 points)
- 5 Grammar/Mechanics Challenge Assignments (20 points each)
- 5 Writing Assignments (20 points)
- 10 Chapter Review Quizzes (15 points each)
- Final Project – Oral Presentation Outline and PPt (50 points)
Total Points: 800
Criteria for Grading Writing Assignments
- Message has a clearly-stated purpose.
- Message is well organized; sentences are complete; each paragraph contains a single idea; transition between paragraphs is smooth.
- Message is clear and concise.
- Message is easy to read (simple language), with appropriate tone and word choice.
- Format is professional looking. (correct and consistent placement, spacing, alignment)
- Message is mechanically correct. (no grammar, spelling, or punctuation errors)