Maui Community College
Busisness and Managerial Writing
ENG 209 Syllabus
David Van Hammen, Lecturer
Office: CO1B
Phone: 984-3442
e-mail
COURSE OBJECTIVES
Business Writing Strategies:
- You will learn the various writing and proofreading techniques which will make you an effective writer in the business world.
- You will learn how to use the rules of standard English, how to punctuate sentences properly and which words to use for greatest impact.
NEED TO TALK?
My office is CO1. You may meet me in my office during my office hours or call me at 984-3442, to make an appointment for another time. Please do not hesitate to contact me if you have any questions or concerns about the course, homework assignments, grading system, etc. I look forward to meeting with you on an individual basis.
David Van Hammen's home (maui.net) e-mail
COURSE POLICIES
Required Materials:
One essential part of the course is the acquisition of the following materials at the MCC Bookstore.
1. Excellence in Business Communication, by Thill and Bovée
2. The Irwin Office Reference Manual, by Lee and Satterwhite
3. A 3-ring binder with dividers
- lecture notes
- learning log entries
- answer sheets/handouts
- daily assignment log
- completed work
4. Pens, pencils, and paper
5. Two (2) IBM formatted computer disks
Grading Policy:
- 10% Attendance and Participation
- 80% Writing Assignments
- 10% Final Examination
Class Attendance:
- This is a skills development course, so you must attend class to learn and then apply the skills. Each student is authorized to miss one class per number of days the class meets per week. In other words, if the class meets three days/week, you can have three class periods of sick (or other) leave, during the semester, etc. During your authorized absence, you may windsurf, sleep in, or whatever. Merely call my office phone, or send an e-mail and say that you are taking one of your authorized cuts--no reason need be given.
- If you miss more than what you are authorized, it will affect your grade significantly. Students cannot help each other when they are absent. If you have a family emergency, or illness, please let me know. There are often agencies and counselors who can provide help on a confidential basis; I will help you make those arrangements.
- If you do miss a class, get notes from a colleague. I will not be able to go over a whole class lecture; however, I will be happy to clarify or expand upon any idea which may be confusing you.
Writing Assignments:
We will be employng a cooperative learning model, which means that you will collaborate with two or three colleagues on each assignment. All letters and reports written outside of class must be typed. Double space all papers (at least until the final draft). Save each assignment that is returned to you. You will be required to present a portfolio of your term's work at final exam time.
You will be required to write at least eight original memos and letters during the semester. Additionally, there will be several homework assignments. Some assignments will be graded on a credit/no credit basis. Most assignments will receive a number grade (on a scale of 1 - 10).
Late papers will lose points for each late day. Assignments more than a week late will not be accepted.
Unit Quizzes:
During the semester you will have several unit quizzes. The quizes will be used largely as a learning tool.
Content Area Writing Project:
You will have the opportunity to get credit for a writing project you must do for another class, or for your job. The project will be graded from the English point of view.
Learning Logs:
Your learning log is an important tool in your educational process because it will be a place where you can practice your thinking and organizational skills, explore topics, train your mind to focus on specific points, and review your progress from the beginning of the class to the end.
You will need to designate one section of your 3-ring binder for your entries. Your entries will be free flowing in that your ideas are important. Do not worry about grammar, spelling, or punctuation. Concentrate on your thoughts. The length should be at least 3/4 of a page, typed and double spaced. Some topics will be provided by your instructor.
Pro is to con as progress is to congress.
The Learning Center (TLC) is an excellent facility with a number of resources which will benefit you. There will be a handout given to you on the specific hours, staffing and services provided by TLC. Keep that handout readily available for reference. For this class, TLC will be especially important for:
Tutorial Assistance:
TLC tutors can help you understand how to correct your grammar and/or writing errors. They will NOT write papers for you, but they will give you suggestions and reasons for change. It is your decision to make any changes. After working with an English tutor, have the tutor sign your paper. I recommend extensive use of tutorial assistance at the beginning of the semester, but very limited use at the end.
Other Resources:
If you wish to improve your spelling skills, increase your reading speed, or enlarge your vocabulary, there are textbooks, reading machines and computer programs which are available to you. See me and I will be happy to get you the help you need.
Go to "Writers' Help"
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Mail to Daud @ maui.net
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