CMN 211 Ditewig Morris Syllabus FA17 PDF

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CMN 211 (Bus.Com.)

Ditewig-Morris

Fall 2017

CMN 211: BUSINESS COMMUNICATION FALL 2017 Sections: 1 (9:00am) & 2 (10:00am) 1057 Lincoln Hall

Kate Ditewig-Morris Office: 4086 Lincoln Hall Office Hours: Tues. & Wed., 1:00-2:30; Thurs. 1:00-4:00

Email: [email protected] Website: www.ditewigmorris.com LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/ditewigmorris/

Appo ppoint int intme me ment nt ntss R eq equu ired ** **See Policies

What do employers consistently cite as the #1 skill they look for in job candidates and employees? Professional communication. In CMN 211, we will find out exactly what that means. This active, hands-on, practical, skills-based course is based on relevant business and organizational communication theory and practice. It is designed to equip you with the specific verbal, non-verbal, written, and interpersonal communication skills you need that are vital to your success in professional contexts. It is NOT like other courses you have taken. Consider this course basic training for the workplace! Expectations for performance will be similar to those you encounter in the work world. The goal is that you leave more equipped to make a successful transition to your career. NOTE This course is restricted to those with Junior and Senior standing, despite its designation as a 200-level class. It is demanding and requires previous public speaking and college composition courses as well as some life experience. You must know APA format and have strong proficiency in English grammar and extemporaneous speaking. Business Communication is not an English course. If you struggle with the English language: get, read, and follow Strunk and White’s “Elements of Style” and take advantage of the Writer’s Workshop and other sources of language and writing help here at the University.

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CMN 211 (Bus.Com.)

Ditewig-Morris

Fall 2017

Specifically, you will be able to: • Understand the nuances of professionalism and prepare to apply them in the workforce you will enter soon. • Begin to articulate and develop your personal brand, value, and “voice”, which you develop throughout your career. • Hone your self-marketing skills, including career exploration, research, and preparation; customizing résumés and cover messages; managing online presence; and networking. • Improve your interviewing skills and techniques, both as interviewee and interviewer. • Write essential business documents, such as emails, memos, reports, and proposals by using the WIIFT approach (“What’s In It For Them”). • Present in an audience-appropriate and engaging style. • Pitch ideas to a business audience and demonstrate you understand your audience’s needs and how your idea will benefit them. • Practice thinking, acting, and presenting yourself (in quality of work, dress, demeanor, ethics, and etiquette) as a professional. To succeed in this class, set goals to:  Attend, participate, be on time, and put away the phones.  Plan ahead and manage your time well. The course is busy, fast-paced and highly integrated. There are a number of independent projects that you will be accountable for. As in the workplace, some projects have multiple components with varying deadlines.  Pay attention to details.  Avoid making excuses. Accept responsibility and consequences.  Accept feedback and critique in the spirit with which they are intended: to help you succeed in a fierce and highly competitive world.  Deliver your best work and self at all times, from attitude to assignments. Turn in all work as if you were presenting it to your boss. This is the essence of professionalism.

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CMN 211 (Bus.Com.)

Ditewig-Morris

Fall 2017

COURSE MATERIALS Course Website Our Moodle site houses readings, bibliography, assignments, due dates and grades, plus a myriad of other activities. Check it often: https://learn.illinois.edu/course/view.php?id=22611

Required Books (Available at the University Bookstore or Amazon.com) Bolles, R.N. (2018). What color is your parachute? A practical manual for job-hunters & career changers (2018 Edition). New York, NY: Ten Speed Press (Random House). Criscito, P., & Funkhouser, D. (2011). Interview Answers in a Flash: More than 200 flash card-style questions and answers to prepare you for that all-important job interview! (2 ed.). Hauppauge, NY: Barron's Educational Series.

GRADING There are 1000 possible points available in CMN 211. Grading guidelines will be provided for each graded activity. For each, you will earn points that fall within the following ranges: Grade

%

Total Pts.

Grade

%

Total Pts.

A

93-100

930-1000

C

75-77

750-779

70-74

700-749

A-

90-92

900-929

C-

B+

88-89

880-899

D+

68-69

680-699

B

85-87

850-879

D

65-67

650-679

D-

60-64

600-649

F

Below 60

0-599

B-

80-84

800-849

C+

78-79

780-799

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CMN 211 (Bus.Com.)

Ditewig-Morris

Fall 2017

Notes about grades:  Rubrics for written work and oral presentations will be included with each assignment.  Final grades will be based as a percentage of total points earned. Assignment feedback and points are posted to Moodle; however, final course grades (considering extra credit points and/or deductions for attendance issues, etc.) will not appear on Moodle. These will be factored in at the end of the semester as final grades are tallied.  Grades will not be curved or rounded.  Grades are earned over the course of the semester, and they should be treated accordingly. If you are concerned about the grade you are earning, you should address your concerns as they occur, and not at the end of the semester. Grades are NOT negotiable.  I reserve the right to reduce final grades if repeated violations of course policies occur.

MAJOR PROJECTS Business Writing: Various Writing for the workplace is critical. You will be evaluated continually by your employer and other contacts on the quality of your writing, regardless of your job duties and however simple the communication may be. Therefore, we will review proper procedures for executing effective emails, memos, reports, and other types of business writing. Practice will be incorporated into a host of assignments. There will be a standalone practice writing assignments worth 50 points. Public Speaking: Various As with business writing, you will be expected to present ideas, project reports, proposals, and simply talk in meetings frequently during your career. In the business world, unless you are giving a scripted speech in front of a large crowd (which is rare or reserved for top executives), most business-related public speaking centers around both formal and informal presentations. They are usually extemporaneous and participative in nature, with discussion and question / answer sessions. Very often, speaking on the spur of the moment is expected. We will work on these types of public speaking in various projects and in class activities.

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CMN 211 (Bus.Com.)

Ditewig-Morris

Fall 2017

Professionalism & Participation: 200 points This is a highly interactive class and your success depends on active participation. You must work consistently to maintain high standards throughout the semester, which is indicative of professionalism. Expect frequent readings and homework. Grades will be earned based on the following criteria: • Coming to class prepared for active and meaningful discussion; • Willingly and effectively taking part in-class activities including impromptu speaking, workshops, and peer reviews; • Engagement, attention, attitude, and effort—including seeing me in office hours; • Abiding by class policies such as no cell phones and devices; no tardiness, etc. • On-time, accurate, and complete submission of miscellaneous reading responses and other assigned homework as directed for each assignment; • Consistent demonstration of respect for classmates, professor, and guest speakers; • Use of supportive peer feedback and constructive criticism; • Turning in the best quality work you can produce; • Professionally written emails to your instructor. Pick-Two Project: 200 points I want your CMN 211 experience to be as relevant to your unique needs as possible. Therefore, you will choose from two of the three following projects to complete by the end of the semester, which constitutes the “final” project for the course. Each requires advance preparation, outside research, and the utmost in professionalism. You write a formal report (on both) for me and present your findings onto your classmates (on one) at the end of the semester. 1. Attend two Career Fairs Attend two Career Fairs or networking events this semester. You will compare your experiences, since they can be very different. You must also conduct research on the many ways companies recruit college students, other than Career Fairs. 2. Informational Interview & Career Research Conduct at least one informational interview with a working professional who’s in a job or company you’re interested in. Many students find this to be worthwhile on many levels, from expanding their networks, to learning more about a career path, or getting leads on internship or job opportunities. You will also conduct research on a career path or company you’re interested in. 3. Personal Website I will get you going on LinkedIn, which is essential, but a personal website or online portfolio offers you a distinct competitive advantage. This project will allow you get a website started and develop it throughout the semester. You will also conduct research on current trends and thinking regarding this self-marketing communication tool.

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CMN 211 (Bus.Com.)

Ditewig-Morris

Fall 2017

4. Research a Business Communication topic of your choice Topics can include (but are not limited to): intercultural communication in the work place; intergenerational communication in the work place; more on business ethics; delivering bad news to a work force; alternative work arrangements and its challenges to workplace communication; workplace conflict resolution strategies; etc. It will require at least one interview. Professional Self-Introductions (“Elevator Pitches”): 30 points What would you say if you unexpectedly met someone you wish to work for? Or, do you wonder how to get a conversation going with a recruiter? An “elevator pitch or selfintroduction” is a critical, basic skill. It also helps you answer the most common interview question: “Tell me about yourself.” Everyone will develop a customized self-introduction to use on-the-spot with recruiters, interviewers, or other people you wish to network with. Grade includes how clearly you have adapted to a specific audience. Self and Career Exploration Exercise: 50 points Before you enter the job market, you need to know what you might like to do or how to develop your personal brand and professional voice. To help, this assignment will include completion of an introspective career exploration exercise and essay. Many students are astounded at the possibilities this exercise leads them to. Resumes & Cover Letters: 70 points We will discuss what makes job application materials such as resumes and cover letters /application messages truly effective and how to customize them for each job you apply for. We will also discuss online resumes and digital optimization. Online presence / LinkedIn: 50 points How you network and tell your personal brand story online is essential in today’s market, so you work independently on a project to engage with LinkedIn. Interviewing: 200 points Materials such as a resume, cover letter, and online presence are designed to get you an interview. The interview gets you the job. Therefore, we will spend a good amount of time learning proper interviewing techniques and practicing them in class. You will work in teams to interview each other and provide feedback. Team Persuasive Pitch: 150 points You will need to persuade people to adopt new ideas, processes, or strategies in your career. There is a strategic process for business persuasion. You will work with a team mate to create 6

CMN 211 (Bus.Com.)

Ditewig-Morris

Fall 2017

a persuasive pitch to a business audience. You will create an audience analysis, proposal outline, and present your idea to the class. This is a competition, so extra credit is at stake! Tests & Quizzes: There are no tests in this course. It is all skills-based assessment. HOWEVER, I reserve the right to have pop quizzes if I have evidence that you are not completing readings as assigned and/or coming to class prepared for discussions and activities. There is no final.

A TENTATIVE COURSE SCHEDULE IS POSTED TO MOODLE AND WILL BE UPDATED IF NEEDED.

COURSE POLICIES ** This classroom is an organization. Every organization has cultural rules, policies, and boundaries to abide by. Staying in this class is your agreement to abide by its organizational policies.** Accommodation Policy To obtain disability-related academic adjustments and/or auxiliary aids, students with disabilities must contact the course instructor and the Disability Resources and Educational Services (DRES) as soon as possible. You are all guaranteed an equal opportunity in the class and no student is denied educational access, regardless of disability. If you need assistance or ever feel uncomfortable, please see me right away. Academic Integrity Passing off someone else’s idea as your own is subject to University procedures and carries serious penalties. I have a zero tolerance policy toward plagiarism: this means immediate reporting via the University process and possible failure of the assignment or the course. We shall abide by the University’s “Code of Policies and Regulations Applying to All Students, Part 4 on Academic Integrity” which can be found at http://admin.illinois.edu/policy/code/article1_part4_1-402.html. 7

CMN 211 (Bus.Com.)

Ditewig-Morris

Fall 2017

*ATTENDANCE* Allowed absences. On the job, you are afforded limited sick time without it affecting your paycheck or performance. The same principle applies here. I take attendance each class period via a sign-in sheet and keep track on our course website, which is visible to you. • Each student is afforded th thre re reee free absences (equivalent to one week of class), which I would strongly advise you to reserve for legitimate reasons. • Each absence after you have exhausted your three free absences will reduce your final point total by 4%, or about one-half step in your letter grade. For example, if your final point total is 885 points (B+) but you have seven absences (four beyond your allowed 3), you will earn a total of 752 points (C): 885 (B+) -4% = 850 (B) -4% = 816 (B-) -4% = 783 (C+) -4% = 752 (C) • It is your responsibility to keep track of your own attendance; I will not issue warnings. • When you are absent, it is your responsibility to get any missed information, assignments, and announcements from our class Moodle site. Do not email me with the classic question: “What did I miss in class today?” because I will not answer it. Documentation for absences BEYOND your allowed three:. There are some circumstances under which you may be excused for missing class after you have exhausted your three excused absences, such as family or medical emergencies, University sanctioned events, job interviews, or extended illness. In such events, you will be asked to present a note from a doctor, the Emergency Dean, coach, or other official source. Note: • • • •

Emailing me and saying “I’m sick” does not constitute an excused absence. In the event of an illness, you must bring a doctor’s note with a signature. In the event of a job interview, you must provide proof of that interview. Student athletes or other students whose University-authorized extracurricular activities necessitate occasional travel must provide written documentation of absences on days of travel for competition; please do so at the beginning of the semester. 8

CMN 211 (Bus.Com.)

Ditewig-Morris

Fall 2017

• Other than notes from the Emergency Dean, which sometimes take a bit of time, I will not accept documentation for absences more than one week after the missed day. • I will not accept documentation for absences after December 13.

Tardiness You wouldn’t be late to your real job, so don’t be late to my class. It is basic professionalism to be on time. FAIR WARNING: I start class immediately after the bell rings. Walking in late is one of my biggest pet peeves and is disruptive to everyone, as it would be in the workplace. Therefore: • If you are late to class, I will not stop our lectures or activities to accommodate you. • Each time I record you as Late, you will be docked 5 points off your participation grade. This results in a significant deterioration of one of your most important grades for this class. • If you have issues or special circumstances (such as getting here from a long distance), communicate with me ahead of time early in the semester. Cell phones and computers No screens. CMN 211 is not a lecture class. Take notes in a notebook. Prepare to actively listen and engage. Therefore: ALL electronic devices (i.e., cell phones, laptops, tablets, etc.) must be silenced and out of sight. Computer use is prohibited unless I tell you they will be needed in advance for activities or to discuss readings, which they will be at times. Repeated violations will affect your participation significantly and I will call you out in class about it. I enforce this policy because it not only detracts from your learning and participation, but also because it’s unprofessional. Homework When I assign reading responses or other homework due at next class period, you must keep these policies in mind: • Assignments must be typed. I will not accept handwritten assignments. • I do not accept homework assignments after class, either via email or printed copy, for any reason. Plan ahead. This includes technology or “printer” issues. • However, if you know you will be gone for an excused purpose, and wish to submit an assignment ahead of class time, I will give you credit for that.

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CMN 211 (Bus.Com.)

Ditewig-Morris

Fall 2017

Late work I do not accept late work. Assignments are due on the day they are due – ALL components of an assignment! I will not accept it in bits and pieces, with some elements turned in or submitted later because you forgot, or you had technical issues, etc. I may accept late work only in cases of legitimate, documented emergency. • Presentations: Late presentations carry penalties because of obvious time constraints and in fairness to other students. Elevator pitches: you will speak on the next class day at a penalty of 30%. Team Persuasive Pitch: If you miss your Team Pitch presentation, you will receive a zero. Your partner(s) will be asked to present without you and receive bonus points for doing so. Pick-Two: If you miss your final Pick-Two presentation, you will receive a zero. • Mock Interviews: Out of fairness to your interview partner, these can be made up if you have a legitimate excuse for your absence. However, doing so will require documentation from an official source; without a documented excuse, you will start your grade at half-credit (50% off). More on interview protocol in class. Email I will not respond immediately to emails, but I will get back to you as soon as possible....