ELPA 104 - Leopoldo 06A
University of the Potomac Course Syllabus Course Number: Course Title: Credits: Instructor Name: Instructor Email Address: Instructor Phone Number: Office Hours: Campus: Term / Dates: Class Day / Time:
ELPA 104 Business Communication & Correspondence 64 Clock Hours Professor Geraldine Leopoldo, M.A. geraldine.leopoldo@potomac.edu (312) 956-9489 voice/text Mondays & Thursdays 8 am or by appointment
Chicago Loop - ONLINE Term 06A: 4/26/21 - 6/20/21 Tuesdays - 8:40 am - 5:20 pm
Course Description: This course is designed to help students acquire essential written and oral skills needed in business and professional settings. Students will learn how to write business communications such as e-mails, memos, letters, resumes and reports utilizing business and academic writing techniques including drafting, proofreading, and revising. In addition, students are taught oral skills such as effective interviewing strategies and responding to common interview questions. This course also introduces students to the key components of a business plan and incorporates an overview of grammar, mechanics, structure, and formatting. Prerequisite/Placement: Completion of level 4, EPT score of 62, IELTS score of 6, or TOEFL®IBT score of 65. Course Learning Outcomes: By the end of the course students will be able to: ● Create effective business documents such as e-mails, business letters, memos, reports and proposals using proper grammar and formatting ● Demonstrate business writing techniques, including drafting, proofreading, editing and revising ● Draft, edit, and revise a professional resume ● Demonstrate knowledge of effective interviewing strategies and participate in a mock interview for a job or an internship Textbook Information: Business English by Geffner, Andrea B. Edition: 6th. ISBN: 9781438006963 The above textbook is an essential part of the course and must be brought to each class. Students who do not have the book after the 2nd class session will not be allowed to attend class or will have points deducted. ELPA 104 - Approved 04/2021
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ELPA 104 - Leopoldo 06A
Ordering Textbooks: Textbooks are available through the eCampus web portal. To order your books for the 06A Term, follow these instructions: 1. Login to:
https://potomac.ecampus.com/shop-by-course
2. SELECT A SEMESTER: "SECTION 6A 2021 Chicago Campus" 3. SELECT A DEPARTMENT: Select one of the following options depending on your course ELPA, ELPG, ELPT, or GRAM 4. Once you have selected the course type, select your course from the options provided. 5. When you select a course, the row will be highlighted and confirmed with a check mark. NOTE: You can select more than one course. 6. Click the CONTINUE button once you've selected your courses. 7. The textbook, purchasing options, and price will appear. NOTE: If an ebook is available, we strongly suggest this as an option since book deliveries will be delayed due to COVID-19. 8. Make your purchase using credit card or PayPal options. Students are able to rent their textbook, if this option is listed on the eCampus webpage. Students should select the book and see if this option is there. Renting can save over the cost of purchasing: ● When checking out, even if paying with Financial Aid, you will need to provide a valid debit or credit card as collateral. ● Remembering the due date is the customer's responsibility - it is visible when ordering, and in your Account at the Online Bookstore anytime. The rental book (s) must come back to us on time and in resalable condition. ● Ship your rental book back by the rental due date using the prepaid UPS label available in your account at the Online Bookstore. If you want to purchase it, or extend the rental period, you can do that in your account as well. More questions - please visit the Help Desk online or call us at 1-877-284-6744 You may also contact your Professor or Student Services at il.studentservices@potomac.edu if you have any questions.
ELPA 104 - Approved 04/2021
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ELPA 104 - Leopoldo 06A
Academic Policies and Procedures: All academic and non-academic policies and procedures are available in the University of the Potomac course catalog. For information on attendance, academic integrity, plagiarism, copyright infringement, or any other academic and non-academic policies or procedures, please refer to the University catalog. Methods of Instruction: A variety of instructional techniques will be used in this course including lectures, discussions, and activities. The instructor will lead discussions of course theory and may include other assigned readings, case studies, team exercises, and group or individual projects. Note that the Class Outline is subject to change/adjust and additional assignments may be made as the course progresses. Final Grading Elements: Participation, Discussions, Assessments, Quizzes & Assignments Session 1 Session 2 Session 3 Session 4 - Midterm Session 5 Session 6 Session 7 Session 8 - Final Exam Total
Total Points 100 100 100 200 100 100 100 200 1,000
% Points 10% 10% 10% 20% 10% 10% 10% 20% 100%
Grading Scale: Letter
Quality
Percentage
A
4.00
90% - 100%
B
3.00
80 % - 89%
C
2.00
70% - 79%
D
1.00
60% - 69%
F
0.00
0% - 59%
Makeup Assignments: Students may be allowed to make up missed assignments at instructor’s discretion with exception of midterm and final exams. Students who miss a midterm or a final exam due to a medical emergency must submit a doctor’s note for approval by the Academic Dean. If approved, the instructor will submit a request for testing to the Academic Affairs staff who will schedule and proctor the exam. ELPA 104 - Approved 04/2021
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ELPA 104 - Leopoldo 06A
TURNING IN ASSIGNMENTS AND E-MAIL PROCEDURES Sending Assignments All homework assignments must be submitted through the Moodle Room. Students will lose 10% per day for late assignments up to 3 days. After 3 days, assignments will not be accepted and a zero will be recorded. Exceptions can be arranged if the instructor is contacted ahead of time. Exceptions will also be made for documented emergencies. General Email When sending emails please identify yourself fully by your name and class, not simply by an email address. In all emails sent to your instructor and/or other members of the class it is expected that students follow rules of common courtesy in all email messages. If any email is deemed inappropriate or offensive, they will be forwarded to an online administrator and appropriate action will be taken, not excluding expulsion from the course. Your University of the Potomac email is the preferred email for communication, let your instructor know and/or contact IT support at helpdesk@potomac.edu if you are having trouble accessing your student account and messages. Composing Email It is suggested that students compose emails on their computer using a word processor program like Microsoft Word first or Google Docs, then copy and paste them into an email messaging system on the Learning Management System. This way, students can retain a copy of all email communications and avoid unexpected email wipeouts. Responding to Email Most instructors will check their email Monday through Sunday. Online instructors are expected to respond to student questions within 24 hours. In the event of extenuating circumstances, the school will make every attempt to be sure the student has a response within a reasonable timeframe. Safeguards It is recommended that you backup your work and even make a hard copy for your personal record. INSTITUTIONAL INFORMATION Academic Integrity and Ethics The goal of the Academic Integrity Policy is to define what constitutes appropriate research and reporting methodologies in the academic community and to provide assurance that each student is able to work in an atmosphere free of intellectual dishonesty. Breaches of the Academic Integrity Policy are considered serious violations of trust and may result in censure, failure, or dismissal from the University. ELPA 104 - Approved 04/2021
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ELPA 104 - Leopoldo 06A
Academic Integrity and Ethics (continued) Academic dishonesty may take many forms, and each is considered an equally serious offense. For example: Plagiarism includes the intentional use or representation of the thoughts, ideas, of words of another as one’s own work in any assignment including the paraphrasing of information, the duplication of an author’s words or ideas without identifying the source and the failure to properly cite quoted material. Cheating includes the intentional giving or receiving (or attempts thereof) of any assistance not authorized in advance by the instructor, including the use of notes, copying or prior knowledge of examination materials. Plagiarism Detection Software To help provide an environment conducive to academic integrity, Potomac uses plagiarism detection software. Your instructor may use this software to make sure that no portion of an essay, research paper, or any writing assignment has been plagiarized from another source. Any student caught cheating or plagiarizing will receive a failing grade for the assignment and possibly for the course. For additional information on Academic Integrity and Ethics at Potomac, please see the current Academic Catalog. Learning Resource Center Students may access the Potomac College Learning Resource Center via the internet. The Learning Resource Center will provide you access to all of the electronic resources available through University of the Potomac. Library Services Contact the Library: By phone - 202-274-2331 or 1-888-686-0876 ext 2331 By email – library@potomac.edu There are links for ALL of our electronic resources in the Moodle Room via the student resources link. Writing Style Potomac students are required to use the writing format of the American Psychological Association Sixth Edition (APA) in all formal writing assignments.
ELPA 104 - Approved 04/2021
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ELPA 104 - Leopoldo 06A
Tutoring SMARTHINKING is a tutoring service that offers academic support. This service will connect you to a tutor anytime, from any internet connection. For Smarthinking.com access, please contact the librarian for registration information. Contact the library: By phone - 202-274-2331 or 1-888-686-0876 ext 2331 By email – library@potomac.edu Please check directly with your Professor or with Student Support Services if you are interested in tutoring services. ONLINE ATTENDANCE & PARTICIPATION Students are expected to arrive at each class online lecture session on time and to stay for the entire duration of class. Students who miss more than 30 minutes of class due to coming in late, leaving early, or taking unscheduled breaks will be marked absent. All Google Meets class sessions require students’ visual presence (cameras must be on) and participation during the entire class time. Whether it be the virtual or on-campus classroom, students must remain in class for the allotted time scheduled by the University: ELPG/ELPT/ELPA courses:
8:40am – 12:40pm & 1:20pm - 5:20pm
GRAM courses:
9:40pm – 12:40pm & 1:20pm - 4:20pm
ABC - AM Immersion Labs:
8:40am – 12:40pm
ABC - PM Immersion Labs:
5:00pm – 9:00pm
To ensure that students have every opportunity to benefit from the Professor’s expertise, meeting sessions will include in-classroom assignments to offer every student immediate support, assistance, and clarification while they are completing the work. During the scheduled class sessions, students will participate in discussions, work in groups, submit individual or group assignments and complete other activities as assigned by the professor. Students must maintain a minimum of 80% attendance in order to satisfy Satisfactory Academic Progress requirements. Students who do not meet a minimum of 80% attendance requirement will receive an F grade for the course. Assignments must be turned in on a timely manner according to instructions made by your instructor, and there are also two attendance windows each week of a session to perform on MOODLE: ● First – midnight Sunday through midnight Wednesday, and ● Second – midnight Wednesday through midnight Sunday ELPA 104 - Approved 04/2021
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ELPA 104 - Leopoldo 06A
Participation in any one of the course activities during each attendance window will be considered as attendance. Please contact your faculty directly for specifics on participation expectations. For additional information on Attendance please see The University’s Academic Catalog. English in the Classroom: University of the Potomac serves students from over 65 countries around the world. English is the international language that brings them together. Speaking only English in the classroom will help you learn English faster. It is also a sign of respect to those who do not speak your native language. Students are asked to speak only English in the classroom. Students who violate this policy and disrupt the learning process will be reported to Academic Affairs. Students with Disabilities Students wishing to avail themselves of special accommodations under the Americans with Disabilities Act must disclose special needs at time of admissions; accordingly, every effort is made to make reasonable accommodations. Certain programs may require manual dexterity. Please consult a campus Admissions Office for further information. For physically challenged students, Potomac is located on ground level or has appropriate elevator service with ramps to facilitate easy entry. Restrooms are equipped with wide doorways and bars to ensure accessibility. If a student wishes to request academic adjustment or auxiliary aids, please contact the Disabilities Coordinator. They may request academic adjustments or auxiliary aids at any time. Campus Security Potomac is committed to providing a safe environment for students to learn and staff to work. A copy of the latest campus security report and details on how to report a crime are available online at http://student.potomac.edu Chicago Campus Contact Information: Location: Chicago Loop 828 South Wabash Avenue Chicago, IL 60659 Phone: 773-866-0111
Office of Student & Retention Services: il.studentservices@potomac.edu Website: https://potomac.edu/locations/chicago-university/ ELPA 104 - Approved 04/2021
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ELPA 104 - Leopoldo 06A
Course Outline - Term: 06A - 2021 Title: ELPA 104 - Business Communication & Correspondence Instructor: Prof. Geraldine Leopoldo, M.A
Class Days & Times: Thursdays, 8:40am -5:20pm
Google Meet joining info: https://meet.google.com/vah-bicn-kyz Session Lecture 1 Units 9-10 pp. 163- 189 Units 1-2 pp.3- 28 Lecture 2 Units 9-10 pp. 163-189 continued Units 11-12: pp. 191-214
Lecture 3 Unit 17: pp. 257-280
Topics Overview of Business Communication Business Style & Grammar ● Discussion of different business settings, share your experience ● Writing Process ● Identifying verbs and subjects ● Sentence completers
Letter format: ● parts of business letter ● Arrangement styles ● Special paragraphing Workplace Communication Skills: ● What are workplace communication skills: advantages and disadvantages Request letters & Replies: ● Acknowledgements; follow ups ● Confirmations, refusals ● Remittances, inquiry replies Employment Correspondence ● The resume ● Letters of application ● Follow up letters ● Letters of reference and recommendation ● Letters declining a job offer ● Letters rejecting a job applicant ● Letters of resignation Letters of introduction ● Resume vs Curriculum Vitae (CV)
Session Lecture 4
Unit 17: pp. 257-280 continued
Topics Resume Writing ● Entry level resume specifics ● Resume formats and styles ● Resume blocks ● Summary of qualifications ● Education; Experiences; Skills ● Foreign vs. Domestic Experience ● Sources of online examples ● Examples of action verbs ● Additional Categories Assignment 1: Prepare a resume
ELPA 104 - Approved 04/2021
Moodle Discussion Questions DQ 1.1: Post a brief bio about yourself and tell us about some of your interests. Tell us where you are from. How long have you been living in Chicago? What do you like most about our city?
DQ 1.2: What type of industry and what kind of company would you work for? Explain why.
DQ 2.1: How often do you use email to communicate with your friends and family? What do you think are the advantages and disadvantages of communicating by email?
Moodle Discussion Questions
DQ 2.2: When have you recently written a formal letter? Can you think of examples of when you would write a formal letter?
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ELPA 104 - Leopoldo 06A
Lecture 5 Unit 17: pp. 257-280 continued
Cover Letter Writing ● Cover Letter objectives ● General types of cover letter and industry specifics ● Sources of online examples
DQ 3.1: What is the value of a personalized cover letter?
Assignment 1: Prepare a cover letter Lecture 6 Unit 20: pp. 291-310 Unit 4: pp. 45-66
Business Reports and Proposals ● Formal and Informal Reports ● Proposals Grammar: ● Subject-verb agreement ● Possessives ● The Verb -S
DQ 3.2: What has been the most worthwhile interaction you’ve had as a team member? What did you learn as a result?
Workplace Communication Skills: Team dynamics ● Lecture 7
Units 13-14: pp. 215-236
Credit and Collection letters ● Applications ● Credit Inquiries ● Credit Responses ● Credit Granting and Refusing ● The Collection Process
DQ 4.1: Post a summary of your business proposal.
Complaints, Claims and Adjustments
Session
Topics
Lecture 8
Midterm Exam: Communicative Activity and Practice Presenting your Resume and Cover Letter
Lecture 9
Unit 5: pp. 67-92 Unit 18: pp. 281-287 Lecture 10
Unit 6: pp. 93-110
Grammar: ● Verb Forms Workplace Communication Skills: ● Problem Solving and Conflict Management ● Dealing with negatively charged messages In-House Correspondence ● Interoffice Memo and Minutes Workplace Communication Skills: ● Interviewing strategies: “Do and don’ts of an interview” ● Mock interviews Grammar: ● Pronouns: case, reference, agreement Sales and Public Relations Letters
Moodle Discussion Questions DQ 4.2: Provide a self-critique on your presentation. What do you feel successful about, what area would you like to improve? DQ 5.1: Many of us have experienced tension and conflict in meetings. This can be exciting and energizing, but it can also hurt the team's progress and morale. If you're in charge of a meeting and conflict occurs, what is your role? How do you restore peace? How can you assure that these conflicts don't harm your work?
DQ 5.2: How would your boss and coworkers describe you?
Unit 15 pp. 237-246; Lecture 11
Mock Interview ● Preparation for job interview
ELPA 104 - Approved 04/2021
DQ 6.1: Where do you see yourself in five years?
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ELPA 104 - Leopoldo 06A
● ●
Learning and matching job description and requirements Most Common Interview Questions and Answers
Practical Exercise 1: Job interview preparation and practice
Session Lecture 12
Unit 7 pp. 111-130 Unit 19 pp. 287-290 Lecture 13
Unit 16 pp. 247-256
Topics
Moodle Discussion Questions
Grammar: ● Parallelism ● Misplaced and dangling modifiers ● Indirect speech
DQ 6.2:Write a news release about your business.
News Releases
Social Business Letters ● Letters of Congratulations ● Letters of Sympathy ● Letters of Appreciation ● Invitations and Announcements Grammar: ● Punctuation, capitalization ● Abbreviations, numbers
DQ 7.1: How would your boss and coworkers describe you?
Lecture 14 Job interview with fully prepared resume and cover letter
DQ 7.2: What are your salary expectations?
Unit 8 pp. 131-159
Lecture 13 & 14
DQ 8.1: What was most valuable about what you learned today? FINAL PRESENTATIONS DQ 8.2: What steps will you take to continue developing your ESL and business skills?
Revised: 4/18/2021
ELPA 104 - Approved 04/2021
Created & Approved by: Academic Team
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