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CORPORATE COMMUNICATIONS
AD14301, EN 57501

Professor Joan McNamara Fall 2005

A.B. Regis College, M. Ed. Boston College Fulton 220
joan.mcnamara1@bc.edu Thursdays 6:30-9:00 pm

SYLLABUS

Course Description:

In a globally competitive and technologically advanced world, the ability to convey ideas
and persuade diverse audiences is a critical requirement for professional success in any
business organization. This course provides real opportunity to develop proficient
communication skills. Focusing on business writing and oral presentations with
particular attention to purpose and audience, the curriculum offers strategies for effective
business communication in letters, memos, email, reports, proposals, resumes, meetings,
and presentations. There are multiple opportunities to demonstrate and to receive
feedback on your professional communication style through classroom interaction,
written assignments, collaborative media design, and team presentations.

Text:

Oliu, Walter, Charles Brusaw, and Gerald Alred. Writing That Works. Eighth Edition.
New York: St. Martin’s Press, 2001

Corporate Communications - Student Packet:

Available in McGuinn 100, Woods College of Advancing Studies Office
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CORPORATE COMMUNICATIONS
AD14301, EN 57501

Course Outline:

1. Course Overview - Business Style

2. Professional Communication
.
3. Business Memos

4. Business Letters

5. Writing Technology

6. Collaborative Writing

7. Short Reports

8. Formal Reports

9. Oral Presentations and Meetings

10. Professor-Student Conferences

11. Proposals

12. Resumes

13. Group Presentations

14. Group Presentations

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CORPORATE COMMUNICATIONS
AD14301, EN 57501

Course Requirements/ Grading:

Personal accountability and professionalism are requirements for competent performance

during this class. Active participation and skillful written and oral communications are
keys to success.

Attendance and Class Participation 20%

As in the corporate world, being present and participating actively are expected and
required. To be successful, students must be in class and contribute positively to
discussions.

Students who cannot attend a class must send an advance email to the professor and
arrange for make up work as required. Any pattern of tardiness or absence will lower the
grade. Excessive absences constitute grounds for failure.

Written Assignments 60%

Students must complete all written assignments and submit them on time, at the
beginning of each class. Each written task will be evaluated for following assignment
guidelines, including proper business content, and demonstrating a professional writing
style.

On any occasion when a student must be absent, the assignment must still be submitted
on time. To earn credit for the week’s assignment, receipt of the assignment must be
time stamped via email before the start of that week’s missed class.

Oral Presentation/ Final Exam 20%

In addition to delivering short informal presentations throughout the course, students

must design and deliver a professional oral presentation for the final exam. Collaboration
with team members, quality of presentation content, effective use of visuals, and
individual presentation skills will be evaluated.

A student who is absent on the night of his/her group presentation will receive a failing
grade for that component of the grade.