Business Writing (Session I)

In this course, we will explore various forms of business communication, including (but not limited to) email correspondence, inter-office memos, formal letters, short reports, long reports, oral presentations, and resume writing. We will proceed through the course producing documents in an order that mirrors getting and working in a job: we will begin by discussing the elements of effective writing in the business arena, simulate a job search and produce all the appropriate documents, then practice writing in several business situations, and we will culminate the course by producing and presenting a report applicable to the area of business you are interested in.

In addition, successful completion of this course will result in an understanding of the rhetorical situation specifically as it pertains to writing tasks in the business arena, and how to use writing to clarify and articulate your thoughts in ways that are appropriate in various contexts and for different audiences. You will also become accustomed to, if not comfortable with, the writing process and work towards identifying inventions strategies that work for you.  It is my goal that by the end of the course you will be both familiar and comfortable with the writing demands and challenges you might face in your careers and feel confident in your ability to negotiate an array of business writing situations.

 Required Texts:

Alred, Gerals, Charles Brusaw, and Walter Oliu. The Business Writer’s Companion. 6th Ed. Bedford St. Martins. 2014.
(available at the bookstore)

Course Packet (uploaded as pdf. To our class site)

Textbook Companion Website

http://bcs.bedfordstmartins.com/alred/handbooks/