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 simulates 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 designing a website that includes research in an 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 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.
Delivery format: Online, asynchronous
Required Texts: Readings and assignments will be uploaded as pdf. to our class site
Sample Assignments:
1. Short Assignments
1-2 page writing assignments in response to particular business writing situations.
2. Job Search Project
You will conduct research on a job you are interested in and produce all the materials necessary to apply for that job, including writing an application letter(s) and resume, designing interview questions, and writing thank you letters.
4. Final Project, Research + Website
Final Product: You will produce a (at minimum) 3 webpage website that presents research (in some way).
Preliminary work: Proposal memo, notes, draft
Part of the work of the class is to gain an understanding of writing as a process. To that end, the two longer assignments, the Job Search Project and Website, will involve producing drafts, participating in peer review of drafts, and revising.