enl 230 syllabus

Notre Dame University – LouaizeFaculty of HumanitiesDepartment of English, Translation and Education

ENL 230 Syllabus – (3.0); 3 cr.English in the Workplace

Instructor:SectionTime:

Fall 2011

Taught by Office Hours / Contact

1 Course Description This course focuses on the principles of writing and speaking in a business setting. Clarity, brevity, precision, and effectiveness in business communication are emphasized through practical assignments such as letters, memoranda, agendas, meeting minutes, short reports, resumes, and oral presentations. Students are encouraged to tailor certain assignments to their specific areas of study.

2 Student Learning Outcomes Upon successful completion of this course, and as a result of the activities and study in

this course, the students should be able to accomplish the following: To cultivate interpersonal skills conducive to ethical and effective professional

relationships. To build competent oral communication skills for giving effective presentations

supported by electronic presentation software. To develop writing skills for producing various types of correspondence such as

memos, minutes, agendas, and diverse business and cover letters. To proofread and edit various types of business correspondence. To produce collaborative writing, such as team reports, letters, memos. To recognize, design and carry out the steps needed to write a report, present

quantitative data in the report, and interpret data. To plan and participate in meetings. To conduct and successfully participate in job interviews.

To construct proper questionnaires.

3. Teaching Methodology and Techniques Students will work individually, in pairs, and in groups. Students are expected to present oral and written work, applying the skills as they are being

acquired. Students are held accountable for reading their assignments before class

discussions, to better prepare for the discussions: five percent of the final grade will be allotted for the student’s active participation in class discussions of topics under study.

Students are encouraged to participate in mock interview sessions so that they can practice the interview skills needed to compete in a global economy.

Work during class time is encouraged. Keeping a folder of samples of each type of writing will prove useful once the student has completed the course.

Students are expected to read all relevant material before coming to class.

4. Required Text Book/s Ober, S. (2009). Contemporary Business Communication (7th ed.). Boston: Houghton Mifflin Company.USB flash drive

Manning, A. & E. Wilding (2007). Presentations.Reading: Garnet Publishing Ltd.

For Engineering and Science majors only:Griffith, P. (2007). Scientific Writing. Reading: Garnet Publishing Ltd.

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Fall 2011 ENL 230 Syllabus – (3.0); 3 cr.

5. Resources Available to Students Library Resources: NDU Library is open to students to help you in all your research and class work.

Qualified personnel are available to help you.

Writing Center: The Writing Center provides assistance to all students who wish to discuss their writing with a trained consultant. The Center is located in HA 114. An appointment is required.

Blackboard (bb) Software: If you are not familiar with the Blackboard system, it is recommended to attend a training session at the University Computer Services in order to know how to use the Blackboard system to enrich the academic communication with your instructor and your colleagues

Smart Rooms, Design Studios, Photography Studio & Dark Room(s), CAD Computer Workshop, Mackintosh Lab. (DCS), Textile & Ceramics Labs, Wood/Metal Workshop, Design Office, etc

6. Grading and EvaluationTasks Assessment Participation & preparation (Practice) 10% 2 quizzes 10% 2 tests 20% Interview 05%CV and cover letter 05%Report 15%Oral presentation of the report (in pairs) 10% Final Exam 25% Total 100%

Writing Across the CurriculumNDU considers that knowledge of a subject is both oral and written. Mastering the knowledge of a certain course means acquiring the ability to write on subjects related to that subject matter. Writing a research/term paper requires the appropriate command of language skills, proper terminology, and correct use of quotations, footnotes, and references, regardless of the course and topic.

Guidelines for writing the reportThe practice of writing reports is found in businesses worldwide. In ENL230, writing the various components of the report is a process which requires time and planning. The instructor will set deadlines for each step below.1. Choice of subject: Purpose, problem and scope. The instructor must approve a

subject which is expected to be original.2. Research the topic: writing a questionnaire, interview questions, data collection;

presenting the data in visual form, i.e., tables, charts, etc.3. Interpretation of the data and handing in the final report: paying special attention to

format, mechanics, references, appendices. Students will meet with the instructor to discuss the progress of the report and to receive feedback.

7. Course Schedule

Date Day % Time Important Dates Assignment

Sept. 21-23 W - F 8:00a.m - 4:00p.m. Registration Period

Sept. 26 M 8:00a.m - 4:00p.m. Registration for New Students

WEEK 0Sept. 27 T 7:30a.m. Classes begin

Course introduction: the syllabusUnderstanding business communication, Ch. 1: Directions of and barriers to communication; introducing and practicing the 3 P’s.

Sept. 27 – Oct. 5 T - W Application for Sibling Grant

Sept. 28 W

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Sept. 29 Th 8:00a.m - 4:00p.m.Late Registration(classes are in session)

Sep. 30 F

WEEK 1Oct. 3 M 8:00a.m - 4:00p.m.

Drop & Add (classes are in session)

Discussing contemporary issues, Ch. 2: Group communication and team writing; ethics and cultural values in communication.Class work: exercises on the 3 P’s.Communicating via email: format and contentAssignment: Students will send an email to the instructor regarding a topic assigned by the instructor

Oct. 4 TOrientation Sessions for New Students - Attendance Obligatory

Oct. 4 - 7 T - FOrientation Sessions for New Students

Opening ceremony for the academic year 2011 - 2012

Oct.5 W

Oct. 6 Th 12:00 noon

Oct. 7 F

WEEK 2Oct. 10 M

Interpersonal communication, Ch. 3: Non-verbal communication and body language.Meetings: preparing an agenda, taking minutes, following proper parliamentary procedure during meetings.The week will end with a “mock” class meeting based on an agenda provided by the instructor after class discussion. Students will use the necessary basic terminology that is usually used in meetings.Presentations, Unit 1

Oct. 11 T

Oct. 12 W

Oct. 13 Th

Oct. 14 F

WEEK 3Oct. 17 M

Interpersonal communication, Ch. 3: Non-verbal communication and body language.Meetings: preparing an agenda, taking minutes, following proper parliamentary procedure during meetings.The week will end with a “mock” class meeting based on an agenda provided by the instructor after class discussion. Students will use the necessary basic terminology that is usually used in meetings.Presentations, Unit 1

Oct. 18 T

Oct. 19 W

Oct. 20 Th

Oct. 21 F

WEEK 4Oct. 24

M The Writing Process, Ch. 4: The 5 steps of the writing process.Class work to concentrate on each

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step using student work as samples for discussion.Quiz 1: Meetings: Agenda, Minutes, Procedures. (15-20 minutes)Presentations, Unit 2

Oct. 25 T

Oct. 26 W

Oct. 27 Th

Oct. 28 F

WEEK 5Oct. 31 M

Style and Tone, Ch. 5: Preparing a memo, following the 3 P’s. Students can work in groups or pairs responding to specific situations from the textbook or provided by the instructor.Language: Work will be done with students to improve their sentence structure and to use effective style in communicating their messages, especially with regards to courtesy, emphasis, positivity, attitude, and bias.Presentations, Unit 2

Nov. 1 T All Saints’ Day

Nov. 2 W

Nov. 3 Th

Nov. 4 F

WEEK 6Nov. 7 M Al-Adha: Holiday

Employment Communication, Ch. 12: Preparing a CV—length, format, and content. Job application and CV cover letters.Letter format.Students will hand in their personal CVs with a cover letter for evaluation.Job Interviews: how to handle oneself, how to prepare for expected questions.Instructors will arrange to interview students individually in their offices during office hours.

Nov. 8 T Al-Adha: Holiday

Nov. 9 W

Nov. 10 Th

Nov. 11 F

WEEK 7*Nov. 14 M Continue with Week 6 work.

*Nov. 15 TNov. 16 W

Nov. 17 Th

Nov. 18 FWEEK 8Nov. 21

M Introduction to writing the report, Ch. 9: selection of topics (See Guidelines above.)Test 1: should test the material covered since the beginning of the semester. This test replaces the first part of the Midterm exam. (30 minutes)

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Presentations, Unit 3

Nov. 22 T Independence Day: Holiday

Nov. 23 W

Nov. 24 Th

Nov. 25 FDeadline for Spring and Summer 2010 Incomplete Grades

*Nov. 26 Sat. Hijra New Year: Holiday

WEEK 9Nov. 28 M

Planning the Report, Ch. 9: Research and collecting data: Primary and secondary sources.How to build a questionnaire. Class work will come up with different parts of a questionnaire to be discussed by the whole class.Tabulating data: Using graphs and other visuals. Work on this part should be directly relevant to the students’ reports.Presentations, Unit 4

Nov. 29 T

Nov. 30 W

Dec. 1 Th 8:00a.m.-4:00p.m.Advising Period for Spring 2011

Dec. 2 F 8:00a.m.-4:00p.m.Advising Period for Spring 2011

WEEK 10*Dec. 5 M Ashoura: Holiday

Writing workshop: Students will write in class the part of the report that interprets the data collected. (Ch. 9) They should be able to form a provisional outline for their report.Routine messages, Ch. 6: Claim and adjustment letters and goodwill messages.

Dec. 6 T 8:00a.m.-4:00p.m.Advising Period for Spring 2011

Dec. 7 W 8:00a.m.-4:00p.m.Advising Period for Spring 2011


Dec. 9 F 8:00a.m.-4:00p.m.Advising Period for Spring 2011

WEEK 11Dec. 12 M 8:00a.m.-4:00p.m.

Advising Period for Spring 2011

Further work on routine messages: Class writing with student samples discussed and evaluated by the whole class.Persuasive messages, Ch. 7: Audience analysis, direct and indirect plans. Emphasis on the sales message whether in letter form, memo, or electronic.Quiz 2: Students will be tested on their ability to form routine and persuasive messages. (15-20 minutes)Presentations, Unit 5

Dec. 13 T 8:00a.m.-4:00p.m.Advising Period for Spring 2011

Dec. 14 W 8:00a.m.-4:00p.m.Advising Period for Spring 2011


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Dec. 16 F

WEEK 12Dec. 19 M Application for Work Study Grant

Further work on persuasive messages: Class writing with student samples discussed and evaluated by the whole class.Bad-news Messages, Ch. 8: Direct and indirect plans, replies, announcements. Students will work together in class to form messages based on real-life work situations. Emphasis will be, as usual, on style, tone and attitude. Students are encouraged to be as creative as possible.Reports: Students should now be ready to present their first draft to be checked by the instructor.Presentations, Unit 6

Dec. 20 T Application for Work Study Grant

Dec. 21 W Application for Work Study Grant

Dec. 22 Th Application for Work Study Grant

Dec. 23 F3:00 p.m.9:00 p.m.

Christmas MassChristmas vacation begins

Jan. 1 Sun. 9:00 p.m. Christmas vacation ends

WEEK 13Jan. 2 M 7:30 a.m.

classes resume

Application for Work Study Grant

Oral Presentations, Ch. 11: Planning and delivery; planning team presentations; preparing and using visual aidsTest 2: Students are responsible for all the material covered since Test 1. This is Part Two of the Midterm exam. (30 minutes)Reports are due.Oral presentations: Class practice, especially on the 3 P’s.

Jan.3 T Application for Work Study Grant

Jan.4 W Application for Work Study Grant

Jan.5 Th Application for Work Study Grant

Jan.6 FEpiphany and Armenian Christmas: Holiday

WEEK 14Jan. 9 M Application for Work Study Grant

Writing Workshop: Class work on a variety of business communication means and the different strategies that need to be adopted for each. This week should summarize the material covered since the beginning of the semester.Oral Presentations: Students will present their reports in class in pairs; however, the evaluation will be individual. Presentations will not exceed 10 minutes each.


Jan.11 W Application for Work Study Grant Jan.12 Th Application for Work Study Grant

Jan.13 F Application for Work Study Grant


Continuation of presentation delivery in class.

Jan.17 T Saint Anthony's Day: Holiday

Jan.18 W Wednesday classes do not meet:

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Tuesday classes meet


Jan.19 Th

Thursday classes do not meet: Tuesday classes meet


Entrance Examinations for Spring Semester 2012

Jan. 20 F 4:00 p.m.

Entrance Examinations for Spring Semester 2012


Deadline for Officially Withdrawing from a Course


Continuation of presentation delivery in class. General revisionQuestion-Answer session: Instructors will answer student questions regarding the course material in preparation for the final exam.


Jan.25 W 9:00 p.m.

Wednesday classes do not meet: Monday classes meet


End of Classes

Jan.26 Th Reading Day

Jan.27 – Feb. 7 F Final Examinations PeriodWill cover all the material for the course, except for the oral parts.

Feb. 1 W Reading Day

Feb. 4 Sat. Prophet’s Birthday: Holiday

Feb. 9 Th St. Maroun's Day: Holiday

8. Recommended Readings: Allen, J.G. (2004). The complete Q & A job interview book (4th ed.) Hoboken, N.J.: John Wiley & Sons. Shelfmark: 650.144 A4273c4

Arredondo, L. (1991). How to present like a pro: Getting people to see things your way. New York: McGraw-Hill. Shelfmark: 658.452 A774

Association for Business Communication (1995-). Business Communication Quarterly.Bennie, M. (1996). Mastering business English: How to improve your business communication skills. Hong Kong: Grolier. Shelfmark: 808.066651 B472m

Bond, A. (2005). Three hundred+ successful business letters for all occasions (2nd ed.). Hauppauge, NY: Barron's Educational Series. Shelfmark: 651.74 B7111t2

Brace, I. (2007). Questionnaire design: how to plan, structure, and write survey material for effective market research London: Kogan Page. Shelfmark: 658.83 B7963q

Bradburn, N. M., Wansink, B. & Sudman, S. (2004). Asking questions: The definitive guide to questionnaire design--for market research, political polls, and social and health questionnaires (rev. ed.). San Francisco: Jossey-Bass. Shelfmark: 300.723 B7982a

Geffner, A. B. (2007). How to write better business letters (4th ed.). Hauppauge, N.Y.: Barron's. Shelfmark: 808.06665 G299h4

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Heller, B. (1994). The 100 most difficult business letters you'll ever have to write, fax, or e-mail: clear guidance on how to write your way out of the toughest business problems you will ever face (1st ed.). New York: HarperBusiness. Shelfmark: 651.75 H477o

Krannich, C. & Krannich, R. (2007). Nail the job interview! : 101 dynamite answers to interview questions ( 6th ed.) Manassas Park, VA: Impact Publications. Shelfmark: 650.144 K897n6

McGraw, K. L. (1992). Creating desktop presentations that work. Englewood Cliffs, N.J.: Prentice Hall. Shelfmark: 1992 658.452 M147

Poe, R. W. (2006). The McGraw-Hill handbook of business letters (4th ed.). New York: McGraw-Hill. Shelfmark: 651.75 P743m4

Rabb, M. Y. (1993). The presentation design book: Tips, techniques & advice for creating effective, attractive slides, overheads, multimedia presentations, screen shows & more (2nd ed.). Chapel Hill, NC: Ventana Press. Shelfmark: 001.4226 R113p2

Stallings, W. (2001). Business data communications (4th ed.). Upper Saddle River, N.J.: Prentice-Hall International. Shelfmark: 004.6 S7828b4

The 3M Meeting Management Team (1987). How to run better business meetings: A reference guide for managers. New York: McGraw-Hill. Shelfmark: 658.4563 H847Treece, M. & Hartman L. D. (1991). Effective reports for managerial communication (3rd ed.). Boston: Allyn and Bacon. Shelfmark: 658.45 T786e3

In addition students are advised to research in the library periodicals.

9. Course PoliciesThere are no make-ups for missed tests or for the final examination. Failure to sit for a scheduled test and/or final exam will result in an F on the test/exam. A student may be excused in exceptional cases and upon the discretion of the English, Translation, and Education Department, and only if the student presents a valid documented excuse (from the SAO in case of illness) to the chairperson of the department within 72 hours of the scheduled exam date.

While understanding that we all are busy with school, work, and family, your decision to register for this course is an indication that you have made it a high priority. Thus, extensions of assignment due dates are given only in extreme situations (death of a close family member, hospitalization, etc.) and require documentation on your part. Otherwise, due dates are fixed and non-negotiable. All assignments should be submitted on or before the assigned due date. Assignments past the due date will not be accepted for full credit. Examples of unreasonable extensions for an assignment include frequent computer malfunctions, outside class-work, or job responsibilities that inhibit meeting the required deadlines. If you anticipate missing a deadline on an assignment, you should send an e-mail to your instructor before the deadline. Unexcused assignments submitted after the due date may be returned ungraded or assigned a lower evaluation. Whether an extension is allowed will be at the instructor's discretion.

Assignments: All work must be typewritten (unless otherwise specified) and submitted in a professional manner. The instructor reserves the right to return, for resubmission, any work that is not neat, legibly, and professionally submitted

Mobile phones should be turned off and out of sight (i.e. not face-up on the desk but preferably inside purses, backpacks, briefcases, etc. or face down on the desk). Phones may not be answered.

Students must attend class with the required material (i.e. original textbook, notebook, pens, etc.).

Once in class, students are expected to remain in class for the entire period.

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English must be the only language spoken in class at all times.

Special needs: Any student who feels s/he may need an accommodation due to a disability should contact the instructor privately to discuss those specific needs.

Students must check their NDU email daily as this is the means used by the instructor to communicate. Students will receive notice via NDU email when the instructor posts announcements on the course's Blackboard.

10. Policies & Procedures NDU's Attendance Policy Student should attend all classes and laboratory sessions on time. A pattern of absences, whether authorized or not, and even below the maximum number (specified below), may alter one's grade substantially. The SAO alone authorizes absences. No absence absolves a student from the responsibility of acting upon the material presented during his/her absence. The maximum number absences for classes that meet on MWF is six; the maximum number for classes that meet on TTh and in the summer is four, (or two hours per credit course). Any student whose absences exceed the maximum limits shall automatically fail the course unless the student withdraws. Office Hours: All instructors at NDU are available for office hours during the week. Please note the office hour that your instructor has dedicated to this course to make an appointment. Just dropping by may not ensure that the professor has set aside time to assist you. Office hours may be used ideally to ask for guidance on an assignment or to ask questions concerning a subject that you were not clear on during class time.

NDU's Academic Integrity Policy Students are expected and encouraged to be honest and to maintain the highest standards of academic integrity in their academic work and assignments at the University. They shall refrain from any academic dishonesty or misconduct including; but not limited to:

• Plagiarism; that is, the presentation of someone else's ideas, words or artistic, scientific, or technical work as one's own creation. Also, paraphrasing, summarizing, as well as well as direct quotations are considered as plagiarism, if the original source is not properly cited.

• Cheating. • Assisting in cheating. • Substituting a student in the taking of an examination. • Substituting examination booklets. • Submitting the same work for more than one course and the like. o Submitting

papers written by others. • Receiving or providing unauthorized help or assistance in any academic work or

assignment. Intentional violation of program and degree requirements and regulation as established by the University.

• Dishonest reporting of computational, statistical, experimental, research, results, or the like.

System of GradesThe University uses the following system of grades. This system consists of letter grades with their corresponding numerical ranges (i.e. percentage equivalent, and the 4.0 point maximum).

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Grade Description Quality Point Value Percentage EquivalentA+ Outstanding 4.0 97-100A Excellent 4.0 93 - 96A- Very Good 3.7 89 - 92B+ Good 3.3 85 - 88B Good 3.0 80 - 84B- Good 2.7 77 - 79C+ Satisfactory 2.3 73 - 76C Satisfactory 2.0 70 - 72C- Passing 1.7 66 - 69D+ Passing 1.3 63 - 65D Lowest Passing 1.0 60 - 62F Failure 0.0 0 - 59UW Unofficial Withdrawal 0.0

The grade “UW” is assigned by the instructor when a registered student has never attended a class or has ceased attending and has not submitted an official course withdrawal request to the Office of the Registrar. This grade is computed as an F grade in the grade-point average.

enl 230 syllabus

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