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Course Outlines

COMM 1116

Business Communications 1

School School of Computing and Academic Studies
Program Computer Systems Technology (CST) Diploma
Course Credits 4
Minimum Passing Grade 50%
Start Date January 06, 2020
End Date April 17, 2020
Total Hours* 60
Total Weeks 15
Hours/Weeks 4
Delivery Type Lecture
CRN 72588

Acknowledgement of Territories

The British Columbia Institute of Technology acknowledges that our campuses are located on the unceded traditional territories of the Coast Salish Nations of Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish), səl̓ilwətaɁɬ (Tsleil-Waututh), and xwməθkwəy̓əm (Musqueam).

Instructor Details

Name Frank Schnurr
E-mail Frank_Schnurr@bcit.ca
Location SW2 245
Office Hours

Tue, 12:30-3:20;  Thu, 12:30-1:20;  Fri, 12:30-1:20. 

Course Description

Information technology professionals spend time each day communicating orally and in writing with their supervisors, colleagues and clients. As problem-solvers and entrepreneurs in industry, you need to communicate quickly, clearly, and effectively. This course will teach you how to be a professional and efficient communicator at work. You will write effective business correspondence and instructions and deliver a formal oral presentation to your set. The first term establishes the principles and basic patterns on which you will build more advanced applications in the second term.

Course Learning Outcomes/Competencies

Upon successful completion of this course, the student will be able to:

  • Identify elements in a communication exchange.
  • Define purpose and audience for a given communication task.
  • Select and organize information to meet the needs of the audience.
  • Make your writing accessible by using headings, lists, and white space.
  • Use a style and tone appropriate for the purpose and audience.
  • Write emails, letters, and short reports that get results.
  • Plan and deliver an informative oral presentation to a group audience.
  • Critically evaluate information to determine if it is accurate, relevant, and complete, and to use critical thinking to develop strong arguments.

Learning Resources

Required textbook: Writing in the Technical Fields: A Practical Guide. Thorsten Ewald.

Evaluation Criteria

Criteria % Comments
Quiz 1 2.5
Quiz 2 2.5
Take-home Assignment 10
Midterm 25
Take-home Report 10
Oral Presentation 15
Final Exam 25
Participation 10

The student must pass the combination of midterm plus final exam to pass the course.

Attendance Requirements

Attendance in labs is mandatory.

In case of illness or other unavoidable cause of absence, the student must communicate as soon as possible with his/her instructor indicating the reason for the absence.

Prolonged illness which causes the student to miss 10% or more of the labs will require a BCIT-approved medical certificate submitted to the department, substantiating the reason for the absence.

Excessive absence of 10% or more of the labs may result in failure or forced withdrawal from this course.

Course Schedule and Assignments

Week & Date

Material Covered

Assignment

Chapter(s)

1 / Jan 6

Course Introduction

2 / Jan 13

Sentence Structure

1

3 / Jan 20

Clauses / Punctuation

In class 2.5%

Appendix A

4 / Jan 27

Technical Sentences / Paragraphs

In class 2.5%

2 / 3

5 / Feb 3

Email / Design

4 / 5

6 / Feb 10

Letters

Take home 10%

5

7 / Feb 17

Midterm Week

Midterm Exam 25%

8 / Feb 24

Information Reports

9 / Mar 2

Analysis Reports

Take home 10%

6 / 10

10 / Mar 9

Spring Break

11 / Mar 16

Presentation Skills

Presentation 15%

14

12 / Mar 23

Oral Presentations

13 / Mar 30

Oral Presentations

14 / Apr 6

Oral Presentations

15 / Apr 13

Final Exam Week

Final Exam 25%

BCIT Policy

The following statements are in accordance with the BCIT Policies 5101, 5102, 5104, and 7507, and their accompanying procedures. To review these policies and procedures please click on the links below.

Attendance/Illness:
In case of illness or other unavoidable cause of absence, the student must communicate as soon as possible with his/her instructor or Program Head or Chief Instructor, indicating the reason for the absence. Students who are seeking accommodation for a medical absence must have a BCIT approved medical certificate submitted to the department, substantiating the reason for absence. For other absences, the student should be prepared to provide appropriate supporting documentation. Unapproved absence in excess of the prescribed regulations within this outline may result in failure or forced withdrawal from the course or program. Please see Policy 5101 - Student Regulations, and accompanying procedures.

Academic Integrity:
Violation of academic integrity, including plagiarism, dishonesty in assignments, examinations, or other academic performances are prohibited and will be handled in accordance with Policy 5104 - Academic Integrity and Appeals, and accompanying procedures.

Accommodation:
Any student who may require accommodation from BCIT because of a physical or mental disability should refer to BCIT's Policy on Accommodation for Students with Disabilities (Policy #4501), and contact BCIT's Accessibility Services (SW1 2360, 604-451-6963) at the earliest possible time. Requests for accommodation must be made to Accessibility Services, and should not be made to a course instructor or Program area.

Any student who needs special assistance in the event of a medical emergency or building evacuation (either because of a disability or for any other reason) should promptly inform their course instructor(s) and Accessibility Services of their personal circumstances.

Human Rights, Harassment and Discrimination:
The BCIT community is made up of individuals from every ability, background, experience and identity, each contributing uniquely to the richness and diversity of the BCIT community as a whole. In recognition of this, and the intrinsic value of our diversity, BCIT seeks to foster a climate of collaboration, understanding and mutual respect between all members of the community and ensure an inclusive accessible working and learning environment where everyone can succeed.

Campus Mediation Services is a supportive resource for both students and employees of BCIT, to foster a respectful learning and working environment. Any student who feels that they are experiencing discrimination or harassment (personal or human rights-related) can confidentially access this resource for advice and support. Please see Policy 7507 – Harassment and Discrimination and accompanying procedure.

Students should make themselves aware of additional Education, Administration, Safety and other BCIT policies listed at https://www.bcit.ca/about/administration/policies.shtml

Guidelines for School of Computing and Academic Studies

Attempts:
Students must successfully complete a course within a maximum of three (3) attempts at the course. Students with two attempts in a single course will be allowed to repeat the course only upon special written permission from the Associate Dean. Students who have not successfully completed a course within three attempts will not be eligible to graduate from their respective program.

Approved

I verify that the content of this course outline is current.
Frank Schnurr, FSA C/E Pooled Spring 122212
January 05, 2020

I verify that this course outline has been reviewed.
D'Arcy Smith, Program Head
January 06, 2020

I verify that this course outline has been reviewed.
Jean Scribner, Program Head
January 06, 2020

I verify that this course outline has been reviewed and complies with BCIT policy.
Patricia Sackville, Associate Dean
January 06, 2020

Note: Students will be given reasonable notice if changes are required to the content of this course outline.

*Course hours and credits are calculated per Policy 5012 and the associated procedure.

Total hours – Example of 3 credit lecture/lab course:

  • Full-time course: 45 hours of scheduled learning
  • Flexible Learning course: 36 hours of scheduled learning plus 9 hours of independent (non-scheduled, non-instructional) learning