Communication for Executives (Spring 2005)

This course takes a case-based approach to learning about business communication. By devising communication solutions in hypothetical situations, you practice principles of business communication and think about how they could relate to what you already do. Cases ask you to do two things: to take on different roles related to communication and to produce documents or presentations that use different genres of business communication.

Specifics

You will do case analyses in and out of class, and work individually and in small groups to complete them. In general, you will:

• examine a real-world situation where there is a communication need
• analyze the situation and produce a written or oral analysis of the situation
• choose and produce an appropriate type of communication which would create a resolution to the situation
• evaluate your participation

The types of documents that you may produce include:

• analysis memos
• memos
• letters
• short reports
• oral presentations

Criteria for what you will produce will be given to you at the start of each case.

Grading Criteria

Your case documents and materials will be graded, with points being assigned depending on the amount of work required.

In general, you will be graded on how well you:

• evaluate the situation and make decisions
• choose an appropriate communication solution
• conform to requirements for that genre
• conform to guidelines for standard written English

You can earn a total of 350 points for all of the case analyses – individual point determinations will be given out with each case. Grading rubrics will be returned to you with your assignments.