Course Description

In this class, we will devote most class time to Effective Business Communication because I believe

1. FLAL Juniors should have already mastered sufficient grammar, rhetoric and writing maturity to advance into more sophisticated writing tasks.
2. FLAL students will inevitably encounter, directly or indirectly, business related writing during their working career. Also, because I believe
3. In order to communicate successfully, one must be knowledgeable about the subject matter.

Therefore, I have designed the class

• To expose students to state-of-the-art practice in business communication, with emphasis on writing.
• To provide students with opportunity to learn the art and craft of business writing.
• To familiarize students with the parlance of the business world.

Required Texts:

• Business Communication Essentials (2007, Pearson International Edition), by Couortland Bovee and John Thill (華泰文化代理)

• Keywords in Business (2003?) (書林出版，書坊有售)

Key Words:

• Students do all chapter exercises on their own and check answers.
• Questions and discussions in class.
• Form teams to take turns leading each Key Words session—quiz questions and “extension up-date”.

Proposed grade composition (open for suggestions)

• Review Quizzes (x6) 24%
• Mid-term exam 12%
• Business Communications (x 5 or 6) 40%
• Misc. Assignments 14%
• Contribution to class 10%