BUS 260

To view a video introduction, click on my picture to the right.

My name is Dr. Shannon Cotnam and I'll be your instructor for the course. I’m looking forward to working with you all. Let me take a moment to explain how the course will work, and what will be expected of you this semester.

The focus of this class will be learning the proper way to craft effective communication in the business world. In doing so, you will use a variety of media, including letters, memos, voicemails, emails, blogs, video, podcasts, and instant messages. Business Communication is more than learning to write a formal business letter!

Since this is an online class, your textbook and online materials will take the place of classroom lectures. I’ve taken care to choose a book, online sources, and video tutorials which explain each concept and technique in simple language, and give step-by-step instructions for communicating in the business environment. You'll need to purchase the book and some equipment and download some simple software to participate. You can find information about those items at the bottom of this announcement.

During the first week of the semester, you will need to familiarize yourself with the course content and website. You will complete three introductory assignments.

The rest of the course is divided into 13 modules. MOST modules will consist of 3 parts:

1. Read carefully the assigned textbook chapter for the module and take the chapter quiz online at the course companion web site. (NOTE: You may take the online quiz as many times as you like before submitting your score to me. Aside from any essay questions that I will need to grade, it is possible to maintain a perfect score for chapter quizzes).

2. Complete the assigned Practice Your Knowledge or Case Study assignment for the chapter

3. Discuss the current week's topic on either the discussion board or your blog site. Further instructions can be found under Assignments > Course Introduction.

Finally, at the end of the semester, you will have a final exam on all of the content covered in the course. I encourage you to save a copy of each chapter quiz to use as study guides for the final exam. In addition, at the end of each chapter, there is a Test Your Knowledge section and Apply Your Knowledge section. Both of these, while not required, are also valuable resources while studying for the final exam.

Your final grade for the course will be based on the following:

Remember, this is a 3 contact hour course. That means you will be expected to spend a minimum of 3 hours per week working on class assignments, in addition to any "homework". Please be sure to set aside the appropriate amount of time each week and do not wait until the last minute to begin. Late work will not be accepted.

Please take a look around the site. You will find the syllabus, schedule, and late work policy under Course Information.

Your first three assignment are due Friday, August 24th. They can be found under Assignments > Course Introduction.

Please contact me if you have any questions or problems at skc@carteret.edu or call 222-6398

TEXTBOOK:	Business Communication Essentials, 3rd Edition by Courtland Bovee and John Thill Pearson Prentice Hall ISBN: 0-13-199536-7
Equipment:	Webcam - you'll need an inexpensive webcam to create podcasts and video presentations. You can find these at Walmart, Staples, and other stores starting at $20.
	Microphone - In order to create audio podcasts and add sound to your video, you'll need to purchase an inexpensive PC microphone (if one did not come with your computer). You can find these for less than $10.
	Thumbdrive - With the cheapest storing about 100X as much data as a floppy disk, these items are invaluable for storing files for all your classes. Inexpensive and portable, they are also called Flash, USB, or Jump drives. Prices are based on storage capacity and start from $10 to $20.
Software:	Yahoo IM - Instant Messaging is increasingly being used in the business world for its effectiveness and speed in communicating important information. We will be using Yahoo IM to complete some assignments and also as a tool for communicating with each other. You can find instructions for downloading, installing, and setting up Yahoo IM HERE .
	iTunes - You'll need to download a small file to your computer in order to subscribe and upload podcasts. Carteret Community College is an official iTunes University, which means you can view/hear lectures from a variety of CCC courses. You'll also be creating and uploading your own podcasts. Download iTunes HERE.
	WordPress - Nothing to download here - this is a free blogging site. I will set up a class blog, but you will also be setting up and using your own blogging site throughout the semester. Visit WordPress HERE.