BBA-231: Business Office Communications

School
Business, Entrepreneurship, and Professional Development
Division
Business & Economics
Department
Business Administration
Academic Level
Undergraduate
Course Subject
Business Administration
Course Number
231
Course Title
Business Office Communications
Credit Hours
3.00
Instructor Contact Hours Per Semester
47.00 (for 15-week classes)
Student Contact Hours Per Semester
47.00 (for 15-week classes)
Grading Method
A-E
Pre-requisites
BBA-110 with a C grade or better and eligibility for ENG-131
Catalog Course Description

Examines writing, speaking, and listening skills used in a business environment with a major focus on how to properly construct and edit business documents. Presents principles and styles of effective written communication. Presents planning, organizing, and outlining. Students compose business e-mails, memos, letters, resumes, and cover messages.

Goals, Topics, and Objectives

Core Course Topics
  1. Communication in Today's Workplace
    1. Describe the impact of communication skills (writing, speaking, and listening) in the workplace.
    2. Explain how culture affects communication.
    3. Explain the communication process.
    4. Identify steps to reduce and prevent miscommunication in a multi-cultural setting.
    5. Explain the impact of digital methods in the workplace.
  2. The 3 x 3 Writing Process
    1. Explain the 3 x 3 writing process (pre-writing, drafting, and revising).
    2. Employ adaptive writing techniques that focus on the audience.
  3. Positive, Negative, and Persuasive Messages
    1. Compose positive messages using the "Good News" strategy.
    2. Compose negative messages using the "Bad News" strategy.
    3. Compose persuasive messages using the "AIDA" approach -- attention, interest and desire, and the request for an action.
  4. Employment Communications
    1. Identify steps in a job search.
    2. Write an effective resume and an effective cover message.
    3. Describe actions to take before, during, and after an interview.
  5. Professionalism at Work
    1. Differentiate between acceptable and unacceptable behavior in the workplace.
    2. Discuss business etiquette and ethics.
    3. Identify the characteristics of an effective team.
    4. Discuss skill sets needed to work as a team member.
General Information

The seat count has been 20 for over 7 years but was not officially changed through the curriculum process. The original revision of the seat count was based on how much grading of written assignments there is in the class. Also, this puts the seat count more in line with the English writing courses.

Assessment and Requirements

Assessment of Academic Achievement

Students will be assessed through tests, quizzes, homework, writing, and/or class participation.

Outcomes

Satisfies Wellness Requirement
No
Satisfies Honors Requirements
No
Effective Term
Fall 2025