Course Information

Course Description:

This course will prepare the student with the English and writing skills needed in the business world. Basic English principles are reviewed and students are introduced to the basics of writing, including identifying reader's needs and anticipating responses.

Course Objectives:

1. Use effective grammar skills.
a. Construct complete sentences that convey ideas.
b. Use verbs correctly.
c. Use nouns and pronouns correctly.
d. Choose the correct verb form to agree with the noun or pronoun in a sentence.
e. Select appropriate descriptive words (adjectives and adverbs).
f. Identify types of clauses and phrases.


2. Use effective punctuation skills including number usage, capitalization, and abbreviations.
a. Use periods, question marks, and exclamation points to end sentences correctly.
b. Use commas, semicolons, colons, and dashes to provide pauses and guide readers through messages.
c. Identify the exact words of other writers and speakers by using quotation marks.
d. Separate and identify additional information by using parentheses.
e. Form possessives, contractions, and special plurals correctly by using apostrophes.
f. Capitalize words according to accepted standards.
g. Use correct abbreviations and symbols when appropriate.
h. Use correct form in writing numbers in communications.


3. Create written messages so each idea flows smoothly into the next.
a. Use words, phrases and clauses to have messages interpreted correctly.
b. Use phrases that communicate a positive, conversational tone.
c. Use balanced words, phrases, sentences, and paragraphs.
d. Apply the techniques for writing effective sentences and paragraphs.

Prerequisites and Corequisites:

This course assumes the student has basic file management and e-mail skills. It will be helpful to have basic Internet skills for online courses. Students must have also participated in the online Orientation program offered by the Regents Online Degree Program. Students also need Microsoft Word 2000 or later.

Course Topics:

Introduction: Preparing for an online course. Introductions using the discussion board and e-mail procedures (1 hour)

Introduction: Becoming familiar with resource manual (1 hour)

Module 1: The Sentence (8 hours)

Module 2: Grammar (10 hours)

Module 3: Punctuation (14 hours)

Module 4: Spelling (4 hours)

Module 5: Style (14 hours)

Module 6: Considering the Reader and anticipating needs of the reader (2 hours)

Module 7: Final Research and Writing Project (6 hours)

Specific Course Requirements:

Students must be self-motivated in order to remain on task in online courses. You will be given deadlines for all coursework and must manage your time wisely so that these deadlines can be met. 

Directions will be given for each module. Please make sure to read all directions carefully. 

Textbooks, Supplements, Software, and Hardware Requirements  
 

Supplementary Materials:

Please visit the Virtual Bookstore to obtain current textbook information for this course:  http://rodp.bkstr.com

Supplementary Materials:

None

Hardware Requirements:

The minimum requirements can be found at http://www.rodp.org/students/hardware_software.htm. 

Software Requirements:

The minimum requirements can be found at http://www.rodp.org/students/hardware_software.htm. Specific software requirements for this course include Microsoft Word 2003 or higher and Gregg Document Processing Software.

Please see the separate page inside the course to find instructor contact information as well as a statement of virtual office hours and other communication information.

Assessment and Grading

Testing Procedures:

All tests will be taken within the GDP program. There will be assigned writing activities from the Gregg College Keyboarding and Document Processing (GDP) textbook and software.

Grading Procedure:

Three grades will be awarded on your transcript, along with a final grade.

Skill Grade------ Average of writing assignments  (Two exercises from Module 1 and Module 6 assignments) (Worth 50% of final grade)

Theory Grade or Related Info------ Discussion Board Participation and Assigned Exercises Average  (Worth 25% of final grade)

Worker Characteristics-----Grades for attendance/logging on regularly, turning work in on time, time management, communication with   instructor, etc.  (Worth 25% of final grade)

Grading Scale:

100-93

A

92-87

B

86-77

C

A score of 77 or better must be achieved to receive credit for this course. 

Assignments and Participation

Assignments and Projects:

A sequenced list of assignments and projects arranged by course section or module will be due. Check calendar for due dates.

Class Participation:

Students are expected to communicate with the instructor as a learning resource, check the course bulletin board frequently for announcements, and actively participate in threaded discussion events. From time to time discussion topics will be posted and students are expected to post their answers, as well as respond with substance to other students' postings.

Punctuality:

Students are allowed to work ahead in this course and have access around the clock.  Students should refer to their calendars and instructions for each module for deadlines for assignments and tests. Students are required to meet these deadlines.

Discussion Board:

·  Become familiar with WebCT and learn to navigate through all sections.

·  Begin this course by reading ALL instructions on syllabus and printing out course calendar for future reference.

·  Note any special requirements by the instructor.

·  Check the Discussion Board several times a week for course announcements, course information, and discussion topics.

·  Manage your time wisely. Give yourself enough time to complete all assignments and to properly prepare for all tests.

·  Due to the nature of this course, be particularly mindful of your grammar, spelling, and punctuation in all communications  with the Instructor and on the Discussion Board. Proofread all communications carefully.

·  Keep in contact with the instructor on a regular basis by e-mails and discussion board.

·  Use the assigned e-mail address rather than a personal e-mail, unless instructed otherwise,  for all course material.

·  Address all technical problems immediately. Postponing these issues can cause you to fall behind.

·  When communicating with the instructor and other students through e-mail, chat, or discussion board proper netiquette should be used. Student shall be respectful of others at ALL times.

·  Participation and time management are the keys to doing well in this course. Students should log in regularly and respond to discussions and deadline promptly.

·  The Discussion Board is a great place to post questions you may have-- as other students may have the same questions. You may also e-mail the instructor directly with your questions. It is always better to ask than to continue on with the course not understanding a key concept.

· Remember that everything you post on the Discussion Board is public.

Guidelines for Communications

Email:

  • Always include a subject line.
  • Remember without facial expressions some comments may be taken the wrong way. Be careful in wording your emails. Use of emoticons might be helpful in some cases.
  • Use standard fonts.
  • Do not send large attachments without permission.
  • Special formatting such as centering, audio messages, tables, html, etc. should be avoided unless necessary to complete an assignment or other communication.
  • Respect the privacy of other class members.

Discussion Groups:

  • Review the discussion threads thoroughly before entering the discussion. Be a lurker then a discussant.
  • Try to maintain threads by using the "Reply" button rather starting a new topic.
  • Do not make insulting or inflammatory statements to other members of the discussion group. Be respectful of other’s ideas.
  • Be patient and read the comments of other group members thoroughly before entering your remarks.
  • Be cooperative with group leaders in completing assigned tasks.
  • Be positive and constructive in group discussions.
  • Respond in a thoughtful and timely manner.

Chat:

  • Introduce yourself to the other learners in the chat session.
  • Be polite. Choose your words carefully. Do not use derogatory statements.
  • Be concise in responding to others in the chat session.
  • Be prepared to open the chat session at the scheduled time.
  • Be constructive in your comments and suggestions.

Web Resources:

The Tennessee Virtual Library is available to all students enrolled in the Regents Degree Program. Links to library materials (such as electronic journals, databases, interlibrary loans, digital reserves, dictionaries, encyclopedias, maps, and librarian support) and Internet resources needed by learners to complete online assignments and as background reading must be included in all courses. 

Students with Disabilities:

Qualified students with disabilities will be provided reasonable and necessary academic accommodations if determined eligible by the appropriate disability services staff at their home institution. Prior to granting disability accommodations in this course, the instructor must receive written verification of a student's eligibility for specific accommodations from the disability services staff at the home institution. It is the student's responsibility to initiate contact with their home institution's disability services staff and to follow the established procedures for having the accommodation notice sent to the instructor.

Syllabus: 

The instructor reserves the right to make changes as necessary to this syllabus. If changes are necessitated during the term of the course, the instructor will immediately notify students of such changes both by individual email communication and posting both notification and nature of change(s) on the course bulletin board.

Technical Support

Telephone Support:

If you are having problems logging into your course, timing out of your course, using your course web site tools, or other technical problems, please contact the Eduprise Help Desk by calling

1-866-550-7637(toll free)

or go to their website at:

http://help.rodp.org