Communications in Management Syllabus for 2020-2021
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Instructor Information

Course Information

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Recording Policy

Disability Statement

If you have a disability (learning, mental, physical) that affects your ability to participate effectively and have access to any program or service at Amarillo College please contact Disability Services at (806) 345-5639 . Our offices are located in the Student Service Center office 112. More information may be found at www.actx.edu/disability.
Disability Services facilitates access to all programs and services according to the ADA, Americans with Disabilities Act and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, as well as other federal and state laws.

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If you find you are unable to access material in an accessible format please contact the Disability Services Office at (806) 345-5639 . This office will work in conjunction with other campus resources to address and accommodate your issue in a timely manner.

Statement for Mental Health and Advocacy & Resource Center:

As a student you may experience a range of issues that can cause barriers to learning, such as strained relationships, increased anxiety, alcohol/drug problems, feeling down, difficulty concentrating and/or lack of motivation. These mental health concerns or stressful events may lead to diminished academic performance or reduce a student's ability to participate in daily activities. Amarillo College offers services to assist you with addressing these and other concerns you may be experiencing. If you or someone you know are suffering from any of the aforementioned conditions, you can learn more about the broad range of confidential mental health services available on campus by calling the AC Counseling Center at 806-371-5900. The AC Counseling Center website is https://www.actx.edu/counseling/ . Also, if you are in need of social services (affordable housing, utilities, transportation, food, clothing, childcare, medical/dental/vision, legal), please call the AC Advocacy & Resource Center at 806-371-5439. The AC Advocacy & Resource Center website is https://www.actx.edu/arc

Amarillo College Tutoring for Success Policy:

The Tutoring for Success policy applies to any student whose grade or performance in the course falls below a departmentally determined minimum threshold. In either of those cases, the instructor will direct the student to the appropriate tutoring service, which may be faculty-led, discipline-specific, and/or general. Under this policy, the instructor will follow specific departmental guidelines governing the use, duration, and grade component of the tutoring need.

Administrative Drop Policy

Students who do not attend class on or prior to the census date will be administratively dropped. Effective Fall, 2016

Student Withdrawal Procedures

Students who wish to withdraw from a course must complete all steps indicated on the Academic Withdrawal Request form by the course withdrawal deadline.

NOTE: Students who are attending Texas institutions of higher education, for the first time fall 2007 and later, may not withdraw from more than six courses during their academic career. This withdrawal limitation does not include dual credit or developmental classes (Senate Bill 1231 Rule 4.10.) For more information on Drop and Withdrawal Policies, please visit the Registrar's Office Web site.

Privacy Statement

The Amarillo College Privacy Policy is found at https://www.actx.edu/-amarillo-college-privacy-notice , and applies to all Amarillo College students.  If you have questions about this privacy statement or you believe that your personal information has been released without your consent, send email to humanresources@actx.edu .

Course

BMGT-1305-002 Communications in Management

Prerequisites

Course Description

Basic theory and processes of communication skills necessary for the management of an organization’s workforce. Student will learn how to produce a job resume, job application, letters and prepare for job interviews.

Student ResourcesStudent Resources Website

Department Expectations

Occupational License Disclaimer

Notice to Students enrolled in an educational program for preparation of issuance of certain occupational licenses:

Students enrolled in an educational program in preparation for obtaining certain occupational licenses are potentially ineligible for such license if the student has been convicted of an offense. For further information, please contact:

Melodie Graves
Justice Involved Advocate
Student Service Center 117
mgraves24@actx.edu
806-371-5995
Make appointment at https://melodiegraves.youcanbook.me

You can also contact the Legal Clinic, or the faculty member in charge of the educational program that you seek to enroll in. The further information you will receive will include notification to you of your right to request a criminal history evaluation letter from the licensing authority in order to clarify your particular situation.

Hours

(3 sem hrs; 3 lec)

Class Type

Tech Supported

Syllabus Information

Textbooks

ISBN: 9781260686456

Business and Administrative Communication, 12th edition, Kitty O. Locker; McGraw-Hill;  

Supplies

Required: Textbook (must be available to the student the first day of class)

Required: Computer with BlackBoard access (including Google Chrome or Firefox browser - Safari and internet Explorer are not compatable/BlackBoard approved browsers)

Required: Internet

Required: Click here to download this free app/Chrome extension - Grammarly

Note taking supplies possibly including pens, pencils, highlighters, notebook paper, spiral/binder

 *If you don't have computer and printer access as home, make sure you locate the computer lab of your choice on campus to complete your assignments on time.

Technical support and assistance to log on to the course:
AC Connect / Blackboard Support Information
For telephone support, call AskACat 371-5000.
For hands-on technical support, visit the Student Help Center.
Also see the AC Connect Student Resources online help.

Student Performance

COURSE LEARNING OUTCOMES:

1.     The student will explain the communication process including the following:  Identify and analyze the elements that characterize audiences.  SCANS* Basic Skills F1, F2, F5, F6
2.     Identify communication channels and their relationship to semantics and perceptions including the following:  compare and contrast group communications with one on one communications.  SCANS* Information C5
3.     Discuss the elements involved in international and intercultural communications.
4.     Compare and contrast the relationship of communication and management, including the following:  define and discuss the concept of goodwill as it applies to communication skills.  SCANS* Information C6, Interpersonal C12
5.     Demonstrate competencies in verbal and written communication skills through oral and written presentations, including the following:

A.    Identify the activities involved in the writing process.
B.    List the characteristic of positive, negative and persuasive messages.
C.    Compare the various formats available for job resumes, job application letters and job interviews.  SCANS* Basic Skills F2, F6, F10.

*Meets Secretary’s Commission on Achieving Necessary Skills (SCANS)
Information:  Acquires and uses information. (C5)
Interpersonal Skills:  Works with others, serves clients, exercises leadership. (C12, C14)
Systems:  Understands complex interrelationships (evaluates, monitors, improves social, organizational and technological systems). (C15, C16)
Basic Skills:Reads, writes, performs arithmetic and mathematical operations, listens, and speaks. (F2, F6)
Personal Qualities:Displays responsibility, self-esteem, sociability, self-management, integrity, and honesty. (F17)

Students Rights and Responsibilities

Student Rights and Responsibilities

Log in using the AC Connect Portal

In order to receive your AC Connect Email, you must log in through AC Connect at https://acconnect.actx.edu .

If you are an active staff or faculty member according to Human Resources, use "Exchange". All other students, use "AC Connect (Google) Email".

Expected Student Behavior

 

• Take responsibility for your education. There is a common myth among students that because they pay tuition they deserve to receive credit for the class. This is not true. Instructors are here to create a learning environment. Whether you learn depends on your willingness to listen, ask appropriate questions, and do the work necessary to pass the course. College courses are rigorous and demanding; you may have to work harder and seek more help in order to succeed.
• Attend every class. You will find that students who attend every class, listen to the instructor, and take good notes will be more likely to pass (with a higher grade). If you have an emergency or illness, contact your instructor ahead of time to let her know that you will be absent. Important note: If you miss a class, it is your responsibility to determine a plan to make up the missed work and obtain any missed notes from the lecture.
• Get to class on time. Students who walk into the classroom late distract other students in the learning environment. This includes attending online lectures and being on time.
• Do not have private conversations. The noise is distracting to other students.
• Turn mobile phones off. It is very distracting to hear someone's mobile phone go off in class.
• Do not dominate other students' opportunities to learn by asking too many questions. It is good to ask questions and make comments, but if you dominate the class time with too many questions and/or comments, the instructor and other students cannot participate in class discussions. When asking questions and making comments, keep them related to the discussion at hand.
• Respect your instructor. Openly challenging the instructor's knowledge or authority in the classroom is not appropriate. If you take issue with the instructor's information or instructional methods, make sure that your comments are made without confrontation or antagonism. You should discuss your issues with her privately. Instructors' classroom policies, procedures and teaching styles vary: Some instructors, for example, enforce attendance policies vigorously, while others are more lenient about attendance. Assignments and classroom activities are at the prerogative of the instructor. Each instructor has the freedom and authority to set the guidelines and policies for his or her classroom (within the overall policies of the College). Consult the instructor's syllabus for specific information pertinent to each class.
• Your classmates deserve your respect and support. Others may have ideas and opinions that differ from yours, or they may struggle to understand information as quickly as their peers. But they deserve the same level of respect from you as you wish to receive from them. Do not criticize/mock other students through discussion boards or open discussions.
• Come to class prepared. Students who forget common classroom supplies (such as a pencil, paper, books, test materials, etc.) usually waste class time. Students who have not completed their assigned homework many times ask questions that could have been answered through their assignments.
• Turn in your work on time. It is important to plan ahead. Students who wait until the last minute to do their work usually make lower grades and are more likely to miss deadlines. Study and do your assignments every day. Doing so ensures that if a problem occurs at the last minute, such as a computer malfunction, you will still be prepared.

Plagiarism, Cheating and Individual Work Ethic

• Amarillo College policies and Code of Student Conduct is strictly adhered to when dealing with plagiarism, cheating, and duplication of work product. Any evidence of plagiarism, cheating, or duplication of work product will result in a zero on the work in question.

• ASSIGNMENTS WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED VIA EMAIL. 
• It is the students' responsibility to check the assignment preview to make sure the assignment uploaded correctly according to the assignment directions and before the deadline
• Assignments are required to be submitted in Word .doc. .docx, .pdf, or .xlsf. Any other submission isn't guaranteed a successful submission and will not be accepted.
• The instructor will ask for an assignment confirmation number that is generated by BlackBoard.
• If an assignment needs to be resubmitted, it will be reopened up in Blackboard for submission.
• IF AN ASSIGNMENT IS UPLOADED BLANK, IT  WILL BE CONSIDERED AN INCOMPLETE ASSIGNMENT AND GIVEN A 0 WITHOUT THE OPPORTUNITY TO RESUBMIT.

• A complete statement regarding scholastic dishonesty can be found in the Student Code of Conduct in the Student Rights and Responsibilities Handbook at http://catalog.actx.edu/content.php?catoid=12&navoid=426

Grading Criteria

GRADING SCALE:

            90 - 100%         =          A          Excellent

            80 -   89%         =          B          Above Average, Very Good

            70 -   79%         =          C          Average, Good

            65 -   69%         =          D          Poor, but passing

            Below 65%        =          F          Failing

Instructor reserves the right to subjectively influence the final grade relative to class attendance, participation, and attitude.

Weighted Total:

35% - Discussion Boards

30% - Assignments

20% - Exams

15% - Resume

100% Final Grade

DISCUSSION BOARDS:

Discussion Board Best Practices and Expectations:

• 4 post required unless otherwise stated. 1 Original and 3 Peer responses.

• Original post is due by Saturday of each week before 11:59 pm. Peer responses are due by Sunday of each week by 11:59 pm. Unless other deadline stated (Week 8)

• Characteristics considered to be part of excellent discussion contributions are outlined below. I will consider these characteristics when assessing the quality and level of student participation.

• Posts and responses should be thorough and thoughtful. Just posting an "I agree" or "Good ideas" will not be considered adequate. Support statements with examples, experiences, or references. Be brief — keep each post and response to one or two short paragraphs. Keep in mind that fellow learners will be reading and responding to you, too.

• Posts should be within a range of 75-150 words.

• Make certain that all posts and responses address the question, problem, or situation as presented for discussion. This does not mean you should not extend the topic, but do not stray from the topic.

• Discussions occur when there is dialogue; therefore, you need to build upon the posts and responses of other learners to create discussion threads. Make sure to revisit the discussion forum and respond (if necessary) to what other learners have posted to your initial responses.

• When relevant, add to the discussion by including prior knowledge, work experiences, references, web sites, resources, etc. (giving credit when appropriate).

• Contributions to the discussions (posts and responses) should be complete and free of grammatical or structural errors.

• Post directly into the discussion board thread, do not upload and attach a document as other students are not likely to download it and interact with your post.

ASSIGNMENTS:

• Weekly assignments must be typed, uploaded as .doc, .docx, pdf, or .xsls format and submitted into Blackboard. Other formats are not accepted including .odt, . rtf, .pages, .slides. It is the student's responsibility to check their document for proper formatting.

• Assignments are due by midnight on Sundays. Week 8 assignments and discussion boards are due on Wednesday by 5:00.

• Late assignments will not be accepted unless an extenuating circumstance is discussed before the assignment deadline.

Assignment Best Practices:

• A (100–90%) Your response demonstrates a solid understanding of the relevant material and concepts; uses many sources and examples; synthesizes the material well; makes a clear, creative, and well-organized argument; and is clearly written with few to no grammar and spelling errors.

• B (89–80%) Your response demonstrates a good understanding of the relevant material and concepts, uses several sources and examples, follows an argument, shows some creativity, and is readable.

• C (79–70%) Your response demonstrates some understanding of the relevant material and concepts, loosely refers to a few sources and examples, has a focus, and is passably written.

• D (69–65%) Your response shows little more than a passing acquaintance with the relevant material and concepts and is poorly written, with little discernible focus or structure.

• F (65–0%) Your response merely repeats the information available in the question, shows no specific knowledge of the relevant material and concepts, or is virtually unreadable due to systemic grammatical errors. Please note that while it is true that this is not an English course, grammar and spelling errors that are so numerous that they distract from or disguise the points you are trying to make will result in a lower grade.

EXAMINATIONS:

• Examinations will consist of true-false and multiple choice questions. 

• Exams will open on Monday and close on Sunday at midnight, except for the Final Exam which will close on Wednesday at 5:00 pm. 

• Should an emergency arise, contact the instructor in ADVANCE before the test deadline.  If contact is not made before the deadline, a 0 will be given for that test grade. Once exams are closed, they will NOT be opened again. 

• If a Final Examination is needed (most students are exempt), it will be comprehensive and all inclusive. Students are expected to plan accordingly for any technological issues including internet/power outages, computer glitches, etc. 

Exam Best Practices:

• Find a time to take the test in which you will be free of interruptions. If your computer and telephone share the same telephone line, unplug your telephone while taking the exam.

• If at home when taking a test make sure that no one else using the wireless connection is watching a movie or downloading a large amount of data.

• Make sure that you note the test has a time limit. The time will show on the status bar at the bottom of your window. You will want to make sure that the Status Bar is selected. If you are using Internet Explorer click on View > Status Bar. In Firefox, you will need to select Tools > Options > Content > Enable JavaScript > Advanced > Change Status Bar Text. If a time limit is set make sure and keep track of when you started the test. The time on the computer or on the Blackboard server may not be the same.

• Do not attempt to take an exam from your cell phone. Any dip in cellular service will result in the test being submitted automatically.

• Once you have opened the exam, avoid clicking on any of the main menu buttons in this course or on any of the navigation buttons on your web browser. Doing so may bump you out of the exam, in which case your answers may be lost, and you will not be allowed to re-enter the exam.

• Avoid “double clicking” on the answers or the Submit button.

• Do not use the mouse-scroll wheel as this may change your answers on a multiple choice question.

• Do not close the window of the test for any reason. Some web browsers may "time you out‟ of the exam if you take too long. To lessen the possibility of being "timed out‟, open a separate web browser window before you click on the exam link. In that separate web browser window, navigate to The Official U.S. Time site and select a time zone. Once the page loads, minimize that window, re-enter Blackboard, and proceed to click on your exam link.

• If your instructor has set your test to show the questions one at a time, make sure that you have selected the best answer before moving on to the next question. Your instructor may have prohibited backtracking on the test and you will not be able to get back to a previous question. There is also a possibility of the test "freezing‟ if you try to go back to a previous question.

• Before submitting your test you may want to right-click and print so that you have a copy of your exam. • Your exam answers are not saved until you click on the "Submit‟ button at the end of the exam. Please do not forget to hit "Submit‟ once you have completed all questions.

• If for any reason you get closed out of the exam while taking it, please contact your instructor immediately via email. In your message detail exactly what happened. Depending on the type of exam, your instructor may reset your test so that you may re-take it. If you choose to wait to take the exam until the last day, you risk the test having an error and accept the possibility you may not reach the instructor before the deadline- which will result in the exam grade standing. The instructor is not available after 8:00 pm until 8:00 am.

ATTENDANCE AND WITHDRAWAL POLICY: 

Attendance: Students enrolled in hybrid/online/tech supported courses are expected to maintain ongoing course engagement in order to uphold positive academic standing with Amarillo College and in order to comply with Federal Regulations.

Maintain an ongoing online presence requires participating in course related activities that may include, but is not limited to

• reading announcements

• completing the required textbook reading for the week

• taking exams online

• participating in group work

• posting to discussion forums

• submitting assignments by the deadline

• watching lectures

• carrying out the requirements set forth by the instructor.

It is a good practice to login to online courses several times a week to stay informed of news, announcements, grades, assignments, and other important course information.

Withdrawal:

Students that fail to physically attend class/lecture during the first week of class will be automatically withdrawn from the course, unless a reason is communicated with the instructor before the course census date (available on the master calendar). A student that fails to complete at least one assignment and/or discussion board during the first week will be automatically withdrawn from the course, unless a reason is communicated with the instructor before the course census date.

If after two weeks of online coursework, a student’s grade is under a 70, an academic retention alert will be sent to advisor and financial aid department. The student will be required to attend mandatory tutoring session with the instructor.

It is the responsibility of the student to initiate drop or withdrawal procedures through the Registrar’s office. Students who stop attending class but do not officially drop or withdraw from this course will receive a grade of F if their average falls below a 65. Please communicate with the instructor before the class is dropped to discuss options!  Once the class is dropped, all grade records are deleted in Blackboard and can not be accessed again. 

Accessing Grades Online:

To view your current course grades:

• Go to www.actx.edu, click on AC Connect anf log in using your ACNetID and password

• Click on BMGT-1305

• Click on My Grades on the menu to the left.

To view your Final course grades:

• Go to www.actx.edu, click on AC Connect and log in using your ACNetID and password

• Scroll down to Self Service on bottom right of the page, and click on Current Student.

• Under current student, click on Academic Profile and click on Grades.

Attendance

Traditional (face to face or live classes): Attendance is expected and required. Check your course schedule for meeting locations, dates, and times.

Hybrid: Attendance is expected and required. Check your course schedule for meeting locations, dates, and times.

Online: No specific attendance required. All course materials and deadlines will be provided in Black Board.

Tech-Supported: No specific attendance required. There will be posted student support hours available to log in, chat with the instructor/peers regarding assignments, discussion boards, and course materials for the week. 

Final Exam Exemption: Students enrolled in hybrid or traditional classes are allowed one absence before they are disqualified for the exemption. Students who meet the attendance requirement (attend all classes with one absence or less) and have a 70% or higher at the begining of Week 8, will be exempt from the Final Exam.

Calendar

Additional Information