Business Communication
Communication Syllabus
- Strategic Business Communication
This course trains students to think and write strategically. Classes include discussion of challenging communication problems presented in case studies, in-class writing and presentation exercises, and critique of weekly written homework assignments. The in-class exercises and homework give students practice in applying the principles of strategic communication to letters, memos, e-mails, reports, and oral presentations. Prerequisites: strong writing skills; students complete a diagnostic writing assignment at the first class meeting.
- Persuasive Business Communications
Students learn how to communicate clearly and persuasively, in a way that inspires action. They learn how to tailor communications to different audiences, explore the principles of logical reasoning in structuring communications, and introduce best practices for communicating effectively in different situations and formats.
- Writing for Public Relations and Marketing
Organizations rely on both the public relations and marketing functions to conceive and develop persuasive and promotional written communications targeted to a broad range of audiences. This course gives students the opportunity to draft a collection of strategic, image-oriented organizational documents, including high-impact promotional speeches; bylined feature articles suitable for newspaper and magazine placement; and positioning brochures and newsletters. (4 credits)
- Communicating Globally
To communicate effectively in global or multicultural business settings, managers or negotiators must interpret not only words but also worldviews. Students in this course learn to recognize the important, yet often implicit, assumptions that govern business dealings in a variety of countries and cultures. A dividend of such awareness is deeper understanding of one's own culturally determined perceptions. The results are marketable cross-cultural skills applicable in a broad range of business or professional contexts. (4 credits)
- Development Communications
This course explores the rapidly evolving world of fundraising communications, including case statements, annual fund appeal letters, proposals, and research reports. In addition to print communications, the course considers audio, video, and other media used to deliver development messages. The course also places special emphasis on the emerging field of e-philanthropy.
- Grant Proposal Writing
This project-based course covers the complete process of grant proposal development: identification of an achievable and fundable project, research and assessment of viable funding sources, funder relations, proposal writing, and budget development, preparation of a full proposal package for submission, and post-award or rejection follow-up with funders. The course emphasizes grants to private, community, and corporate foundations. Students gain an understanding of the nonprofit philanthropic environment and become familiar with tools and resources available to assist them as they seek funds for their projects, institutions, or causes. Prerequisites: students must have a specific project or a fairly well-developed idea that they build upon as the basis for their coursework and final grant proposal. This project or idea cannot be for a for-profit business. Solid writing skills and experience or coursework in nonprofit sector/management highly recommended.