The Syracuse University English Language Institute (ELI), housed within University College, has been offering noncredit executive English courses on a contract basis for the past 12 years. Despite its small size and limited resources, the ELI, whose main mission is to prepare international students for academic study, also manages a successful…

This paper details an assignment sequence that requires graduate students in an applied communication program to identify problems that clients may not be aware of. Good writing and good problem-solving are "inextricably linked to [a student's] ability to frame an issue, gather, and analyze information, and to structure a helpful response" (Musso,…

In this article, the author describes a cross-disciplinary minor that combines elements of business, communication, and the liberal arts. The BCLA Minor enhances employment opportunities and cultural awareness for students with majors in the Colleges of Business and Economics, Fine Arts and Communication, and Liberal Arts by integrating the…

In January 2006, the College of Business at Eastern Michigan University (EMU) instituted a cross-disciplinary program in international business (IB). Business communication is a major component of the program. Moreover, the need for business communication in other languages contributed greatly to the cross-disciplinary nature of the program. This…

Proposes a course in business communication that includes international or global perspectives in its philosophy, content, and assignments. Includes a syllabus, a scheme describing how the course is taught, a communication audit plan, a capstone project, and a sample reading list. (SR)

Presents a do-it-yourself case that has the double advantage of giving students practice in formulating questions for a specific company (not just a list from a book or assignment) and of giving them valuable field experience without involving faculty in lining up local companies and screening projects. Describes an example payroll project in an…

Reports the findings of a survey of members of the American Business Communication Association on the administration policies, course requirements, grading criteria, and staffing of business communication courses in their schools. (HTH)

Suggestions on how instructors can improve the effectiveness of communication courses presented for business and industry. Emphasis is placed on the initial meeting with company officials, class preparation, and teaching style. (PD)

Traces the organization of a business communication course, noting that interspersing oral business communication assignments with written assignments keeps class interest high and challenges student ingenuity. (RL)

The author discusses the planning and implementation of a course in international business communication. Topics covered include (1) planning the course, (2) developing an outline, (3) assembling course materials, (4) planning teaching strategies, (5) evaluating students, (6) recruiting students, and (7) planning for advanced courses. (CH)

Describes "Promotional Publications," a required course for public relations majors, which teaches the basics of desktop publishing. Outlines how the course covers the preparation of publications used as communication tools in public relations, advertising, and organizations, with an emphasis upon design, layout, and technology. (MM)

Finds in a national survey that introductory business communication courses in different departments differ in many aspects, yet are similar in topics covered, sequence of topics, and amount of time necessary to assure a minimum level of competence. (SR)

Reports on a teaching technique that emphasizes the logical, sequential developments involved in business report writing by having students follow a model business report as they work on their own research projects. (RL)

A survey assessed the current status of the business and professional communication course. A questionnaire was completed by faculty members at 39 Texas colleges and universities. Results indicated that 66% of the institutions surveyed offer a course in business and professional communication (with titles such as Business Speech, Oral…

The ten papers included in this document discuss the following topics: educating Americans about the United States economic system, writing and publishing your next book, the advantages and disadvantages of one-way and two-way communication in business (e.g., writing versus telephoning), structural flexibility in business communication courses,…