Course Syllabus

Contact Information

This table includes information about your class and how to contact your instructor.

	Office Hours: Monday 11:00 - 11:30 a.m. via Zoom or By Appointment Phone: (405) 325-4616 Email: stacie.wilsonmumpower@ou.edu  BC 2813-006: Tuesday/Thursday 3:00 - 4:15 p.m. AH 0101 Final Exam: Wednesday, December 11; 4:30 - 6:30 p.m.
Dr. Stacie Wilson Mumpower Strategic Communication for Business Professionals

Course Details

Course Description 

Prerequisite: Business majors and students enrolled in approved degree programs or by permission of Price College advising; ENGL 1213 or EXPO 1213 or equivalent.

Description: Business professionals communicate effectively when integrity, emotional intelligence, exceptional judgment, and technical skills converge.

This course is a writing- and presentation-intensive class for future business professionals. The course builds skills to enhance personal and professional credibility, adapt to the unique contextual features and audiences in various professional settings, and deliver the best content through appropriate channels.

Students learn to work in high-performing teams and to integrate feedback into presentations and written documents. Students will reflect on analytics and feedback to drive improvements in essential writing and speaking skills.

Course Objectives

1: Build and exhibit credibility through integrity, accountability, and exceptional judgment in writing, presenting, and interacting with others. 

2: Employ strategic, audience-centered analysis to plan, research, write, revise, and deliver effective and appropriate messages for various business writing genres. 

3: Develop, organize, and deliver excellent, audience-centered presentations. 

4: Demonstrate effective professional communication to produce positive work climates and maximize performance in small-group and interpersonal interactions.

Course Materials

Required Textbooks and Program

Cardon, P.W. (2024). Business communication: Developing leaders for a networked world. (5th ed.). New York, NY:            McGraw-Hill LLC.

Other Required Materials

• A reliable computer, laptop, or tablet (not a phone, smartwatch, or any other smart device)for research, writing, and completing all class assignments. Again, you may not use cell phones to complete any research, activities, or assignments in class or out without expressed permission from the professor. Check out a laptop at Price IT if necessary for class.
• Paper and a pencil or pen for notetaking and in-class writing. Tablets with stylus handwritten note taking capabilities may be used for in-class work.
• An active, updated, Zoom account and reliable Internet service for virtual office hours or remote class sessions, if necessary. You are responsible for technology and connectivity to attend remote class sessions.

Course Format and Learning Management Software for On-Ground Sections

Your professor will hold class activities and discussions on campus and post course materials in Canvas, the University of Oklahoma's learning management software. You will attend two, 75-minute, in-person classes on campus, and complete assigned, asynchronous activities each week to meet the 3-credit-hour course requirement. Your professor will communicate any changes to this format with you via OU email and Canvas. 

Dr. Wilson Mumpower's Teaching Philosophy

My teaching philosophy leads me to engage, encourage and challenge. I engage students through questions and discussion that elicit critical thinking and analysis. I encourage students through feedback in an effort to motivate students to innovate. I challenge students to persist and continue to strive for growth through consistent, effective effort. I strive to make the learning environment collaborative and cultivate the opportunity for academic growth. Students are encouraged to draw their own conclusions, based on literature, and as applied contextually in organizational and life experiences.

The collaborative learning environment should be a place to express educated opinions and enrich course content with individual contributions unique to each learner. Participation in this collaborative learning environment requires the courage to navigate some discomfort, which is part of growth, both academically and personally. Experiencing difficulty when learning and applying new academic material is to be expected. A willingness to be challenged and overcome those challenges is a part of learning. Mastering your academic journey will require motivation on your part and a willingness to take responsibility for your own learning. Only through enduring some pressure can we emerge stronger. Diamonds are formed only after undergoing enormous pressure. Humans have a vast capacity for learning. Remember, we are on a voyage of learning—we have not yet arrived; therefore, we must engage in learning as an experience—one that leads to a better self.

I view ethics as foundational in all aspects of human behavior. Our actions and communication must be guided by a strong, centered moral and ethical compass. All choices and actions have consequences, whether positive or negative. We can choose our courses of action; therefore, I advocate a goal to strive for constant self-improvement, thereby impacting others in the most ethical ways possible.

My expectations are that students:

• Be active rather than passive participants.
• Be professional, respectful, and courteous to all others—develop a professional mindset.
• Take responsibility for their own learning.
• Strive to develop individual character and be better as a result of the class.
• Engage in all communicative endeavors professionally and appropriately.
• Engage in a collaborative learning environment.
• Think of professor and peer feedback as a catalyst for transformative change.
• Be motivated to think analytically and explore concepts innovatively.
• Apply contributions as rooted in the concepts and literature we are studying.
• Consider your learning experience a journey to a better end that requires growth and maturing.

This course will engage students with various activities, assignments, and assessments both in-class and on Canvas. You will read the textbook and complete interactive Application Based Activities before the assigned dates as a foundation for many of our class discussions. This workshop experience may feel like walking through uncharted territory. The great news is the more you explore that uncharted territory, the more familiar it will become. Keep in mind that some discomfort means you are engaging in a good struggle, that I am teaching, and you are learning. Likewise, the opposite is true. Comfort can signal a static state, which is not good for learning. Discomfort is a normal part of the learning process on this education journey. Embrace it!

Grades

Table with assignments and grades

Assignment/Activity	Description	Points
Elevator Speech		50
LinkedIn Learning Certificates	3 @ 10	30
Resume and Cover Letter		100
Professional Email		50
Midterm Examination		50
Academic Integrity Pledge		20
Progress Update Briefing		50
Business Report		100
Team Presentation		100
Final Examination		100
Class Participation		250
Connect Videos and Questions	10 @ 10	100
	Total	1000

 

Grade Scale

Percentage	Letter Grade
90–100%	A
80–89.99%	B
70–79.99%	C
60–69.99%	D
Below 60%	F

Earning Your Grade

Plan to work toward earning your desired grade by completing all assignments and doing so to the with concerted, effective effort. The time to work on achieving the grade you desire is throughout the semester, not at the end of the course. If you have a final grade for the course in mind, remember that you have the tools to earn that grade. Review the assignments required for the course and plan long term how you will accomplish those assignments during your busy weeks. Please check Canvas regularly to monitor your grade progress.

Do not email the professor once final grades are posted asking for your grade to be changed to the next higher grade because it is “so close.” For me to do so would be unethical. Grades are earned, not given. I do not round up or curve grades. Therefore, feel free to contact me throughout the semester to discuss how you can improve your ongoing grade. Check your grades throughout the semester. Do not wait until the end of the semester to ask me to check grades from weeks before. Those assignments will not be reviewed again. Students must address grade concerns within one week of receiving an assignment evaluation. I will not discuss or address grade concerns after the last regular day of class (before finals week}.

I will try to grade all work approximately two to three weeks from the due date. Please check Canvas regularly to monitor your grades in the course. For grades of A.W., W, and I, refer to the university catalog for information and how they might affect eligibility for financial aid, etc. *Even you can pass the course mathematically without completing the presentation assignments, I will not pass any student who does not complete each speech assignment. All grades are at the instructor's discretion.

BC 2813 Attendance and Participation Policies

BC 2813: Strategic Communication for Business Professionals Attendance Policy

Regular attendance is crucial to success in this course. The following attendance policy will apply to this course and is the same for all Strategic Communication for Business Communications Sections.

Two Class Meetings Per Week

One to four absences (Personal Leave): Personal leave includes absence for any reason, including sickness. You will miss valuable information and participation, likely affecting your performance on assignments, but your professor will make no attendance deductions. Please see the class participation policy for additional details.  

Five or more absences: Your final course grade will be reduced by one full letter grade.

Note: Students are responsible for monitoring their own attendance throughout the semester. Attendance can be found in the Gradebook (Roll Call). Attendance concerns must be resolved prior to the end of the course, or they will not be considered. Students should respond to absence notifications from the professor within one week. 

Participation Policy

When you enter Price College, you are entering an opportunity to join one of the top business schools in the United States (U.S. News and World Report, 2022). Please treat BC 2813 with the same care and attention you would an extended interview for your dream job. What you do today in Strategic Communication for Business Professionals influences what doors open tomorrow. Embrace the discomfort of technical writing, public speaking, revision, giving and receiving feedback, and developing emotional intelligence. You can earn total participation points if you show up to work on time with a great attitude, stay for the entire class period, participate in the daily activities and discussions, submit assigned participation activities, demonstrate accountability, and take an interest in your classmates' successes. Participation points cannot be made up.

Participation is a vital component of a strategic communication class for business professionals. Learning to communicate in written and oral forms requires acting, speaking and listening. You may miss participation points if you arrive late to class. Thus, your prompt presence in class is critical. This class is largely a workshop course in which much of your learning will occur in the practical application exercises conducted in class, as well as in collaboration with classmates. Therefore, absences can affect your overall participation grade. Participation grades are based on specific, allocated points for activities and assignments, as well as general, active participation during in-class activities and discussions. Again, participation points cannot be made up.

Course Assignments 

Chapter Reading, Additional Reading, and Accountability

You are required to read the textbook comprehensively. Assigned chapters are listed in the course schedule. Reading must be completed prior to attending class. You are required to read additional materials provided by the professor. These readings and any associated activities must be completed prior to attending class. Students will complete chapter quizzes, takeaway presentations, discussions, and other activities at the beginning of class to demonstrate reading accountability and participation. Accountability points cannot be made up. 

LinkedIn Learning Certificates

You will complete several LinkedIn Learning Certificates to improve your speaking and writing skills. You can choose to add these certificates to your resume to demonstrate your communication skills. 

Connect Chapter Videos and Questions

Students will watch videos and Connect and complete associated questions.

• Complete weekly Connect assignments by their due dates and times (usually on Mondays at 11:59 p.m.). 
• You can work ahead because all Connect assignments are opened on the first day of the semester. Therefore, there is no excuse for incompletion.  
• Late work is not accepted. Assignments will close after the due date, and you will receive a zero for that assignment. Connect assignments cannot be made up. I will not extend an assignment.  
• Experiencing computer problems is not an excuse for assignment incompletion. Connect assignments are accessed through the Internet, permitting you to log in on any computer. 
• Ensure the Connect score populates in Canvas before closing your assignment.

Connect Scoring:

• You have one attempt, but study attempts are allowed. 
• Check your work and Hints have not been activated. 
• Questions are scrambled, and no time limits are set.  
• Feedback will be posted one hour after the due date and time and include detailed feedback with correct answers, explanations, and solutions. 

You must purchase the eBook Textbook and Connect Learning software access card to complete these assignments. You can access Chapter Videos and Questions in Canvas.

Elevator Speech

Students will construct and present a 30-second to one-minute speech describing your professional background and experience after watching the Elevator Pitch Mini-Lecture and Sample Student Elevator Pitches,. Please see assignment details in Canvas.

Resume and Cover Letter

Students will select an internship position using Handshake, a service offered by the Price College of Business Student Success Center, or a relevant outside job posting with professor approval. Students will then apply business writing principles to design and create a resume and cover letter for the selected position using examples provided by your professor. You may revise a current resume or create a new one according to guidelines provided. Students may not use the same resume submitted in another class. 

Professional Email

Use effective business writing skills to create a clear, concise, complete, and correct email. Please see the assignment details in Canvas.

Course Policies

Professional Dress

Professional dress is part of overall professionalism in the business world. Students are expected to treat this course as one would a professional job or career. Dress appropriately for public interaction during regular class meetings (no pajamas, flip flops, lounge-type clothes, gym clothes, athleisure clothing, revealing clothing, etc.). Professional dress (professional business suit and formal footwear) is required for all presentation assignments and other activities as indicated by the professor. What constitutes professional dress will be discussed in more detail during class.

Classroom Code of Conduct and Professionalism

You are expected to exhibit professional behavior, courtesy, and respect at all times during class and any written correspondence. You are expected to treat yourself, your peers, and your professor with respect. You are welcome to challenge ideas and provide candid, educated feedback about written and oral communication when asked to do so, but please do so constructively and courteously. You are expected to conduct yourself in a manner consistent with the ethics of the business profession and this academic community. This course will be conducted in a business-like manner. You are expected to conduct yourself consistent with this course culture.

Professionalism will be held to the highest standard in this course. Students are expected to uphold business professional etiquette during class and in all correspondence. Professionalism includes, but is not limited to, effective communicative behavior, paying attention respectfully, respecting others’ rights to provide constructive feedback, maintaining a positive attitude about your assignments, and not being disruptive during class. Disruptive behavior includes, but is not limited to, talking while the professor or others are presenting, using your cell phone or smartwatch during class, speaking out of order, disrespect of anyone in class, entering and leaving the classroom at inappropriate times, and other obvious disruptions. Students may not wear ear buds or listen to music during class. Students are expected to treat this course as one would a professional job or career.

Should you fail to honor the professor’s or any class members' dignity, worth, or value (whether verbally or nonverbally), you will be asked to leave the class and lose participation points for the day. You will not be permitted to make up any missed work. You may return to class the next class period only when you discuss the matter with your professor during office hours or by making an appointment. If you are committed to making amends and abiding by the classroom expectations, you will be welcome to return.

Email Policy

Students are required to demonstrate effective, professional, business etiquette in email correspondence. Students are required to include their name, BC 2813, and section number in the subject line when emailing the professor. Emails without proper subject lines and format may be deleted unread. All emails should start with the professor’s full professional name (Dr. Wilson Mumpower) and end with a salutation such as “Thank you” and the student’s full name. All correspondence should be professional and courteous, using complete sentences and correct grammar. Do not use texting abbreviations. Students are expected to use professional email format. Students are expected to utilize effective communication skills when corresponding or interacting with the professor and classmates. I expect appropriate, courteous, and professional tone in email correspondence.

Remember to ‘close the communication’ or ‘conversation.’ Respond to your professor’s email correspondence, particularly when you initiated the interaction. Example: You ask to submit an assignment late. Your professor responds and says you cannot submit the assignment late. Close the communication you started with “Thank you,” or Thank you for responding.” You demonstrate poor business etiquette when only responding to answers you like and not those you dislike.

I will contact you via your OU email account, so check regularly. Only OU account or Canvas email correspondence is acceptable. I will strive to respond to your email messages within 24-48 hours Monday-Thursday between 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. only. Immediate responses are unrealistic and should not be expected. I observe email free evenings and weekends. Please plan accordingly and allow enough time before assignments are due to ask questions and get clarification. 

Classroom Technology Expectations

Class periods will be active learning sessions. You will be writing, editing, speaking, collaborating, presenting, and listening actively every day. We will practice elements of the communication process both verbally and nonverbally every class period. Do not use your cellphones or smartwatches during the class period. Cell phone use during class is unprofessional and violates the classroom code of conduct. Using your cell phone during class may result in a decrease in your participation grade. Leave your phone and other technology on silent in your backpack. Plan to use writing utensils, paper, and notebook or writing tablet for note taking and activities during class, not your computer devices. I will ask you to use your computers for various writing assignments and activities, so bring your laptop to class daily. Please discuss extenuating circumstances with your professor.

Communication, Responsibilities, and Expectations

It is the student’s responsibility to communicate with the professor regarding problems or concerns, assignment clarification, or other issues. Do not wait until the end of the semester to tell me you are having problems because it may be too late to address issues. Students may visit scheduled office hours, schedule an appointment, or correspond with me via email for assistance.

• Students are responsible for reading assigned textbook content and any additional assigned readings, as well as completing activities/exercises/assignments prior to the live virtual sessions. The textbook is required for BC 2813.
• Students are responsible for attending, participating, and completing assigned exercises, activities, and assignments on time and according to outlined standards.
• Students are responsible for maintaining appropriate behavior in the classroom. Courteous and respectful attention will be given during lectures, activities, and presentations. Do not leave or enter the room randomly, particularly while a student is speaking.

You can expect your professor to:

• Challenge you to think about and understand the material in this course.
• Encourage you to learn the material in the course and become a lifelong learner.
• Engage you in discussion and provide feedback.
• Ask you to engage with and speak in front of the class.
• Hold you to high standards.
• Post critical information on Canvas via Announcements and assignment feedback. Please turn on Canvas notifications to receive announcements automatically via text or email.

You are expected to:

• Accept responsibility for your learning.
• Accept responsibility for completing assignments to standard as outlined in requirements and policies.
• Follow assignment, activity and other task instructions to standard as outlined in this course.
• Be engaged in the course.
• Arrive on time to class ready to work and stay for the entire class period.
• Practice effective communication skills and professionalism in all forms in this class.
• Work to develop a professional mindset.
• Set aside enough time to read and understand assigned course materials, successfully complete assignments, quizzes, and exams, actively participate in class discussions and activities, engage in effective oral communication skills, and pen thoughtful writing assignments.
• Have or find access to a reliable computer device to complete final drafts.
• Avoid scheduling other activities that conflict with your required class time. You are required to be in class during the regularly scheduled time. Conflicting activities will count as a personal leave day.
• Avoid disruptive behavior (see syllabus policy).

Teamwork

You can expect to work in teams or groups during your professional business career. In fact, some companies maintain a team-oriented organizational structure. This course prepares you for professional practices you will experience in the business world. Colleagues and team members in companies are often pre-determined. Similarly, you will be assigned to teams in this course to simulate a real-world situation in which you develop a professional business report and presentation. Teamwork develops your collaborative skills, prepares you to work in a cohesive team integral in business, and helps satisfy Objective #4 of this course.

Students and teams are expected to adhere to the following requirements:

• All students will participate equally in the team workload. Failure to contribute equally constitutes plagiarism—review the Academic Integrity Policy.
• The team will attempt to resolve any team issues, such as social loafing, using construction conflict management. If the attempt fails to rectify issues, the team must report the problem to the professor. Teams failing to report problems while they are occurring, and before the project due date, relinquish the right to report problems on or after the due date and, thereby, agree to the team grade received.
• Teams may unanimously vote to remove a low or non-participating team member only after attempting to resolve the problem and discussing the circumstance with the professor. A team meeting with the professor may be required. Additional requirements are located in the assignment.
• All team members must agree on the quality of work submitted and take responsibility for the team product and grade.
• All team members will communicate regularly as established by team expectations.
• Failure to present in the final presentation will result in a zero grade.
• Additional requirements provided in the assignment apply.

Standards for Written Assignments

All typed and video assignments in BC 2813 are expected to meet college-level standards of proficiency. Current Microsoft Word documents are required for digital, graded, written assignments. No other formats (e.g. .pages, .html) will be accepted unless otherwise noted. Files (including video files) that cannot be opened, read, or viewed in Canvas cannot be graded, will be assessed a zero, and cannot be resubmitted. Convert files to the appropriate form before submitting. Follow submission instructions carefully. Incorrect submissions, such as other assignments and files submitted in incorrect file formats, as other assignments, or as blank documents cannot be resubmitted for credit after the due date. Make sure your file is submitted correctly to Canvas. Wait until the file is completely submitted before closing your browser. Click Submit. Label files with your name and assignment name. Include your name on the first page or header of any document/assignment you submit. Files without names or labels may impact your grade negatively. Make sure your documents do not contain erroneous blank pages or format changes after submission to Canvas. Resubmit if necessary.

Late Policy

All exams and assignments, written and oral, are due on specified dates. Participation scores are based primarily on in-class activities and cannot be made up. Accountability points cannot be made up. Due dates are imposed to help students manage coursework throughout the semester. You are responsible for meeting these deadlines. Any late work must be approved in advance by the professor, is not automatic and is at the strict discretion of the professor. Create a plan with your professor to complete late work. Assignments and exams will incur a 20% grade reduction, if and only if late submission is approved. You must complete makeups within seven calendar days of the scheduled date or receive a zero grade. Major written and presentation assignments not completed by the due date will be assessed a zero grade. 

Using APA Style

We will follow the American Psychological Association (APA) 7e style using the mirrored citation method to document all sources. The mirrored citation method requires that every sentence that uses researched information or someone else’s ideas or writing must have an in-text citation, AND each in-text citation must have a mirrored full citation on the References page. Similarly, all visuals must also have correct in-text citations and full References page citations, as discussed in class. Failure to cite in every sentence that uses researched information or someone else’s ideas or writing, or failure to cite visuals, may result in zero (0) points for the assignment and possibly for the semester. The same may also result in the initiation of formal academic misconduct procedures within the University.

Note: Citing in every sentence that uses researched information or someone else’s ideas or writing, but having a stylistic error in the citation does not constitute academic misconduct. Stylistic errors indicate a lack of attention to the detail required for academic and business citations; stylistic errors will reduce points earned but will not result in the initiation of formal academic misconduct procedures within the University. Like accounting, finance, engineering, and many other disciplines, APA citation style requires precision and attention to detail.

Please refer to the Academic Integrity, Cheating, and Plagiarism sections for further information about the requirements to document all source materials used.

Plagiarism 

Plagiarism is the most common form of academic misconduct at OU. There is basically no college-level assignment that can be satisfactorily completed by copying. OU's basic assumption about writing is that all written assignments show the student's own understanding in the student's own words. That means all writing assignments, in class or out, are assumed to be composed entirely of words generated (not simply found) by the student, except where words written by someone else are specifically marked as such with proper citation or when asked to experiment with generative AI. Including other people's words in your paper is helpful when you do it honestly and correctly. You are plagiarizing, when you do not cite correctly. Plagiarism involves using someone else's work, recycling your own work, or taking credit for team work without fully participating in group work.

Generative Artificial Intelligence (AI): Unless your instructor gives you written permission to use Generative AI, students must fully prepare every element of class assignments. Using generative AI tools for any part of your work will be treated as plagiarism. If you have questions, do not hesitate to contact your instructor.

For more information about plagiarism, watch this video and then take this short course offered by University Libraries. The full academic integrity policy can be found here.

 

University Academic Policies and Student Support

Access the University Academic Policies Document.