Syllabus

📘 Course Basics

• Class: BUAD 201 – Business Writing

• Instructor: Dr. Aja Vasquez

• Format: In-person

• Time: Tues/Thurs, 4:00–5:15 PM

• Room: SGMH 2108

• Office Hours: In person (or by appointment)

• Textbook: Business Communication (Rentz & Lentz, McGraw Hill)

🧠 What This Class Is About

• Learning professional/business writing

• Writing a LOT (multiple drafts + revisions)

• Giving and receiving peer feedback

• Showing up, participating, and doing the work consistently

⚠ This is a labor-based class
Your grade depends more on effort, attendance, and completing work than perfection.

🎯 How Grading Works (Big Picture)

• Default target grade = B

• You earn a B by:

  • Attending class regularly

  • Turning in all major assignments

  • Completing 90%+ of in-class work

  • Scoring 80%+ on quizzes & homework

  • Meeting with the instructor at least 2 times

• You can earn higher than a B by completing extra projects (1 per unit)

• Fall behind → grade drops fast

🚫 Attendance Rules (Very Important)

• Miss more than 2 classes → your grade drops

• Being 15+ minutes late = absent

• No in-class work if you’re not physically there

• This class does NOT go async if you miss

📝 Major Assignments (ALL required)

• 3 Timed Writing Exams

  • Persuasive message

  • Positive/neutral message

  • Bad news message

• Career Package

  • Resume

  • Cover letter

  • Hiration mock interview

• Group Project

  • Research report

  • Executive summary

  • Presentation

• Portfolio (Final Project)

• 2 Instructor Conferences

Miss one → grade drops 🚨

🧪 Quizzes & Homework

• 3 quizzes (need 80% average)

• McGraw-Hill online homework (80% average)

• Only 4 late assignments allowed (max 3 days late)

🤖 AI Policy (Critical)

• AI tools (ChatGPT, Grammarly, etc.) are NOT allowed

• Using them = academic dishonesty

• Can lead to a zero or referral to Dean of Students

📅 Key Dates You Should Put in Your Calendar

January

• Jan 20 – First day of class

• Jan 22 – Diagnostic writing

• Jan 27 – Async (no class)

February

• Feb 10 – Resume draft due

• Feb 12 – Quiz 1

• Feb 17 – Timed Writing Exam 1 (Persuasive)

March

• Mar 5 – Quiz 2

• Mar 17 – Timed Writing Exam 2 (Positive message)

• Mar 30 – Apr 3 – Spring Break

April

• Apr 16 – Group report due

• Apr 23 – Quiz 3

• Apr 28 – Timed Writing Exam 3 (Bad news)

May

• May 7 – Final Portfolio Due

• May 12 – Final check-in

• Final Exam: May 12, 5:00–6:50 PM

✅ Survival Tips

• Show up every class

• Do work on time

• Don’t rely on AI

• Read Canvas announcements

• Start assignments early

• If you fall behind → talk to the instructor immediately