LHC 320 Course Information

Professor: Andrea Perry

Office: D3273 Phone: 763-1309 E-mail:

aandrea@umich.edu or aandrea@lni.net

Hours: T,Th 10-11 Assignments CourseTools

Course goals

Analyze communication situations and choose effective message channels

Select and organize information to achieve objectives

Use technology effectivelyDevelop a set of writing strategiesEvaluate written and oral documentsCreate effective arguments

Getting to know you

Pick a partner whom you do not know

Talk for 5-10 minutes

Prepare a 1-2 minute professional introduction of your partner

What is “good writing”?

In a group of three or four, come up with a prioritized list of the five most important characteristics of “good writing”

Answer the question, “Are these characteristics of all good writing?”

Which ones do you think apply most strongly to business writing? Why?

Be prepared to report to the class

Effective business writing...

Is focused on an objectiveIs focused on the reader’s needsCan’t be separated from the

situationCan look very different at different

times

Futura Case discussion

In a small group (3-5 people), read the Futura Case

Begin by discussing what action(s) you would take in this situation

Tuesday we will complete the questions

Assignment

Read Chapter 1 and Appendix B in EBCWrite a draft of the memo part of the

Baseline Evaluation PortfolioDrafts should be typed, double-spaced,

and ready for peer review (accurate spelling, no typos, coherent thought)

Baseline Evaluation Portfolio

Due January 13 Part 1: biographical statement

A brief, professional self-introduction Examples: look at annual reports, loan proposals, SEC

filings, book jackets

Part 2: sample of real-world business writing Examples: choose a cover letter, thank you, acceptance

letter, memo or report from internship, etc.

Part 3: descriptive memo (draft due January 11) An analysis of your writing in context Think about writing you’ll do in your career

Baseline Evaluation Portfolio

Audience: meObjective: to create a positive,

professional, candid “first impression”Context: academic (this class)Channel: written documents