Course information

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Learning Outcomes

The course learning outcomes are to:

  • Communicate complex ideas effectively and transition from academic to professional writing for labor and employment contexts
  • Demonstrate mastery of standard grammar and writing mechanics
  • Utilize various strategies and organizational techniques in the writing process
  • Significantly improve students' ability to write effective professional communication
  • Analyze, evaluate and synthesize information and ideas from from multiple sources (i.e., audiences, purposes, situations, primary and secondary data) to generate new insights.
  • Respond effectively to editorial feedback from peers, instructors, and/or supervisors through successive drafts and revision.
  • Develop strategies to research and facilitate communication across diverse cultures
  • Recognize and avoid plagiarism
  • Demonstrate visual display, user experience and presentation skills
  • Develop collaborative group communication and writing skills


Required Textbook

Alred, Brusaw, and Oliu, The Business Writer’s Companion, 8th edition (2017), Bedford/St. Martin’s (online format, not the Kindle version

Available at Amazon as an E-Book or Rental. Make sure to get the 8th edition, readings correspond to page numbers in the syllabus.

Articles & Resources


Instructor Bio

Shawn "Randy" Fisher is a communications and digital marketing specialist with an interest in helping people write well, ace their interviews and get ahead in their careers. (http://www.digiwisecareerservices.com). He has taught in three departments at Rutgers University and has consulted with organizations in the private and public sectors and nonprofits, 501c3s and social entrepreneurs. He began his career as a journalist in Canada with the Globe and Mail, Financial Post and CBC Radio. He is also an executive mentor with the Global Good Fund in Washington, DC. When he's not working or preparing for class, he enjoys taking his doggie - a lab-pointer-mix "Maggie" to Colonial Park.


Teaching Approach

  • I believe that when learners are motivated, they are more likely to learn. I consider you to be adults - LEARNING IS YOUR RESPONSIBILITY.
  • I prefer short lectures, and actively facilitated, guided and experiential discussions and 2-way, interactive activities.
  • Improving week-by-week is important. To facilitate that, I assign multiple DRAFT / VERSIONS of the same Assignment.
    • While the DRAFT Assignments are not graded, they are an important way of measuring your own success and improving your writing. They give the Instructor a window into understanding where your gaps are and areas for improvement. They also tell me who is trying to improve and who is doing the work.I respect this effort, and will prioritize my feedback to them, in class. In other words, they will be first in line. After I provide feedback to them, I can provide feedback to others in our class.
  • ACTIVE AND SUBSTANTIVE PARTICIPATION IS ESSENTIAL.
  • Students EARN good grades by doing the work and learning required. (I do notice improvement throughout the term.)
  • I am aware that juggling school, work, family, friends and relationships is stressful. Organizational skills and time management are as important, as ensuring that students adjust their expectations of themselves and their performance - and take time to adapt - to new situations, contexts, systems and processes. It will come, over time.
  • I try to use visuals (i.e.., images, videos) when / wherever possible.
  • As an Adult Learner, DO NOT WAIT until you receive a "C", "D", or even an "F" on a paper, and go into high-stress, panic-mode. And yes, we certainly don't want you to fail the course. Reach out to me when you need assistance.

Course Requirements

Computers, Tablets, Phones & Electronic Devices Not Permitted In Class - 1st Class is an Exception

  • ALL ELECTRONIC DEVICES - i.e., LAPTOPS, NOTEBOOKS, TABLETS, PHONE AND ANY OTHER ELECTRONIC DEVICES ARE NOT PERMITTED IN CLASS UNLESS AUTHORIZED BY INSTRUCTOR. IN THIS CLASS, THE LID MUST BE CLOSED / DEVICE TURNED OFF.
  • Phones are to be turned off for the duration of the class. Texting is NOT permitted. (You may use your phone during the break.)
  • If a student chooses to ignore this policy, s/he will be marked as absent, and lose any points for class attendance / participation.
  • Texting is not permitted.
  • Bring a Pen / Pencil and Paper to Class to take notes.

Attendance

  • Prompt attendance is required and expected for every class. We meet one (1) day a week; a second (2nd) absence may result in failure of the course.
  • Absences affect the learning experience for you and your colleagues. If you are 15 MINUTES LATE = 1 ABSENCE. This is STRICTLY ENFORCED.
  • STUDENTS ARE RESPONSIBLE for the information presented in class, regardless of the reason for your absence. THE INSTRUCTOR WILL NOT REVIEW THE CLASS WITH YOU - YOU WILL NEED TO GET INFORMATION FROM ONE OF YOUR CLASSMATES; REVIEW THE SYLLABUS; AND CANVAS LMS.
  • Absence is NOT an excuse for late or missing work — if you know you are going to be absent, YOU MUST SUBMIT ALL WORK BY THE DUE DATE / TIME. If you are going to be absent, it is your responsibility to let me know via email, and the reason why. For legitimate reasons, (i.e., religious holiday, medical appointment, condition), report it at: https://sims.rutgers.edu/ssra/}}

Assignments & Deadlines

  • All assignments must be submitted ONLINE to Canvas. NO HARD / PRINT COPIES accepted.
  • All assignments are DUE THE NIGHT OF THE DAY WE MEET IN CLASS, the latest by 11:59 PM.
  • Late papers (i.e., timestamped or received 12:00 PM) will be subject to the Late Assignment Policy
  • All required assignments must be submitted to pass the course.

Special Needs / Disability & Accommodations

If you are a qualified student with special needs / disability seeking accommodations for your learning activities under the Americans with Disabilities Act, you are required to self-identify with the Office of Disability Services. (https://ods.rutgers.edu/). No accommodations will be granted without documentation from the Office of Disability Services. Should you require my assistance in facilitating the process, I will be happy to do so. Just let me know.

Students are not to bring family members or pets for day care or babysitting.

Below is the full contact information for the office of disability services:

  • Lucy Stone Hall, Livingston Campus, 54 Joyce Kilmer Avenue, Suite A145, Piscataway, NJ 08854-8045.
  • E-mail Address: dsoffice@rci.rutgers.edu
  • Phone: (848) 445-6800 • Fax: (732) 445-3388
  • https://ods.rutgers.edu

Communications & Notifications

Canvas will be frequently used as a means of communication. Every student is responsible for any information conveyed via Canvas. Be sure that you are able to receive announcements through this platform. Check your email inbox to ensure you are receiving emails.

Readings

The majority of class time is for experiential learning and peer review. The Instructor DOES NOT REVIEW PRIOR CLASSES. Instructor may/may not cover the assigned articles, texts and resources. It is up to students to stay up-to-date - you can see which content is required by reviewing the Syllabus and the Course on the Canvas Learning Management System.

Homework

Homework is required in this course. Plan your time and activities to meet the requirements and deadlines specified in the course. Get to know your classmates and SHARE PHONE NUMBERS & EMAIL ADDRESSES. If you miss (part of) a class, you can SPEAK WITH YOUR PEERS and catch up.

Tutoring Assistance

Tutoring assistance for this course is free and available at Rutgers Writing Centers. If you need writing assistance - grammar, phrasing, clarity - Rutgers has Learning Centers - HIGHLY-RECOMMENDED! - on the different campuses that can help. You can make an appointment, send in a copy of your paper, and then get assistance. https://rlc.rutgers.edu/home (Links to an external site.)Links to an external site.

You will be able to make an appointment and meet in-person with a writing coach, and possibly online - you will have to check. Visit: https://rlc.rutgers.edu/services/academic-coaching/schedule-appointment

Classroom behavior

It is the University policy that free discussion, inquiry, and expression are encouraged in class. However, classroom behavior that interferes with either (a) the instructor’s ability to conduct the class; or (b) the ability of students to benefit from the instruction is not acceptable. Examples may include routinely entering class late or departing early; use of beepers, cellular telephones, or other electronic devices; repeatedly talking in class without being recognized; talking while others are speaking; or arguing in a way that is perceived as “crossing the civility line.” In the event of a situation where a student legitimately needs to carry a beeper/cellular telephone to class, prior notice and approval of the instructor is required. Classroom behavior which is deemed inappropriate and cannot be resolved by the student and the faculty member may be referred to the Office of Student Conduct (http://studentconduct.rutgers.edu/) for administrative or disciplinary review as per the Code of Student Conduct which may be found at https://slwordpress.rutgers.edu/studentconduct/wp-content/uploads/sites/46/2017/05/UCSC2016.pdf

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