1. Understand the need for written and verbal reports and proposals
2. Define the importance, goals, and patterns of business communications, both oral
   and written
3. Recognize communication barriers and how to remove them
4. Compose a variety of letters for specific purposes
5. Determine the meaning and importance of being ethical
6. Use current available technology to streamline and maximize the effectiveness of written
   and verbal reports and to facilitate research
7. Write concise and precise forms of communication
8. Learn to communicate successfully with major trading partners of the United States
9. Understand the basic concept of trading in the stock market
10. Demonstrate mastery of standard grammar and mechanics

These objectives will be achieved by a variety of methods. Careful reading and class
discussion of chapters in the textbook and other readings will be the primary method. Once
the concepts are understood, practice and collaboration in the actual writing and revising of
documents is absolutely essential. Outside readings, research, and electronic media are also
vital components of this course; much of this work will be effected through the library and on
the computer. In addition, an extra-credit assignment will be offered to familiarize students
with stocks and trading/investing procedures, which is absolutely essential for the business
student in this new millennium.

Grading is based upon a point system. Attendance is worth one point for each class attended.
However, points will be deducted for late papers, missing rough drafts, etc.

Final grades earned are A, B, C, D, F, or I. The Incomplete grade will be followed by a slash
and the grade earned by the student at the end of the semester (ex: I/D). This grade will be
given only if the student has no more than three (3) missing assignments to complete. I do not
give Ns in transfer-level courses, except in extraordinary circumstances. Most colleges at UH
consider the N as a failing grade, and most Mainland colleges do not understand or recognize
an N. At best, such a grade has a negative connotation. A W, for Withdrawal, can only be
obtained by the student before the "withdrawal date" specified in the school calendar.