BUSINESS OFFICE TECHNOLOGY PROGRAM
Course Syllabus for Summer 2008 (200901
)

INSTRUCTOR:               Karen H. Carpenter

COURSE NAME:            BUS 101, Beginning Document Processing/Keyboarding

HOURS:

Class/Week – 1 
D.Lab/Week – 9
Credit – 5

PHONE:
FAX:
OFFICE LOCATION:
OFFICE HOURS:

706-756-4560
706-756-4634 (Academic Affairs)
708C West Campus
T, 8:00-10:00 am; 2:45-3:45 pm;
R, 1:30 - 2:30 pm; F, 9:00-11:00 am;
Other times by appointment

EMAIL:           KCarpenter@westgatech.edu

PREREQUISITES/COREQUISITES:  Provisional admission

COURSE DESCRIPTION:  Introduces the touch system of keyboarding placing emphasis on correct techniques, mastery of the keyboard, and basic business documents. Students must attain a consistent minimum typing speed of 30 words per minute with a maximum of 3 uncorrected errors on a 3-minute timed writing test. Topics include learning the keyboard, building speed and accuracy, formatting basic business documents, language arts, and proofreading.

COMPETENCY AREAS:  Learning the Keyboard; Building Speed and Accuracy; Formatting Basic Business Documents; Language Arts; Proofreading

TEXTBOOKS AND MATERIALS:

If you are purchasing the online bundle, the ISBN is 0324607946 and includes the following:

Keyboarding & Formatting Essentials, Lessons 1-60, 2nd Ed., Cengage/South-Western Publishing, ISBN  9780538729765

Keyboarding Pro Deluxe software, Cengage/South-Western Publishing, ISBN  9780538730068 (Required for Online Students, Optional for On-campus Students)

WebTutor Toolbox for Keyboarding Essentials, ISBN 0534274897

180-day trial of Microsoft Word 2007 software, ISBN 0538730897 (Optional for On-campus Students)

1 GB flash drive, ISBN 1423998278  

If you are purchasing the on-campus bundle, the ISBN is 0324603789 and includes the following:

Keyboarding & Formatting Essentials, Lessons 1-60, 2nd Ed., Cengage/South-Western Publishing, ISBN  9780538729765

WebTutor Toolbox for Keyboarding Essentials, ISBN 0534274897

1 GB flash drive, ISBN 1423998278  

Other items needed are:

Adobe Reader (on campus computers) (available free from http://www.adobe.com; needed to view first & subsequent application tests)

Ear phones (on-campus students only) or speakers

Pencil or pen

A moderate amount of intelligence, common sense, and the ability to read and follow directions.

Optional:  Wrist rest (recommended, although a rolled-up towel works great)

INSTRUCTIONAL STRATEGIES/METHODS

            Lecture/Demonstration
            PowerPoint presentations
            Critical Thinking:  You will be required to proofread and edit documents.
            Writing Across the Curriculum:  You will compose short memos using proper English.

REQUIREMENTS OF THE COURSE:

Completion of all assigned lessons by end of quarter, successful proofreading, maintaining an average of 70 or above on all information and production tests, and attaining the required speed of at least 30 wam (words a minute) on at least five (5) official 3-minute timed writings with no more than 3 uncorrected errors. The student must earn a 70 or better in each competency area in order to pass the course.

GRADING SYSTEM:

Grading Scale: 90 - 100 = A; 80 - 89 = B; 70 - 79 = C; 60 - 69 = D; Below 60 = F

Minimum Course Grade Required for Progress: C

In order to take BUS 102, you must earn at least a C in BUS 101. In order to earn a C in BUS 101, you must pass each and every competency area as indicated below.

STUDENTS MUST ACHIEVE A MINIMUM OF A "C" OR BETTER IN EACH COMPETENCY AREA TO PROGRESS. IF A STUDENT EARNS LESS THAN A "C" IN A COMPETENCY AREA, HE/SHE WILL NOT PASS THE COURSE.

Student Learning Outcomes: Upon successful completion of the course, the student will be able to:

  1. Use correct fingers to key alphabetic and number keys by touch.
  2. Key from straight copy at a minimum rate of 30 words a minute for 3 minutes, with a maximum of 3 errors.
  3. Demonstrate basic formatting skills on letters and memos.
  4. Demonstrate basic formatting skills on reports.
  5. Demonstrate basic formatting skills on tables.
  6. Apply rules for correct use of word division and capitalization.
  7. Apply rules for correct use of numbers and punctuation in written communications.
  8. Demonstrate an ability to locate and correct errors.
  9. Demonstrate the ability to use proofreaders' marks by making appropriate changes in copy.
  10. Demonstrate critical thinking ability when composing, keying, and editing documents.
  11. Work well together with others on a team.

Course Requirements and Evaluation Procedures:

Production: All assigned application lessons, checkpoints, communications skills, tests, and timings must be completed by the end of the quarter according to the following schedule:

Weeks 1-2

Module 1 – Alphabetic Keys (1-13), Module 1 Test, Skill Builder 1, and Proofreading Module A

Weeks 2-3

Module 2 - Figure & Symbol Keys (14-25), Module 2 Test, and Skill Builder 2

Weeks 4-5

Proofreading Module B, Module 3 – Word Processing Basics (26-30), Skill Builder 3, and Module 3 Tests

Weeks 6-7

Module 4 – Business Correspondence (31-37), Communication Skills 1, and Module 4 Tests; Begin Module 5 – Simple Reports (38-45)

Weeks 8-9

Finish Module 5 – Simple Reports (38-45), Module 5 Tests, Communication Skills 2, and Module 6 – Table Basics (46/48/49)

Weeks 10

Communication Skills 3, Module 7 - Edit Business Documents (52-57), and Module 6-7 Tests

Please refer to module assignment sheets on ANGEL Learning for specific instructions.

All application work must be completed by the last day of the quarter in order to pass the course.  As you can see from the class schedule (see ANGEL), the class should complete all application typing by the last day of class.  Working ahead is encouraged; however, completing all application typing doesn't mean you can forget about timed writings (below)!

Tests:  Students will take an objective test on each module, application checkpoints on Modules 3, 4, 5, & 7, grammar checkups (Communication Skills 1, 2, & 3), and proofreading quizzes throughout the quarter.

Timed Writings:  A minimum speed of 30 wpm with three (3) or fewer uncorrected errors on six (6) official 3-minute timed writings (includes the timed writing taken with the final exam). See the Speed Scale for specific timing grades.

Your grade will be determined using the following percentages:

Attendance/Participation (following directions, finishing modules on time, online students contacting instructor periodically, posting to the discussion boards weekly)

10%

Tests

25%

Communications Skills, Proofreading

25%

Timed Writings (5)

30%

Final Exam (on campus)
   Technique
   Timed Writing Speed (1)
   Objective Test


20%
50%
30%

10%

It is very important you understand that in order to pass this class, you must demonstrate a mastery of every one of the competencies listed above. You will be tested on each, and you must earn a grade of at least 70 on each one of these tests. Even if your overall average is 70–100, if you have failed to earn a 70 on any competency, you will fail the class.

Work Ethics Evaluation

Good work habits are as valuable as technical skills.  Work ethics traits including attendance, character, teamwork, appearance, attitude, productivity, organizational skills, communication, cooperation, and respect are included in the work ethics evaluation.  This grade is not included in the Grade Point Average, but is shown on the student's transcript.  The Work Ethics grading scale is as follows: 3 - Exceeds Expectations, 2 – Meets Expectations, 1 – Needs Improvement, and 0 – Unacceptable.

Course Outline/Schedule: (see ANGEL)

Deadlines

There are four major deadlines in this course:  End of Week 3, Midterm, End of Week 7, and End of the Quarter.

  1. End of Week 3     Finished with Module 2
  2. Midterm                Finished with 1st Proofreading Module
  3. End of Week 7     Finished with Module 4
  4. End of Quarter    Finished with Module 7

If you fail to meet just one deadline, you will be dropped from the course.

Timed Writings

Timed writings can be taken at any time during the quarter. In order to pass this course, a total of six "good" timed writings are required, one of which must be completed during the final exam. A "good" timed writing will be at least three minutes in length, at least 30 words per minute (wpm), and contain no more than three uncorrected errors. You should practice no less than three timed writings each week.

To Work on Speed:  It is highly recommended the student practice one-minute timed writings without backspacing for at least 20 minutes each day. The Speed Paragraphs on ANGEL are great for increasing speed when you follow the directions.

To Work on Accuracy:  It is highly recommended the student practice accuracy drills for at least 30 minutes each day without backspacing.  The other drills on ANGEL are great for specific accuracy problems when you follow the directions.

Attendance Policy

Online:  Attendance is measured in two ways:  by posting to the weekly Discussion Board and by how often students are submitting their work. Failure to submit your work as directed is like missing class and may result in you being dropped from the course.

On-campus:  Attendance and punctuality in classes are two of the student's primary responsibilities.  Time lost can never be replaced.  In the event that the student deems an absence necessary, he/she is held accountable for all work missed.  Whenever possible, the instructor should be notified prior to an absence or tardy.  If tardy, be sure the instructor marks you present.  If a student is absent 20% of scheduled classes (20 contact hours) prior to the end of the sixth week of the quarter, he/she will automatically be dropped from the course.  Attendance will be noted at all classes.  To be eligible to receive a grade of “A”, students cannot miss more than ten contact hours.  Absence from 11 contact hours may result in the loss of the attendance credit in the work ethics grade.

Passing This Course

In order to pass this course, the student MUST have passed at least six "good" timed writings, and MUST have produced all assigned work and completed all tests by the last class day of the quarter.

In the event a student does not make six passing scores on timed writings during the quarter, the student will NOT pass the course. In the event a student does not complete all assigned lessons by the last class period of the quarter, the student will NOT pass the course.  To receive credit for the course, it must be taken again, starting at the beginning and doing all lessons over.  This requirement strengthens the weak student greatly and makes all subsequent work easier and more meaningful.

Withdrawing from Class/Administrative Withdrawals

To withdraw for the quarter, a student must obtain a Drop/Add/Withdrawal Form from the Registrar’s Office, obtain the signature of the instructor, sign and date the form, and submit it to the Registrar’s Office immediately but no later than the close of business on the last class day of the quarter.  This deadline is strictly enforced. It is the student's responsibility to drop the class. 

However, you may be administratively dropped from the course for non-participation if you neglect to do the following:

If you drop or are dropped before mid-quarter, you will be assigned a grade of “W” in that class if the withdrawal is completed before midterm. The instructor will assign a grade of “W” or “WF” (determined by the student’s grades) if the withdrawal is completed after that period but by the close of the Registrar’s Office on the last class day of the quarter. A grade of WF is the same as failing the class.

Cheating

Students are expected to uphold a standard of conduct relating to academic honesty.  Students assume full responsibility for the content and integrity of the academic work they submit.  The guiding principle of academic integrity shall be that a student's submitted work, examinations, reports, and projects must be that of the student's own work.  Students shall be guilty of violating this honor code if they:

1.        Represent the work of others as their own.

2.       Use or obtain unauthorized assistance in any academic work.

3.       Give unauthorized assistance to other students.

4.       Modify, without instructor approval, an examination, paper, record, or report for the purpose of obtaining additional credit.

5.       Misrepresent the content of submitted work.

The penalty for violating the honor code is severe. Any student violating the honor code is subject to receiving a failing grade for the course.  If a student is unclear about whether a particular situation may constitute an honor code violation, the student should meet with the instructor to discuss the situation.

According to the TEACH Act of 2002, the College is obligated to advise you that instructional material included in this course may be subject to copyright protection. As such, you must not share, duplicate, transmit, or store the material of this course beyond the purpose and time frame explicitly stated in the syllabus of your course.  If you are not certain whether a particular piece of material is covered by copyright protection, you should contact your instructor and obtain his/her written clarification. Failing to observe copyright protection is a violation of law.

Confidentiality

The rules of confidentiality do not apply to the instructor/student relationship. Please do not disclose information assuming it will be confidential. An instructor is considered a “mandatory reporter”.  Any information revealed to an instructor that may represent potential harm to the student or another individual must be reported by law.           

ADA

If you have a disability that you think may affect your ability to function in this class, please inform the instructor and the West Georgia Technical College Special Needs Coordinator, Gil Ausman at 706-756-4590 (Student Services Office) to discuss a request for accommodations. All requests for accommodations are welcomed.

TCSG Guarantee

The Technical College System of Georgia warrants every graduate of our Technical College programs offering a certificate of credit, diploma, or associate's degree as follows:

The warranty guarantees that the graduate has demonstrated the knowledge and skills and can perform each competency as identified in the industry-validated Standard or Program Guide. Any program graduate who is determined to lack such competence shall be retrained at no cost to the employer or the graduate.

A claim against the warranty may be filed by either an employer in conjunction with a graduate or a graduate if the individual is unable to perform one or more of the competencies contained in the industry-validated Standard or Program Guide, including failure to pass a State of Georgia required licensing examination.

The warranty shall remain in effect for two years immediately following the date of graduation and shall be honored by any state governed Technical College that offers the program from which the individual graduated.

Exit exams (diploma/degree programs only)

All graduating degree and diploma students are required to take a program area (in-field) graduation exam. Business Office Technology graduates will take the NOCTI (National Occupational Competency Testing Institute) Administrative Assistant exam. The exam must be taken in the last or next to last quarter before graduation. Information on scheduling the exit exam may be obtained from the program advisor.   

CAAP testing (degree level programs only)

All graduating degree students are required to take the Collegiate Assessment of Academic Proficiency exam. The exam must be taken in the last quarter or next to last quarter before graduation. Scheduled times for the exam will be posted on campus. 

Applying for graduation

Students expecting to graduate must complete an application for graduation. This form is available from the Office of Student Services located in the Administration Building. Students should apply for graduation during the registration period in which they register for their last quarter of classes.

khc (BUS 101, 200901)