Course Number: Title: Term: Contact Information Professor: Office Location: Office Hours: Email: Phone:

MAS-6203 Professional Accounting Communications Fall 2011

Jeanne Sluder, PhD 4.414 SOM 2:30 PM 6:00 PM on Thursday, or by appointment jeanne.sluder@utdallas.edu 817-658-0658

Course Description Communication is the root activity of accounting. Communication skills are rated as one of the most sought after qualities in today's job market. In nearly all aspects of professional life you will spend most of your day explaining, writing, directing, convincing, and listening to other people. Your ability to do this clearly and effectively will have a direct bearing on your success in the business world. This course is designed to give graduate students in Accounting a thorough introduction to business communication and its application in the world of professional accounting. Particular emphasis is given to the types of writing and presentation challenges that accountants commonly face. Why do I have to take this course? The Texas State Board of Public Accountancy rule 511.58 states "Effective July 1,

2011, the board requires that a minimum of 2 semester credit hours in accounting communications or business communications be completed. The semester hours may be obtained through a discrete course or offered through an integrated approach. If the course content is offered through integration, the university must advise the board of the course(s) that contain the accounting communications or business communications content." This course fulfills the
TSBPA requirement and prepares you to enter the field of accounting as a more confident and competent communicator. Course Goals This course is designed to help you: Develop communication skills you need to write clearly, speak well, and work effectively in teams. Value the differences between yourself and others and to employ that understanding to improve the quality of your communication. Utilize creative communication strategies to achieve optimal resolution of conflict or challenge in the accounting field. Enhance your ability to communicate in writing with diverse audiences.

Required Textbook: Writing and Speaking at Work: A Practical Guide for Business Communication, 4th edition, Edward P. Bailey, ISBN-13: 978-0-13-188130-3 Assignments 100 pts Job Search 100 pts Writing Assignment 100 pts Collaborative Project 100 pts Oral Presentation 200 pts Attendance/Participation/Discussion 600 possible points 540-600 = A 480-539 = B 420-479 = C 360-419 = D Grading Policy All work should demonstrate the same professional and ethical standards expected of you in the workplace, including proofreading and editing carefully all work you submit in this class. Professionalism also means that you use appropriate source citation wherever and whenever necessary so that you avoid violations of academic honesty even if those violations are inadvertent. I strongly recommend that you review your assignments with me before they are due. I strongly encourage you to come by my office during my office hours or make an appointment with me if you are not available during my office hours. I strongly encourage you to come talk to me, email me, or text me if you have any questions or comments about any assignment. All assignments are due on the due date. I will not accept any late assignments. Note: I also do not accept emailed assignments; assignments must meet the criteria of the project and be submitted to me as outlined in the criteria for the assignment. Deadlines in the professional world are a serious matter. Missed deadlines mean lost contracts, delayed product releases, skyrocketing expenses, and, in some cases, the loss, quite literally, of millions of dollars in revenue. Missed deadlines also compromise professional reputations and careers. For these reasons, late or incomplete work is not acceptable in this course. THERE ARE NO EXCUSES. Writing Lab You are strongly encouraged to use the SOM Writing Lab located in SOM 1.218. Visit http://somwritinglab.utdallas.edu/ to make an appointment, find resources for business writing, and learn how to properly cite sources in your writing.

Class Attendance Work assigned for this class carries no less priority than work you may have to complete for any other class or job. Material and information will be presented in the classroom that cannot be replicated outside the classroom or made up at a later date. Moreover, class participation is a vital part of your learning process because this class revolves around discussions, activities, and group work. More than simply being physically present in class, participation includes you asking questions in class about readings, answering questions, offering suggestions, listening in class, and adopting a professional, positive attitude. Note: Each class is worth approximately 25 points. And, coming in late and/or leaving early will cut your days points in half. For more information that is relevant to this course, please consult UTD's Policies and Procedures website. These descriptions and timelines are subject to change at the discretion of the Professor.