Beginning Notehand – OST120

Course Syllabus - 3 Credit Hours

Mrs. Melynda Barks Office #34

Phone (573) 518-2245 Hours: TBA

E-mail: mbarks@mineralarea.edu

I. Description of Course: This is an abbreviated writing system based primarily on longhand and secondarily on phonetics. It is designed to provide students with a quick, easy-to-learn method of writing that is extremely easy to read, even if notes are not later keyed. Students should be able to increase their writing speed significantly. This course is designed to assist students in every discipline to make legible notes and to teach notemaking and study skills using SuperWrite for personal, education, and business use. It is also designed to improve spelling, vocabulary, and punctuation skills.

II. Course Objectives:

1. To assist business executives and students to increase their speed in making legible notes at a faster speed.

2. To supply a fast and legible note-taking system that can be learned quickly for use in the office by the information processing personnel.

3. To give the entering, prospective, or returning secretary the ability to take notes from dictation and transcribe them in useable form.

4. The student will be exposed to desirable work habits, attitudes, and personal qualities.

5. The student will review English and writing mechanics.

III. Course Competencies: Upon completion of this course the student will be able to:

1. Students will be able to take notes quickly.

2. Transcripts will have correct spelling and punctuation.

IV. Evaluation: See attached sheet.

V. Assignment Due Dates: The due date for each assignment will be announced. NO LATE WORK WILL BE ACCEPTED. Reduced credit will be given for assignments turned in late with Instructor approval. No credit will be given for work that is more than one week late.

VI. Missed Assignments and Exams: IT IS THE STUDENT’S RESPONSIBILITY TO MAKE UP ASSIGNMENTS MISSED. Missed lecture notes should be obtained from another student. MISSED POP QUIZZES AND/OR EXAMS MAY NOT BE MADE UP.

VII. Special Needs: If you have special needs as addressed by the Americans with Disabilities Act and need any test or course materials provided in an alternative format, notify your instructor immediately. Reasonable efforts will be made to accommodate your special needs.

VIII. Academic Honesty: Students who engage in dishonest acts such as plagiarism or other forms of cheating in meeting the requirements of this course will be notified by the instructor that they are receiving a “)” for the assignment and/or an “F” for the course. Students who wish to appeal the decision of the instructor on a matter of dishonesty may do so under the Procedural Policy for Disciplinary Action. (Under that policy, the student is subject to suspension from college for acts of dishonesty.)

IX. Use of College Open Labs: Student may use only college software; no personal software is allowed in the labs. No college software will be illegally copied for personal, education, or business use. No college software or hardware may be removed from the labs. Personal, non-educational use of lab equipment and supplies is to be restricted. NO FOOD OR BEVERAGES ARE ALLOWED IN THE CLASSROOM.

This syllabus represents the planned objectives, content, learning experiences, evaluation process, and competencies. The instructor reserves the right to alter the syllabus as needed.

Revised 5/1/02