HFT 4286 Hospitality Communications

Rosen College of Hospitality Management 

3 Credit Hours

Instructor Contact  

Lori V.  Safford

Telephone: 407-903-8019

Email: Via Webcourses

Office: Suite 201D Rosen College Campus location

Hours: By appointment. Please feel free to call or email me via Webcourses if you need to schedule an appointment or need additional clarification regarding an assignment. Email response will be within 48 hours.

Course Goals

This course is designed to hone the skills of advanced level students in the four communication areas of reading, writing, speaking, and listening. Effective interpersonal communication with guests, employees, peers, and senior levels of management are prime responsibilities of hospitality leaders. This is a seminar course where the students will be engaged in a highly interactive online course environment with an emphasis on projects, video presentations and writing assignments.

Course Description

Communication exchanges in the hospitality industry for effective presentations, conflict resolution, and report writing. Emphasis on interdepartmental dependence by managers in hospitality enterprises in the areas of reading, writing, speaking, and listening.

Prerequisites: HFT1000; HFT2220; HFT3444; HFT3540 and Junior standing.

 

Required Materials and Resources

Lavendol, Vicki (2016) HFT4286: Hospitality Communication Pearson Learning Solutions; Columbus Ohio, USA

Brounstein, Bell, Smith and Isbell (2009) Business Communications; WILEY Press, 2009.

 

Student Learning Outcomes

At the end of class students should be able to:

• Effectively communicate through the use of memos, email, and presentations.
• Demonstrate the important skill of active listening.
• Address employee performance through reviews, coaching and counseling.
• Compose an effective resume, cover letter, and follow-up communication packet.
• Create comprehensive and impactful presentations.
• Understand the importance of individual strengths and appreciate talent differences.
• Demonstrate skills as both an interviewer and interviewee.

Course Requirements and Written Materials

This online mode (W) course includes weekly online content, reading and writing assignments, discussions, quizzes and exams. During the semester, there will be a variety of written assignments that will require you to  display your writing and communication ability. Activities will require analytical thought and presentation of your ideas or findings. The focus will be on your ability to analyze the information and share your thoughts in a clear, concise manner. The written assignments will vary from short assignments to short papers requiring proper citations. All assignments are due by the designated schedule and time. No make-up assignments allowed.

There are 16 modules included in this course, a midterm and final. Each module includes a power point overview and/or required reading or writing assignment. Some modules may also include group activities and discussions. The following requirements must be met to successfully pass this course:

• Complete online reading, activities and writing assignments by the designated time and date.
• Participate in online discussions and group projects.
• Complete the required midterm and final by the designated time and date.

Copyright and Ethical Conduct

This course contains copyright protected materials such as audio or video clips, images, text materials, etc. These items are being used with regard to the Fair Use doctrine in order to enhance the learning environment. Please do not copy, duplicate, download or distribute these items. The use of these materials is strictly reserved for this online classroom environment and your use only. All copyright materials are credited to the copyright holder. Sharing copyrighted material (including answers for assignments) on public platforms or privately with other students will lead to an F for the entire course, for both distributors and receivers. This is necessary for multiple reasons:

1. to maintain the integrity of the course,
2. to maintain the integrity of education at the College,
3. to maintain the integrity of education at UCF,
4. to maintain the integrity of your degree for your peers, the general public, and potential employers.

Your compliance with the above requires you to keep the course content strictly confidential. Both distributors and receivers of copyrighted material will be subject to appropriate referral to the Office of Student Conduct for further action.

Third-Party Software and FERPA

During this course you might have the opportunity to use public online services and/or software applications sometimes called third-party software such as a blog or wiki. While some of these could be required assignments, you need not make any personally identifying information on a public site. Do not post or provide any private information about yourself or your classmates. Where appropriate you may use a pseudonym or nickname. Some written assignments posted publicly may require personal reflection/comments, but the assignments will not require you to disclose any personally identity-sensitive information. If you have any concerns about this, please contact your instructor. 

Academic Integrity

Academic integrity is expected, HFT 4286 is a regular University level course offered for academic credit. Cases of academic impropriety of any type will be reported in accordance with the Rules of Conduct and the Disciplinary Process for the University of Central Florida, as described in the latest edition of The Golden Rule, the UCF Student Handbook.

Students should familiarize themselves with UCF’s Rules of Conduct. According to Section 1, "Academic Misconduct," students are prohibited from engaging in:

• Unauthorized assistance: Using or attempting to use unauthorized materials, information or study aids in any academic exercise unless specifically authorized by the instructor of record. The unauthorized possession of examination or course-related material also constitutes cheating.
• Communication to another through written, visual, electronic, or oral means: The presentation of material which has not been studied or learned, but rather was obtained through someone else’s efforts and used as part of an examination, course assignment, or project.
• Commercial Use of Academic Material: Selling of course material to another person, student, and/or uploading course material to a third-party vendor without authorization or without the express written permission of the university and the instructor. Course materials include but are not limited to class notes, Instructor’s PowerPoints, course syllabi, tests, quizzes, labs, instruction sheets, homework, study guides, handouts, etc.
• Falsifying or misrepresenting the student’s own academic work.
• Plagiarism: Using or appropriating another’s work without any indication of the source, thereby attempting to convey the impression that such work is the student’s own.
• Multiple Submissions: Submitting the same academic work for credit more than once without the express written permission of the instructor.
• Helping another violate academic behavior standards.

For more information about Academic Integrity, students may consult The Center for Academic Integrity.

For more information about plagiarism and misuse of sources, see “Defining and Avoiding Plagiarism: The WPA Statement on Best Practices”.

Responses to Academic Dishonesty, Plagiarism, or Cheating

Students should also familiarize themselves with the procedures for academic misconduct in UCF’s student handbook, The Golden Rule. UCF faculty members have a responsibility for students’ education and the value of a UCF degree, and so seek to prevent unethical behavior and when necessary respond to academic misconduct. Penalties can include a failing grade in an assignment or in the course, suspension or expulsion from the university, and/or a "Z Designation" on a student’s official transcript indicating academic dishonesty, where the final grade for this course will be preceded by the letter Z. For more information about the Z Designation, see http://goldenrule.sdes.ucf.edu/zgrade.

 

Course Accessibility Statement

The University of Central Florida is committed to providing access and inclusion for all persons with disabilities. Students with disabilities who need disability-related access in this course should contact the professor as soon as possible. Students should also connect with Student Accessibility Services (Ferrell Commons 185, sas@ucf.edu, phone (407) 823-2371). Through Student Accessibility Services, a Course Accessibility Letter may be created and sent to professors, which informs faculty of potential access and accommodations that might be reasonable. Determining reasonable access and accommodations requires consideration of the course design, course learning objectives and the individual academic and course barriers experienced by the student.

Campus Safety Statement

Emergencies on campus are rare, but if one should arise in our class, everyone needs to work together. Students should be aware of the surroundings and familiar with some basic safety and security concepts.

• In case of an emergency, dial 911 for assistance.
• Every UCF classroom contains an emergency procedure guide posted on a wall near the door. Please make a note of the guide’s physical location and consider reviewing the online version at http://emergency.ucf.edu/emergency_guide.html. 
• Students should know the evacuation routes from each of their classrooms and have a plan for finding safety in case of an emergency.
• If there is a medical emergency during class, we may need to access a first aid kit or AED (Automated External Defibrillator). To learn where those items are located in this building, see http://www.ehs.ucf.edu/workplacesafety.html (click on link from menu on left). 
• To stay informed about emergency situations, sign up to receive UCF text alerts by going to my.ucf.edu and logging in. Click on "Student Self Service" located on the left side of the screen in the tool bar, scroll down to the blue "Personal Information" heading on your Student Center screen, click on "UCF Alert," fill out the information, including your e-mail address, cell phone number, and cell phone provider, click "Apply" to save the changes, and then click "OK."
• Students with special needs related to emergency situations should speak with their instructors outside of class.
• To learn about how to manage an active-shooter situation on campus or elsewhere, consider viewing this video. You CAN Survive an Active Shooter

Campus Safety Statement for Students in Online-Only Courses

Though most emergency situations are primarily relevant to courses that meet in person, such incidents can also impact online students, either when they are on or near campus to participate in other courses or activities or when their course work is affected by off-campus emergencies. The following policies apply to courses in online modalities.

• To stay informed about emergency situations, students can sign up to receive UCF text alerts by going to <https://my.ucf.edu> and logging in. Click on “Student Self Service” located on the left side of the screen in the toolbar, scroll down to the blue “Personal Information” heading on the Student Center screen, click on “UCF Alert”, fill out the information, including e-mail address, cell phone number, and cell phone provider, click “Apply” to save the changes, and then click “OK.”
• Students with special needs related to emergency situations should speak with their instructors outside of class.

Deployed Active Duty Military Students

If you are a deployed active duty military student and feel that you may need a special accommodation due to that unique status, please contact your instructor to discuss your circumstances.

Copyright

This course may contain copyright protected materials such as audio or video clips, images, text materials, etc. These items are being used with regard to the Fair Use doctrine in order to enhance the learning environment. Please do not copy, duplicate, download or distribute these items. The use of these materials is strictly reserved for this online classroom environment and your use only. All copyright materials are credited to the copyright holder.

Third-Party Software and FERPA

During this course you might have the opportunity to use public online services and/or software applications sometimes called third-party software such as a blog or wiki. While some of these could be required assignments, you need not make any personally identifying information on a public site. Do not post or provide any private information about yourself or your classmates. Where appropriate you may use a pseudonym or nickname. Some written assignments posted publicly may require personal reflection/comments, but the assignments will not require you to disclose any personally identity-sensitive information. If you have any concerns about this, please contact your instructor.

Class Decorum 

Appropriate professional decorum should be maintained within the online class environment at all times.   Be courteous and respectful to your classmates.  

I recognize and understand the difficult times we are all in. The COVID-19 pandemic impacts us all in many ways, including physically, mentally, emotionally, financially, academically, and professionally. I will work with you on challenges you may be encountering and to provide support to help you succeed. However, please keep in mind that I will hold you accountable, especially in terms of class attendance, participation, and contributions.

 

Determination of Final Grades 

All assignments and exams will be graded by assigning point value equivalent to the percentage of value as indicated below. At the end of the term the points will be added and combined with the points earned from class participation and a final grade will be assigned based upon the following scale.

 

940 - 1000 points         A

900 - 939   points         A-

870 - 899   points         B+

840 - 869   points         B

800 - 839   points         B-

770 - 799   points         C+ 

740 - 769   points         C

700 - 739   points         C-

670 - 699   points         D+

640 - 669   points         D

600 - 639   points         D-

599 Below                      F

 

Disclaimer  

Syllabus is subject to change at the discretion of the instructor due to unforeseen events.

 

Course Calendar:  

This calendar represents the general flow of the topic areas and the textbook assignments, examination dates, and project due dates for the course. Students should use it as a guideline for their activities in this course. Exam dates and project due dates will be adhered to, as scheduled, even if the flow of topics to be covered is modified from time to time. You will be responsible to adhere to the timeline provided. Please note: As of Fall 2014, all faculty members are required to document students' academic activity at the beginning of each course. In order to document that you began this course, please complete the following academic activity by the end of the first week of classes, or as soon as possible after adding the course. Failure to do so will result in a delay in the disbursement of your financial aid. 

After reviewing the syllabus and course requirements, complete the Syllabus Acknowledgment Quiz prior to Friday, August 27, 2021.

  

Course Summary

Fall 2021 

Week/ Modules	Assigned Ch.	Assignments	Due Dates
Week 1 Module 1	Self-Introduction	Complete Syllabus Acknowledgement Quiz (1 point) Discussion Activity - 2 Truths and 1 Aspiration!!!	Friday, August 27, 2021 by 11:59pm
Week 2 Module 2		Communication Challenges in a Diverse Global Marketplace!!! Communication Style Assessment & Online discussion (Up to 50 points)	Sunday, September 5, 2021 by 11:59pm
Week 3 Module 3	Ch.2	Collaboration, Interpersonal Communication and Business Biography Assignment (Up to 50 points)	Sunday, September 12, 2021 by 11:59pm
Week 4 Module 4		Building Careers & Resume Writing  Upload Resume Assignment (Up to 50 points)	Sunday, September 19, 2021 by 11:59pm
Week 5 Module 5	Ch.3	Business Writing & Revising in a Diverse, Global Marketplace  A Business Letter with Problems, A Group Review  (Up to 25 points)	Sunday, September 26, 2021 by 11:59pm
Week 6 Module 6		Professionalism for Everyone!!! (Up to 50 points)	Sunday, October 3, 2021 by 11:59pm
Week 7 Module 7	Ch. 5 & 6	Persuasive Business Writing, the Art of the Pitch!!!  Shark Tank Pitch Writing Assignment (Up to 100 points)	Sunday, October 10, 2021 by 11:59pm
Week 8 Module 8	See Assignment	Communicating as a Professional What is Your Brand??? LinkedIn Assignment (Up to 100 points)	Sunday, October 17, 2021 by 11:59pm
Week 9 Module 9	Ch. 7 & 8	Business Writing & Customer Relations Routine Positive & Negative Business Communications (Up to 50 points)	Sunday, October 24, 2021 by 11:59pm
Week 10		Mission & Vision Statements (Up to 100 points)	Sunday, October 31, 2021 by 11:59pm
Week 11	See Assignment	Mentoring & Building Professional Relationships (Up to 50 points)	Sunday, November 7, 2021 by 11:59pm
Week 12 Module 10	Ch. 9	Developing & Delivering Business Presentations Your Preferred Presentation Style (Up to 50 points) Speaker Selection (on time 10 extra credit points) Powerful Speaker Paper Assignment Review	Sunday, November 14, 2021 by 11:59pm
Week 13 Module 11		Hiring & Interviewing: What You Need to Know Conflict Resolution Case Study (Up to 25 points)	Sunday, November 21, 2021 by 11:59pm
Week 14 Thanksgiving  Week		Enjoy Your Thanksgiving Break!!!
Week 15	See Assignment	Cover Letter, Applying for Employment & Interviewing (Up to 50 points)	Monday, November 29, 2021 by 11:59pm
Week 16	Powerful Speaker Paper Due  Final Exam opens	Powerful Speaker Assignment Paper Upload 100 points due by 11:59pm Sunday, November 28, 2021  Final Exam (100 points) will open 12:00am Sunday, November 28, 2021	Sunday, December 5, 2021 by 11:59pm
Note: * Please be aware that assignments are due by the date and time indicated.