Credits: 3
Schedule: 14.01.2019 - 12.04.2019
Teacher in charge (valid 01.08.2018-31.07.2020):
Anya Siddiqi
Teaching Period (valid 01.08.2018-31.07.2020):
I - II, III - IV
Learning Outcomes (valid 01.08.2018-31.07.2020):
Upon completion of this course, students will be able to:
- Recognise the strategies and elements that enhance clarity and audience-friendliness in both oral and written academic communication
- Apply these strategies and elements in oral presentations and writing related to their field of study
- Distinguish between formal and informal styles of communication and vary the style according to the target audience text type
- Apply a process approach to the development of oral and written work
- Document sources properly and select strategies to avoid plagiarism
Content (valid 01.08.2018-31.07.2020):
The course is intended for students in master’s programs who are not yet in the process of writing their master’s theses. It introduces written and oral communication principles and strategies that are applicable to academic and research purposes. Students begin by writing on a topic from their own field of study based on previous (BSc) or ongoing (MSc) research. To enhance readability of the texts, students apply organisational patterns, such as problem-solution, as well as other writing principles. Based on their written work, students deliver an oral presentation videoed for self- and teacher-evaluation. As part of the learning process, students analyse presentations to identify their strengths and areas for improvement, as well as practise organising and presenting information clearly to a non-expert, but academic audience. Throughout this course, students work individually, in pairs and in small groups to develop their presentation and writing skills. Moreover, students give and receive constructive feedback on their work and revise it accordingly. Working Life Skills: Know-how related to own field of studies, knowledge of research in own field, skills in foreign languages, skills related to working in international environment, information retrieval skills, written communication, oral communication, teamwork skills, self-awareness, critical thinking skills, analytical, life-long learning skills, self-confidence, and time management.
Assessment Methods and Criteria (valid 01.08.2018-31.07.2020):
- Preparatory tasks 30%
- Final written assignment 25%
- Final presentation 25% (Videoed)
- Exam/project 20%
Note: 80% attendance required of the sessions
Note: Integrated versions of this course may follow different assessment criteria and percentage distribution.
Workload (valid 01.08.2018-31.07.2020):
81 h (Small-group instruction 24 - 36 h + independent work 45 - 57 h)
Study Material (valid 01.08.2018-31.07.2020):
Provided by the teacher and students.
Substitutes for Courses (valid 01.08.2018-31.07.2020):
Kie-98.1700 Integrated English course (1-2 cr)
Course Homepage (valid 01.08.2018-31.07.2020):
https://mycourses.aalto.fi/course/search.php?search=LC-1310
CEFR level (valid 01.08.2018-31.07.2020):
C1 or higher
Grading Scale (valid 01.08.2018-31.07.2020):
0 - 5
Registration for Courses (valid 01.08.2018-31.07.2020):
WebOodi
Students are considered for admission in order of highest number of credits
Further Information (valid 01.08.2018-31.07.2020):
Master’s level students can earn the undergraduate (i.e. Bachelor’s) requisite foreign language credits through this course. Participants must attend 80% of the class sessions as part of continuous assessment.
Please note that the course will be organised if a minimum of 10 people register for it.
- Teacher: Weston John