Please note! Course description is confirmed for two academic years, which means that in general, e.g. Learning outcomes, assessment methods and key content stays unchanged. However, via course syllabus, it is possible to specify or change the course execution in each realization of the course, such as how the contact sessions are organized, assessment methods weighted or materials used.
LEARNING OUTCOMES
The student learns about an advanced topic related to marketing. The topic varies, and is determined by the instructor. The course may focus on theory, research methods and/or practice.
Credits: 3
Schedule: 09.09.2019 - 31.07.2020
Teacher in charge (valid 01.08.2020-31.07.2022): Henri Weijo
Teacher in charge (applies in this implementation): Oscar Ahlberg, Tatsiana Padhaiskaya, Henri Weijo
Contact information for the course (valid 26.08.2019-21.12.2112):
In case a student needs to get in touch with a teacher an email can be sent to one of the following email address:
- oscar.ahlberg@aalto.fi
Please note that as the course is oriented around self-motivated, independent and self-learning work. This is primarily if a student wishes to replace two of the articles within the reading package or if an unexpected issue not covered within the syllabus is to emerge.
CEFR level (applies in this implementation):
Language of instruction and studies (valid 01.08.2020-31.07.2022):
Teaching language: English
Languages of study attainment: English
CONTENT, ASSESSMENT AND WORKLOAD
Content
Valid 01.08.2020-31.07.2022:
The content of the course and learning methods vary depending on the instructor in charge. Please refer to the course website for more information.
Applies in this implementation:
This is an independent and self-directed learning experience. Upon the completion of this course, the student will have gained:
-advance knowledge on a contemporary marketing topic of their choosing
-sharper critical thinking skills
-experience in crafting an academic essay
-a deeper understanding of how analytical thinking help in the field of marketing
This course is suitable for anyone who:
-would like to complete the coursework independently and at their own pace
-is genuinely interested and motivated to learn more about a particular marketing-related topic
-is looking for a Master’s Thesis topic
-is willing to learn how to create theoretical frameworks and thematizing concepts
Assessment Methods and Criteria
Valid 01.08.2020-31.07.2022:
Please check the syllabus for details
Applies in this implementation:
The coursework consists of an introductory lecture and independent, self-learning work. During the introductory lecture, students will be introduced with course practicalities and the selection of topics. Once the topic is chosen, each student will be provided with the reading package. Each reading package consists of 15-20 articles. To pass the course, participants will have to read all the articles and submit a final course essay.
Students are free to choose a preferred angle and/or essay objective - there is no right or wrong way to do it. However, please keep in mind that responsible teachers are familiar with all the topics and can easily understand whether students read and reflected on the readings in-depth.
Students may replace two articles within the reading package if necessary. In that case, notify the responsible teacher via email and provide a clear justification for replacement.
List of topics
The cutting edge of digital marketing
Consumer Culture in the age of algorithms
Citizens, consumers and markets in the age of climate change
Critical marketing – marketplace power and consumer resistance
Sharing, access-based and collaborative consumption
Circular economies
Race, ethnicity and gender
Well-being in a digital age
Value: The most important concept in marketing
Marketing and the always connected consumer
Consumer Society in uncertain times: Quarantined Market Podcast
Topics are subject to change
Essay format
A 10-page essay excluding references and appendices, 1.5 spacing, 1” margins, PDF format.
Grading Rubric
Students are expected to familiarize themselves with the grading rubric for essay writing.
Measurable Attributes
0 -Insufficient
1-Sufficient
2
3 -Good
4
5- Excellent
Specification and justification of the essay’s objectives and/or points of view
Provides very vague or no specification or justification of the essay’s objectives and/or points of view
Provides limited specification and justification of the essay’s objectives and/or points of view
Provides clear specification and justification of the essay’s objectives and/or points of view
Provides insightful specifications and justifications of the essay’s objectives and/or points of view
Review of literature
Reports on assigned literature without connecting it to the essay’s objective, omitting key references
Reports on all of the assigned literature without connecting it fully to the essay’s objectives
Reviews all of the assigned literature relevant to the essay’s objective in an appropriate and comprehensive manner
Demonstrates critical thinking in reviewing all of the assigned literature relevant to the essay’s objectives
Critical assessment of the content
Shows no evidence of critical assessment of the content
Does not go deeply into the critical assessment of the content
Critically assess the content, personal and general reflections are included
Critical assessment and abstract ideas are reflected through the use of
specific details
Identification of gaps in literature and directions for future research
No identification of the research gaps or directions for future research
Provides limited insight into future research directions or literature gaps
Identifies clear gaps in the literature, provides directions for future research
Provides novel directions for future research and creatively identifies gaps in the literature
Academic style, language use, and readability
Uses non academic style; inaccurate
language use interferes with reading
and comprehension; citation format
not observed, serious grammar and spelling mistakes
Uses sufficiently appropriate academic
style; no substantial interference with reading and comprehension, citation format not always observed, grammar and spelling mistakes
Uses academic language fluently; minor errors may exist but do not interfere with
reading and comprehension, some grammar and spelling mistakes
Meets academic
writing standards, citation format consistently observed, no/very minor grammar and spelling mistakes
Consistency and coherence of the essay
Text is fragmented and unbalanced; problems with headings, paragraphs, and sections
Text is not fully balanced; does not really form a coherent whole; some problems with headings and paragraphs and section structure
Forms a balanced and coherent whole; headings, paragraphs and section structure typically support the overall coherence
Forms a coherent whole with consistent and explicit internal linkages; has a logical flow of argumentation with neat headings and clearly structured paragraphs and sections.
Workload
Valid 01.08.2020-31.07.2022:
80-160 h, distribution of workload varies
Please check the syllabus for details on course workload
Applies in this implementation:
6 credits, 160 hours,
- Reading articles (60 h)
- Writing final essay (100 h)
DETAILS
Study Material
Valid 01.08.2020-31.07.2022:
Compulsory and suggested further reading list to be provided by the faculty concerned.
Applies in this implementation:
Collection of articles assigned
Prerequisites
Valid 01.08.2020-31.07.2022:
Recommended prerequisites: an introductory course in marketing
Registration for Courses
Valid 01.08.2020-31.07.2022:
Registration via WedOodi. Check registration time in WebOodi.
Applies in this implementation:
Final Essay: Advice and Practicalities
It is emphasized that there will be very little supervision or guidance for preparing the essays. Students who sign up and take this course are expected to understand the self-guided and self-motivated nature of course completion.
Tips for good academic essay writing:
1. Make sure to reserve enough time for reading articles. Do not attempt to just skim through everything in 15 minutes or so. Take your time to read each article thoroughly.
2. Take notes on each of the articles. While moving further with the readings, make sure to update and refine your notes.
3. Summarize each article, then compare and contrast them. Identify themes that are relevant to all articles or a certain number of them. Utilize two-by-two tables or other visual solutions to help you thematize the articles (or their arguments).
4. Remember the critical voice! Look for inconsistencies, differences, ambiguity, and complication. Reflect on why certain arguments explain similar issues differently and how it can be utilized. Define deeper implications of the author's arguments. Figuring out these issues will help you to develop a clear essay’s objective.
5. Come up with the objective that you would like to discuss in the essay. After reading your objective statement the reader should think: "This essay is going to try to convince me of something. I'm not convinced yet, but I'm interested to see how I might be."
6. Keep your essay’s objective prominent in your introduction. A good place for your objective statement is at the end of an introductory paragraph.
7. Once you come up with a clear objective, think about what might be said against it and reflect on those counterarguments later in the essay.
8. Correctly cite secondary sources – you may use any referencing format as long as you are consistent throughout the essay.
9. Make sure to reserve time to proofread and edit. This will contribute to a more clear and concise essay and help detect any inconsistencies and grammatical errors.
Some DON’Ts
1. Do not present a mere chronological summary of the articles.
2. Do not just present various themes within the articles – identify meaningful connections, compare and contrast the themes across the articles.
3. Remember that essay’s objective should never be vague, combative or confrontational. A good objective is definable, arguable claim. You aim to convince the reader!
4. Essay’s objective should be as clear and specific as possible. Avoid overused, general terms and abstractions.
5. “Critical reflection” does not mean vague declarations of “I like /I do not like /agree with…” Specify your claims and present clear arguments.
6. Do not submit a “wall of text” – make sure that your arguments are clearly structured and form a coherent whole.
Make sure that you are familiar with the best practices of academic essay writing. The link below provides useful information regarding the essay’s structure, argument development, editing, and grammar.
https://writingcenter.fas.harvard.edu/pages/strategies-essay-writing
Remember that writing a final course essay is a creative process, where critical thinking assists you in linking various themes together.
Students are expected to cover all the readings in their final essays and show that they gained an in-depth understanding of the topic!
FURTHER INFORMATION
Further Information
Valid 01.08.2020-31.07.2022:
Retail Futures (IV): This course is offered to all Aalto School of Business MSc-students. The number of students admitted to the course is restricted to 60. Priority is given to (1) Aalto students studying in MSc Program of Marketing, and (2) other students.
NOTE: Students are required to write own group of priority to further information field of course registration!
Applies in this implementation:
Final Essay: Advice and Practicalities
It is emphasized that there will be very little supervision or guidance for preparing the essays. Students who sign up and take this course are expected to understand the self-guided and self-motivated nature of course completion.
Tips for good academic essay writing:
1. Make sure to reserve enough time for reading articles. Do not attempt to just skim through everything in 15 minutes or so. Take your time to read each article thoroughly.
2. Take notes on each of the articles. While moving further with the readings, make sure to update and refine your notes.
3. Summarize each article, then compare and contrast them. Identify themes that are relevant to all articles or a certain number of them. Utilize two-by-two tables or other visual solutions to help you thematize the articles (or their arguments).
4. Remember the critical voice! Look for inconsistencies, differences, ambiguity, and complication. Reflect on why certain arguments explain similar issues differently and how it can be utilized. Define deeper implications of the author's arguments. Figuring out these issues will help you to develop a clear essay’s objective.
5. Come up with the objective that you would like to discuss in the essay. After reading your objective statement the reader should think: "This essay is going to try to convince me of something. I'm not convinced yet, but I'm interested to see how I might be."
6. Keep your essay’s objective prominent in your introduction. A good place for your objective statement is at the end of an introductory paragraph.
7. Once you come up with a clear objective, think about what might be said against it and reflect on those counterarguments later in the essay.
8. Correctly cite secondary sources – you may use any referencing format as long as you are consistent throughout the essay.
9. Make sure to reserve time to proofread and edit. This will contribute to a more clear and concise essay and help detect any inconsistencies and grammatical errors.
Some DON’Ts
1. Do not present a mere chronological summary of the articles.
2. Do not just present various themes within the articles – identify meaningful connections, compare and contrast the themes across the articles.
3. Remember that essay’s objective should never be vague, combative or confrontational. A good objective is definable, arguable claim. You aim to convince the reader!
4. Essay’s objective should be as clear and specific as possible. Avoid overused, general terms and abstractions.
5. “Critical reflection” does not mean vague declarations of “I like /I do not like /agree with…” Specify your claims and present clear arguments.
6. Do not submit a “wall of text” – make sure that your arguments are clearly structured and form a coherent whole.
Make sure that you are familiar with the best practices of academic essay writing. The link below provides useful information regarding the essay’s structure, argument development, editing, and grammar.
https://writingcenter.fas.harvard.edu/pages/strategies-essay-writing
Remember that writing a final course essay is a creative process, where critical thinking assists you in linking various themes together.
Students are expected to cover all the readings in their final essays and show that they gained an in-depth understanding of the topic!
Details on the schedule
Applies in this implementation:
Course Schedule
Study Period
Introductory Lecture
Deadline for final essay
Period I
Sept 9th
Oct 18th
Period II
Oct 28th
Dec 6th
Period III
Jan 7th
Feb 14th
Period IV
Feb 24th
Apr 3rd
Period V
Apr 13th
May 22nd
- Teacher: Oscar Ahlberg
- Teacher: Tatsiana Padhaiskaya
- Teacher: Henri Weijo