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

By the end of the course, students will have a set of decision-making tools and theoretical frameworks which will be enable them to:
1.    analyse audiences and define objectives to create targeted messages
2.    write coherent and convincing, reader-friendly business documents
3.    craft clear, focused and engaging business presentations
4.    critically assess their own and others business communications

Credits: 3

Schedule: 08.09.2020 - 13.10.2020

Teacher in charge (valid 01.08.2020-31.07.2022): Michael Baker, Christa Uusi-Rauva

Teacher in charge (applies in this implementation): Michael Baker

Contact information for the course (applies in this implementation):

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:

    This highly interactive and task-oriented course provides a clear insight into what constitutes effective oral and written business communication in a fast-paced global business environment. The course focuses on essential communication strategies and skills: content selection and organizational strategies, persuasive techniques, audience engagement strategies, nonverbal communication, presenting to convince, effective slide design and reader-focused business writing. Case analyses, simulations, written assignments and individual and team presentations will allow students to practise the theories and key concepts introduced during the course. Peer and lecturer feedback will give students a clear picture of their present communication skills, and an indication of how they can enhance their performance.

Assessment Methods and Criteria
  • Valid 01.08.2020-31.07.2022:

    1. Assignments (90%)
    2. Class contribution (10%)

  • Applies in this implementation:

    The course has 5 assignments and other required ungraded work.
    You will find detailed assignment instructions below. A3 is a timed
    in-class test, which is divided into two parts: a short multiple-choice
    quiz in week 3, and a longer written test in week 4.  You will be given
    instructions during class.

    A1

      Written request. Group.

    10

    A2

      Persuasive presentation outline. Individual.

    15

    A3

      In-class tests: a. Quiz (10 pts) b. Written case 20 (pts). Ind.

    30

    A4

      Team presentation. Group.

    15

    A5

      Critical appraisal of presentations A2 & A4. Individual.

    20

    CC

      Class contribution: feedback on A2 and A4 presentations. Ind.

    10


    Deadlines:
    To pass the course all assignments must be completed by the given
    deadlines. Please upload the final versions (pdf file) of each of your
    assignments by the given deadlines. The due date for each assignment is
    clearly stated on the respective submission box.

    Grading criteria: Assignments are assessed using preformulated rubrics on a scale of 0-5.
    EBC grading criteria:
    4.5 and above is a 5; 3.5-4.49 range is a 4; 2,5-3,49 range is a 3. 
    Please take a look at these grading criteria / rubrics (in submission
    boxes) before you start work on the given assignment, and also before
    you submit your assignment.

    Team assignments: Only one group member needs to submit your team's assignment.

    Extra assignments not possible: Students are not able to re-do assignments, or do extra assignments to improve grades.  
        
    Class contribution
    This
    is a highly practical and experiential course so, even when we are
    online, attendance is mandatory. However, one absence during the course
    is possible if a student has a valid reason. This will result in a 20%
    reduction of the class participation grade. More than one absence will
    result in not passing the course.

Workload
  • Valid 01.08.2020-31.07.2022:

    Contact teaching: 18h (Mandatory attendance)
    Independent work: 72h
    Total: 80h (3 ECTS)

DETAILS

Study Material
  • Valid 01.08.2020-31.07.2022:

    All materials will be available on MyCourses.

Substitutes for Courses
  • Valid 01.08.2020-31.07.2022:

    61A00100 Business Communication (6 cr)