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
Students will demonstrate knowledge of
the role of language, communication and culture in international business contexts
the conventions of Anglo-American academic writing
the principles of interpersonal business communication when using English as a lingua franca
Students will demonstrate skills in
developing their overall writing skills, incl. drafting, reviewing and revising both academic and business texts
meeting the conventions of Anglo-American academic writing
drafting reader-focused business messages in intercultural contexts
Credits: 6
Schedule: 03.03.2021 - 31.03.2021
Teacher in charge (valid 01.08.2020-31.07.2022): Anne Kankaanranta
Teacher in charge (applies in this implementation): Anne Kankaanranta
Contact information for the course (valid 21.01.2021-21.12.2112):
anne.kankaanranta(at)aalto.fi
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 course focuses on enhancing students writing skills for both academic and business purposes, while also addressing the role of language, communication and culture in international business contexts.
Assessment Methods and Criteria
Valid 01.08.2020-31.07.2022:
100% assignments
Applies in this implementation:
Assignments
Type of text/genre
I(ndividual)
G(roups)
% of final grade
Deadlines
Pre-ass
Reaction paper/RP
- based on an academic
article (500 words)I
20%
Mon 1 March (1st version) 18:00
Mon 8 March (2nd version)
Ass1
Literature review/LR
- based on four academic articles (1300 words)
I or G
30%
Mon 15 March (1st version)
Tue 23 March (2nd version)
Ass2
Executive summary/ES
- based on a case (500 words)
I or G
20%
Mon 29 March (1st version)
Thu 8 April (2nd version)
Ass3
Reflection paper/RfP
- based on your learnings (600 words)
I
10%
Mon 12 April
Ass4
Final paper
- incl. both business and academic writing tasks (800 words)
I
20%
Thu 15 April
Workload
Valid 01.08.2020-31.07.2022:
Contact teaching 12h
Independent work 148h
Total 160h
Mandatory attendance on the first session.
DETAILS
Study Material
Valid 01.08.2020-31.07.2022:
Indicated or provided by the instructor.
Applies in this implementation:
All course assignments are based on readings, which will be listed on MyCourses when the course begins. In total, they comprise six academic research articles related to communicating in intercultural business contexts and two articles related to (academic) writing issues.
Prerequisites
Valid 01.08.2020-31.07.2022:
61A00200 Business Communication Skills (required)
SDG: Sustainable Development Goals
5 Gender Equality
13 Climate Action
FURTHER INFORMATION
Details on the schedule
Applies in this implementation:
Note that this is only class schedule. As you can see from Assessment methods and Criteria, each class is preceded and followed by assignments.
Date
Content
Wed 3 March
Mandatory
attendanceWriting as an academic & business skill
Academic writing: Basic principles
Discussion & feedback on Pre-ass/Reaction paper
Wed 17 March
Academic genres: Reaction papers & Literature reviews
Business writing: Focus on sensitive messages
Discussion & feedback on Ass1/Literature review
Wed 31 March
Business genres: Requests, complaints and bad news messages
Discussion & feedback on Ass2/Executive summary
Wrapping up