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: 08.09.2020 - 13.10.2020

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 16.08.2020-21.12.2112):

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 7 Sept. (1st version) 14:00

    Mon 14 Sept. (2nd version)


    Ass1


    Literature review/LR

    · based on four
    academic articles (1300 words)


    I or G


    30%


    Wed 23 Sept. (1st version)

    Fri 2 Oct. (2nd version)


    Ass2


    Executive summary/ES

    · based on a case (500
    words)


    I or G


    20%


    Fri 25 Sept. (1st version)

    Mon 5 Oct.  (2nd
    version)


    Ass3


    Reflection paper/RfP

    · based on your learnings
    (600 words)


    I


    10%


    Fri 9 Oct.

     


    Ass4


    Final paper

    · both business and academic
    writing tasks (800 words)


    I


    20%


    Fri 16 Oct.

    The deadline for the assignments is midnight with the exception of the pre-assignment (1st version), for which it is 14:00 o'clock.


Workload
  • Valid 01.08.2020-31.07.2022:

    Contact teaching 12h
    Independent work 148h

    Total 160h

    Mandatory attendance on the first session.

  • Applies in this implementation:


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 some six
    academic research articles related to communicating in intercultural business contexts and a couple of articles related to 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:


    Date


    Classes


    Deadlines


    Mon 7 Sept. at
    14:00

     

    -


    Pre-ass/Reaction
    Paper (RP)

    (1st version)


    Tue 8 Sept.

    Mandatory attendance


    Writing as an academic & business
    skill

    Academic writing: Basic principles

    Discussion & feedback on
    Pre-ass/RP

     


    Mon 14 Sept.

     

    -


    Pre-ass/RP (2nd
    version)


    Wed 23 Sept.

     

    -


    Ass1/Literature
    Review (LR)

    (1st version)


    Fri 25 Sept.

     

    -


    Ass2/Executive
    Summary (ES)

    (1st version)


    Tue 29 Sept.

     


    Academic genres: RPs, LRs, etc.

    Business writing: Focus on sensitive
    messages

    Discussion & feedback on Ass1/LR

     



    Fri 2 Oct.


    -


    Ass1/LR (2nd
    version)


    Mon 5 Oct.

     

    -


    Ass2/ES (2nd version)


    Fri 9 Oct.


     -


    Ass3/Reflection Paper


    Tue 13 Oct.


    Discussion & feedback on Ass2/ES

    Business genres: requests, bad news
    messages, etc.

    Wrapping up

     



    Wed 14 Oct.

     

    -


    Instructions for Ass4 uploaded


    Fri 16 Oct.

     

    -


    Ass4/Final paper: academic
    and business writing tasks