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: 27.10.2020 - 24.11.2020

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 27.09.2020-21.12.2112):

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(roup)

     

    % of       final grade

     

    Deadlines

     

    Pre-ass

     

    Reaction paper/RP

    based on an academic article (500 words)

     

    I

     

    20%

     

    Mon 26 Oct. (1st version) 14:00

    Fri 30 Oct. (2nd version)

     

    Ass1

     

    Literature review/LR

    based on four academic articles (1300 words)

     

    I or G

     

    30%

     

    Fri 6 Nov..(1st version)

    Tue 17 Nov.  (2nd version)

     

    Ass2

     

    Executive summary/ES

    based on a case (500 words)

     

    I or G

     

    20%

     

    Fri 20 Nov. (1st version)

    Fri 27 Nov.  (2nd version)

     

    Ass3

     

    Reflection paper/RfP

    based on your learnings (600 words)

     

    I

     

    10%

     

    Tue 1 Dec.
     

     

    Ass4

     

    Final paper

    incl. both business and academic writing tasks (800 words)

     

    I

     

    20%

     

    open Wed-Sat 2-5 Dec.

     

     

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 some six academic journal articles related to communicating in intercultural business contexts and two 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 26 Oct. at 14:00

     -

     

    Pre-assignment (1st version)

     

    Tue 27 Oct.

    Mandatory attendance

     

    Writing as an academic & business skill

    Academic writing: Basic principles

    Discussion & feedback on Pre-ass/RP

     

     

    Fri 30 Oct.

     -

     

    Pre-ass/RP  (2nd version)

     

    Fri 6 Nov.

     -

     

    Ass1/LR (1st version)

     

    Tue 10 Nov.

     

     

    Academic genres: RPs, LRs, etc.

    Business writing: Focus on executive summaries

    Discussion & feedback on Ass1/LR

     

     

    Tue 17 Nov.

     -

     

    Ass1/LR (2nd version)

     

    Fri 20 Nov.

     -

     

    Ass2/ES (1st version)

     

    Tue 24 Nov.

     

     

    Discussion & feedback on Ass2/ES

    Business genres: Requests and bad news messages

    Wrapping up

     

     

    Fri 27 Nov.

     -

     

    Ass2/ES (2nd version)

     

    Tue 1 Dec.

     -

     

    Ass3/RfP

     

    Wed 2 Dec.

    -

     

    Instructions for Ass4 uploaded

     

    Sat 5 Dec.

     -

     

    Ass4/Final paper