LCA-1020 - Academic Communication for Master´s Students (o,w), Lecture, 24.10.2022-1.12.2022

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

Upon completion of this course, students will be able to

- Recognise the strategies and elements that enhance clarity and audience-friendliness in both written and oral communication
- Apply these strategies and elements in writing and oral presentations related to their field of study
- Distinguish between formal and informal styles of communication and vary the style according to the target audience and text type
- Apply a process approach to the development of their oral and written work

Credits: 3

Schedule: 24.10.2022 - 01.12.2022

Teacher in charge (valid for whole curriculum period):

Teacher in charge (applies in this implementation): Hanna Liisa Hakala

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

CEFR level (valid for whole curriculum period): C1

Language of instruction and studies (applies in this implementation):

Teaching language: English. Languages of study attainment: English

CONTENT, ASSESSMENT AND WORKLOAD

Content

  • valid for whole curriculum period:

    The course is intended for graduate students in master's programs who are not yet in the process of writing their master's theses, or who are in the early stages of writing.

    It introduces written and oral communication principles and strategies applicable for academic and research purposes, such as the master's thesis project.

    Students begin by writing on a topic from their own field of study based on previous (Bachelor-level) or ongoing (Masters-level) research.

    To enhance readability of the texts, students apply organisational patterns and other writing principles.

    Students also apply techniques for citing sources and avoiding plagiarism.

    Based on their written work, students prepare and deliver an oral presentation.

    As part of the learning process, students analyse presentations to identify their strengths and areas for improvement, as well as practice organizing and presenting information clearly to a non-expert, but academic audience.

    Throughout the course, students work individually, in pairs and in small groups to develop their presentation and writing skills.

    Moreover, students give and receive constructive feedback on their work and revise it accordingly.

    Working Life Skills:

    Know-how related to own field of studies, Knowledge of research in own field, Skills in a foreign language, Skills related to working in international environment, Information retrieval skills, Written communication, Oral communication, Teamwork skills, Self-awareness, Creativity, Critical thinking skills, Analytical skills, Lifelong learning skills, Self-confidence, and Time management

Assessment Methods and Criteria

  • valid for whole curriculum period:

    - Course assignments 30%

    - Writing assignments 35%

    - Oral assignments 35% (videoed)

     

Workload

  • valid for whole curriculum period:

    Small-group instruction 24 - 36 h + independent work 45 - 57 h

DETAILS

Substitutes for Courses
Prerequisites

FURTHER INFORMATION

Further Information

  • valid for whole curriculum period:

    Teaching Language : English

    Teaching Period : 2022-2023 Autumn II
    2023-2024 Autumn II

    Enrollment :

    Registration for the course in SISU.

     

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Aalto University Code of Academic Integrity and Handling Violations Thereof