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 oral and written academic communication

- Apply these strategies and elements in oral presentations and writing related to their field of study

- Distinguish between formal and informal styles of communication and vary the style according to the target audience text type

- Apply a process approach to the development of oral and written work

- Document sources properly and select strategies to avoid plagiarism

Credits: 3

Schedule: 08.09.2023 - 01.12.2023

Teacher in charge (valid for whole curriculum period):

Teacher in charge (applies in this implementation): Jan-Mikael Rybicki

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 students in master's programs who are not yet in the process of writing their master's theses. It introduces written and oral communication principles and strategies that are applicable to academic and research purposes. Students begin by writing on a topic from their own field of study based on previous (BSc) or ongoing (MSc) research. To enhance readability of the texts, students apply organisational patterns, such as problem-solution, as well as other writing principles. Based on their written work, students deliver an oral presentation videoed for self- and teacher-evaluation. As part of the learning process, students analyse presentations to identify their strengths and areas for improvement, as well as practise organising and presenting information clearly to a non-expert, but academic audience.

    Throughout this 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. Depending on the course variation (blended or fully online), the feedback and group work may be completed either face-to-face or online.

    Working Life Skills: Know-how related to own field of studies, knowledge of research in own field, skills in foreign languages, skills related to working in international environment, information retrieval skills, written communication, oral communication, teamwork skills, self-awareness, critical thinking skills, analytical, life-long learning skills, self-confidence, and time management.

Assessment Methods and Criteria
  • valid for whole curriculum period:

    - Preparatory tasks 40%

    - Final written assignment 25%

    - Final presentation 25% (Videoed)

    - Exam/project 10%

    Regular attendance and/or timely completion of assignments are required for the successful completion of the course.

    Note: Integrated versions of this course may follow different assessment criteria and percentage distribution.

Workload
  • valid for whole curriculum period:

    81 h (Small-group instruction 0 - 24 h + independent work 57 - 81 h)

DETAILS

Substitutes for Courses
Prerequisites

FURTHER INFORMATION

Further Information
  • valid for whole curriculum period:

    This course has two variations: blended (a mixture of contact teaching and online components) and fully online (including online meetings). Please check Sisu for further information.

    Teaching Language : English

    Teaching Period : 2022-2023 Autumn I - II
    2022-2023 Spring III - IV
    2022-2023 Spring IV - V
    2023-2024 Autumn I - II
    2023-2024 Spring III - IV
    2023-2024 Spring IV - V

    Enrollment :

    Students are considered for admission in order of highest number of credits. Registration for the course takes place in sisu.