LC-1335 - Preparing for the Doctoral Defence (o), Lecture, 4.9.2024-16.10.2024

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

- identify their next steps in the preparation for their Lectio Praecursoria and the karonkka speech

- plan and deliver a focused, informative and persuasive presentation
- defend and debate their doctoral research and thesis in an assertive, professional manner
- reflect on and critique their own performance and those of others

Credits: 1

Schedule: 04.09.2024 - 16.10.2024

Teacher in charge (valid for whole curriculum period):

Teacher in charge (applies in this implementation): Heli Dahlin

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 aims to support and develop doctoral students' skills in presenting and defending their research. During the course, participants plan and structure their Lectio Praecursoria speech and practice defending their research in English in small groups. The course also contains a component on the post-doctoral (“karonkka”) speech. Students will be introduced to language strategies for anticipating questions and responding in an assertive, professional manner. Students will give and receive peer feedback on the content and structure as well as the language use and visuals of their speech. In addition, students will reflect on how to manage their role as the respondent.

    Working Life Skills: Knowledge of the research of own field; Foreign language skills; Skills related to international working environment; Problem-solving skills; Information retrieval skills; Oral communication skills; Self-awareness and self-confidence; Critical and analytical thinking skills; Lifelong learning skills

Assessment Methods and Criteria

  • valid for whole curriculum period:

    - Lectio / karonkka speech (videoed) 30%

    - Debate / discussions 30%

    - Reflection and preparation activities 40%

    Note: Regular attendance and active participation required.

Workload

  • valid for whole curriculum period:

    Small group instruction 9-12 h + independent and small group work 15-18 h

    Sisu specifies the course mode: on campus only, fully or partially online. Please check each iteration's course description, structure, and further information in Sisu.

DETAILS

Study Material

  • valid for whole curriculum period:

    Provided by the teacher and students

Substitutes for Courses
Prerequisites

FURTHER INFORMATION

Further Information

  • valid for whole curriculum period:

    Teaching Language: English

    Teaching Period: 2024-2025 Autumn I
    2024-2025 Spring III
    2025-2026 Autumn I
    2025-2026 Spring III

    Registration:

    Registration for courses will take place in Sisu (sisu.aalto.fi). The course is aimed for doctoral students from all schools. Students are considered for admission in the order of expected date for defending their doctoral dissertation.

    The course will be organized if there are at least 10 participants. The maximum group size is 20.

Rules of Conduct - Students´ Rights and Responsibilities (in force from 1 August 2020)

Aalto University Code of Academic Integrity and Handling Violations Thereof