Topic outline

  • LC-1120 PIII 2023 2024

    Instructor: Heli Dahlin
    heli.dahlin (a) aalto.fi

    Aalto University Language Centre, Otakaari 1.

    Workload: 27 h (independent online study 21 h, small group meetings 6 h (face to face)
    During this course, you will construct and deliver one specific type of persuasive presentation in English, an elevator pitch (EP).  The 1-2-minute talk will be on a topic related to your field of study and aimed at non-expert audiences of a client or funding organisation.  The course familiarises you with the elements of persuasion, and you will practise your talk in small groups, giving and receiving constructive feedback, before creating the final version of the pitch.

    You will progress through the course by working mainly independently and online on weekly assignments, which are to be completed by the deadline posted. As we apply a process approach to learning,  it is important that you commit to working regularly and reserve enough time for completing the assignments on schedule each week.

    During the course, you will meet and interact with the teacher and your fellow students 3 times: during the Kick-off meeting, the first practice session and the final practice session. These contact sessions are obligatory, not optional.

    The first meeting is the Kick-off meeting during Week 1 of the course, on Tuesday 9 January 2024., 14:15-15:45 in Zoom. During this time, you will get to meet each other, the teacher and carry out Assignment 1. The Zoom link is posted for you in Week 1.

    Later on during the course, you will attend two practice sessions: one will be a rehearsal (i.e. the first practice) during Course Week 4, and the other will be the final (i.e. second and final practice including Q&A) during Course Week 6. These sessions are organised in small groups on campus, Otakaari 1. UPDATE: FINAL PRACTICES MOVED TO ZOOM DUE TO THE BUS&METRO STRIKES!!

    Elevator pitch first practice: Wednesday 31.01., at 10:15-11:45 OR 14:15-15:45 (U414B, Otakaari 1)

    UPDATE: Elevator pitch final practice: Wednesday 14.02., at 10:15-11:45 OR 14:15-15:45 (ZOOM!!)

    A more detailed schedule will be confirmed later for each student: the final number of practice sessions and pitching sessions will depend on the total number of course participants.

    Please note that this course's Weeks begin on Tuesdays and usually end on Mondays (23:59) unless there are special holidays which force the teacher to adjust the timetable. However, please keep in mind that the deadlines for the assignments can be any time between Thursday to Monday of a particular Week!

    See also Syllabus for the general course description, the AI policy on the course and info on content as well as learning outcomes. 


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      Scheduler 1: First practice sessions (sign up!)
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      Scheduler 2: Final pitching event (sign up!)
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      Using ChatGPT and other AI-aided tools in coursework Page

      As we all know, AI-enhanced tools are here to stay; therefore, Aalto University has its own policy which can be read in detail at Guidance for the use of artificial intelligence in teaching and learning at Aalto University. It states that in addition to the general university guidelines, each course teacher can inform students of their own policy. You'll also find on that same site some tips for students.

      Click on this activity to check the teacher's policy (also available in the Syllabus).