Topic outline

  • Welcome to LC-1114 Communicating technology


    Time and place  16.01-09.04      
                        
    Tuesdays 14.15-16.30  Room U259                
              
    Teacher: Nicole Ivarsson-Keng ( Nicole.Ivarsson-Keng@aalto.fi). Consultation by appointment.

    Workload           3 ETCS/81h (24h contact, 57h independent work)
    Requirements    Preparatory assignments and Online modules
                                Final report & Oral presentation.
                                Attendance

    Learning outcomes

    Upon completion of this course, the students will be able to

    - Recognise the strategies and elements that enhance clarity and audience-friendliness in both oral and written 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

    Content

    This course introduces written and oral communication principles and strategies that are applicable to professional and academic purposes. Students begin by writing on a topic from their own field of study. To enhance readability of the texts, students apply organisational patterns, such as problem-solution, and employ other writing principles that make comprehension of sentences and paragraphs easier. Based on their written work, students deliver an oral presentation which is videoed for self- and teacher-evaluation. As part of the learning process, students analyse presentations to identify their strengths and areas for improvement, and practise organising and presenting information clearly to a non-expert audience. Throughout this course, students work individually, in pairs and in small groups to develop their presentation and writing skills. In addition, students give and receive constructive feedback on their work and revise it accordingly.

    Working Life Skills:

    Knowledge of research in own field, Skills in foreign languages, Information retrieval skills, Ethical consciousness, Written & Oral communication, Self-awareness, Critical thinking skills, Analytical, Lifelong learning skills, and Self-confidence

    During the 12 weeks of this course, you will be grouped with fellow students in France to collaborate the final presentation project virtually. It is an opportunity to interact and communicate with students from different cultural backgrounds in English.