Study Guide

Learning outcomes

Proficiency level: B2

The student is able to
-apply writing strategies to become a more effective writer for digital media
-gather, analyze, and organize information to produce audience-oriented digital writing
-demonstrate proper use of English for digital writing
-participate in civil online discourse.

Implementation and methods of teaching

The course is offered online via the Moodle platform and with added use of other platforms and tools if needed (e.g., Zoom, MS Teams, Google Sites, Twitter, and others). The course involves independent study, peer and instructor feedback, and optional online meetings with the course instructor(s).

Timing and attendance

You can study and do coursework independently as long as you meet the set course deadlines. There are optional online meetings over Zoom or Teams to discuss with and get help from the course instructors.

The course timetable is available in the TimeEdit system: https://cloud.timeedit.net/lut-saimia/web/public/

Use the course code to search for the course timetable: KE00CG33-3004.

Learning material and recommended literature

All required readings and other course materials will be available on or via the course page.

Short lecture videos that introduce course topics. A selection of articles about writing for the Web and writing for social media. Most course readings are from the Nielsen & Norman Group’s website: https://www.nngroup.com/topic/writing-web/

Recommended for pre-reading: Chapter 3: Writing for Digital Media II: Tools and Techniques and Chapter 4: Editing for Digital media II: Voice and Visual Style in Writing and Editing for Digital Media by Brian Carroll.

Alternative completion methods

No alternative completion methods.

Exam retakes

No retakes except for the midterm exam. Note that the midterm exam retake will be graded 2, 1, or fail.

Learning environment

The course is offered online on the Moodle platform. All required learning materials are available via Moodle. Optional online sessions may be organized via Zoom or MS Teams to discuss with the instructors. To work on the course learning projects, students use Google Sites, YouTube, Twitter, and other digital platforms. The student must we willing to set up at least a Google account to use Google Sites and a YouTube and Twitter account.

Student time use and work load

The estimated workload is 100-110 hours. This includes reading and studying the required course materials, doing coursework, and, additionally, participating in optional online meetings with the course instructor(s).

Contents

The course is focused on writing for the Web and for social media. Course topics include, for example, the following: 1) Studying key terminology/vocabulary related to digital culture and digital media in English; 2) Learning about digital culture and collaborative and participatory content creation on digital/online platforms. 3) Writing for the Web and social media in English (e.g., writing to support skimming and scanning; frontloading information; writing semi-formal, reader-friendly English). 4) Creating target audience personas and writing for different audiences in different tones (e.g., tone of voice in writing for the Web). 5) Using digital tools to proofread and edit writing. 6) Writing in expository, descriptive, narrative, and persuasive styles for the Web and social media. 7) Participating in, moderating, and promoting constructive online discussions.

A learning project: Students set up their own website with Google Sites and use the website as their personal publishing platform. Students produce written and audiovisual content in English and publish the content on their websites. Students use social media (e.g., Twitter, LinkedIn, Yammer, etc.) to promote their websites. Students must we willing to set up a Google account to be able to use Google Sites and YouTube and a Twitter account (and possibly other social media accounts).

The course is offered online on the Moodle platform. All required learning materials are available via Moodle. The student can study and do coursework independently as long as they can meet the set course deadlines. Optional online sessions are organized via Zoom or MS Teams to discuss with the instructors.

Additional information for students: previous knowledge etc.

Students taking the course are expected to have a good command of English. The course is taught at the B2/C1 level according to the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR).

Prerequisite 1: A good command of English. At least one university-level English language course at the B2 CEFR level.
Prerequisite 2: A good command of digital tools (e.g., a course on digital tools).

Please note: This is a writing and communication studies course that focuses on analyzing, writing, creating, and sharing digital and online content in English. The course does not focus on, for example, Web technologies, programming, or search engine optimization.

CampusOnline quota: 5 students.

Assessment criteria

Course assignments graded 0-5 or pass/fail. All assignments must be completed to complete the course.

Assessment scale

1-5

Failed (0)

The student failed to meet and complete the set course requirements.

Assessment criteria: level 1 (assessment scale 1–5)

The student has a basic understanding of digital culture and communication in English. The student can write for the Web (e.g., for skimming and scanning) and for social media (e.g., semi-formal, conversational writing) in English. The student can, to some extent, write in expository, descriptive, narrative, and persuasive style in English. The student can produce layouts that aim to take readers into account. The student can participate in and, to some extent, moderate online discussions.

Assessment criteria: level 3 (assessment scale 1–5)

The student has a good understanding of digital culture and communication in English. The student can write well for the Web (e.g., skimming and scanning) and for social media (e.g., semi-formal, conversational writing) in English. The student can write well in expository, descriptive, narrative, and persuasive style in English. The student can produce reader-friendly layouts. The student is good at participating in and moderating online discussions.

Assessment criteria: level 5 (assessment scale 1–5)

The student has a very good understanding of digital culture and communication in English. The student can write exceptionally well and fluently for the Web (e.g., skimming and scanning) and for social media (e.g., semi-formal, conversational writing) in English. The student can write exceptionally well in expository, descriptive, narrative, and persuasive style in English. The student can produce visually appealing, reader-friendly layouts. The student is exceptionally good at participating in and moderating online discussions.