Study Guide

Learning outcomes

Proficiency level: B2

The student is able to
- identify the characteristics of academic texts and to apply academic conventions to their writing
- demonstrate critical thinking and find, evaluate and use information effectively
- communicate clearly and effectively in different generic and field-specific workplace situations both orally and in writing
- function collaboratively in contemporary working environments in English.

Implementation and methods of teaching

Lessons on campus, teamwork, individual assignments, peer and self-assessment. Active participation required (80% attendance compulsory).

Timing and attendance

See the course schedule in the TimeEdit system. Active participation required (80% attendance is compulsory).

Learning material and recommended literature

Specified by the teacher. All materials/links to materials are available on the course Moodle page.

Required:
-LAB Thesis Guidebook, chapters 6 & 7
-Stephen Bailey: Academic Writing. A Handbook for International Students. An e-book accessible through the LAB Primo system. (The required sections are specified on the course Moodle page.)
-Mizrahi, Jane: Writing for the workplace: business communication for professionals. An e-book accessible through the LAB system (The required sections are specified on the course Moodle page.)
-Mikkola, Leena & Valo, Maarit. 2020. Workplace communication. An e-book accessible through the LAB Primo system (The required sections are specified on the course Moodle page.)

Recommended:
- https://open.lib.umn.edu/writingforsuccess/
- https://open.lib.umn.edu/collegesuccess/
- https://milnepublishing.geneseo.edu/writing-in-college-from-competence-to-excellence/

Alternative completion methods

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL). DIscuss with the teacher.

Exam retakes

The final course grade is based on written course assignments and two Moodle exams. The student may retake each exam once to improve their exam grade, but the retake exams will be graded 0-3/5, not 0-5/5. In other words, the student can get a 3/5 at best on a retake exam. No retakes on any other coursework.

Learning environment

In class on campus. Study materials on the Moodle platform. Students are expected to reserve 3–4 hours a week to do coursework outside of the scheduled/instructed class time.

Student time use and work load

The estimated workload is 135 hours, including reading, coursework, and lectures, or other scheduled meetings. Students are expected to reserve 2-3 hours per week to work outside of the scheduled/instructed class time.

Contents

About 60% of the course is focused on academic practices, especially academic writing, and about 40% is focused on workplace communication practices and skills.

-General principles of academic writing, including style, text structure, and referencing mechanics.
-Generic and context-specific guidelines for academic and professional writing.
-Various written and oral communication situations in professional studies and working life.
-Key terminology and concepts in the student's field of study.

Additional information for students: previous knowledge etc.

Strong English skills are expected. The course is taught at the B2 level according to the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages. This is equal to scoring 6.5/7.0 in the IELTS test or 85-100 in TOEFL, or having been graded M or higher in English in the Finnish matriculation examination.

Assessment criteria

Midterm exam. Written assignments. Final exam.

Assessment scale

1-5

Failed (0)

The student has failed to meet the course requirements.

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

Writing in varied professional contexts: The student has met the assignment requirements minimally. Work displays vaguely consistent and appropriate register. Content is vaguely effective and diverse. The text is not in keeping with style-specific conventions. The student constructs minimally understandable sentences. Grammatical irregularities occur often. Vocabulary is minimally appropriate to context.

Speaking in varied professional contexts: The student speaks in a style vaguely appropriate to the assignment. Student interacts minimally with participants. Performance meets few of the set expectations of given assignment. The student speaks in a vaguely consistent manner. Delivery is minimally structured. Linguistic performance is minimally accurate and appropriate to the context. Pauses are rather long and at times pronunciation hinders comprehension.

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

Writing in varied professional contexts: The student has met the assignment requirements adequately. Work displays somewhat consistent and appropriate register. Content is somewhat effective and diverse. The text has a reasonably logical structure. The text is rather cohesive. Minor mistakes occur in style. The student mostly constructs sentences well. Grammatical irregularities occur. Vocabulary is adequately professional and mostly appropriate to context.

Speaking in varied professional contexts: In most cases the student speaks in a style appropriate to the assignment. Student interacts with participants. Performance meets most set expectations of given assignment. The student speaks in a consistent manner. Delivery is structured. Linguistic performance is somewhat accurate and appropriate to the context, although short pauses and hesitations may occur.

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

Writing in varied professional contexts: The student has met the assignment requirements fully. Work displays consistent and appropriate register. Content is effective, diverse, and skillfully delivered. The text has a clear and logical structure. The text is cohesive, fluent, and versatile. The student uses varied structures although occasional grammatical irregularities may occur. Vocabulary is varied and professional and typically appropriate to context.

Speaking in varied professional contexts: The student speaks in a style appropriate to the assignment. Student interacts fluently and competently. Performance meets all set expectations of given assignments. The student speaks in a clear, concise, and consistent manner. Delivery is well-structured, intentional. Linguistic performance is accurate, appropriate to the context, and speech tempo is natural.