Study Guide

Learning outcomes

Proficiency level: B2

The student is able to
- communicate clearly and effectively in different generic and field-specific workplace situations both orally and in writing
- find, evaluate and use information effectively
- function collaboratively in international working environments.

Implementation and methods of teaching

This course is taught in class, blended learning.

The focus is on learning through lively face-to-face interaction which aims to simulate the activities of business professionals. In addition to reading and listening to authentic business communication materials, students will also participate in discussions, debates, information-gathering, presentations, meetings, and complete written and oral assignments.

Timing and attendance

Periods 3 and 4 of the spring term 2025.
Attendance requirement is 75%. If a student misses a lesson, they will be asked to complete extra tasks.
All compulsory assignments must be completed by the deadline.
Participation in lesson 5 (week 6) is compulsory. If you miss it, your grade for the Assignment: trade show will be "fail"..
Participation in lesson 10 (week 12) is compulsory. If you miss it, your grade for the Assignment: mock job interviews will be "fail".
Participation in lesson 12 (week 14) is compulsory. If you miss it, your grade for the Assignment: megatrends group presentation will be "fail".

Learning material and recommended literature

All course materials are provided via learning platform Moodle.
Authentic articles, videos, podcasts are used as materials for the course.

Alternative completion methods

If the student already meets the course objectives at an excellent level, it is possible to apply for Recognition of prior learning via demonstration. Please, complete eAHOT application thoroughly and direct it to the course teacher to receive instructions.

Exam retakes

There is no course exam. Assessment is based on course assignments and active participation.

Learning environment

Learning platform Moodle.
Classroom lessons are held in Lappeenranta campus.

Student time use and work load

4 ECTS course, which means about 108 hour of student's work.
Student's workload consists of studying theory, watching video materials, completing written and oral assignments, including assignments for teacher's and peer evaluation; participating in group activities, participating in contact lessons (24h).

Contents

This course covers current topics needed for fluent communication of a business professional:

Job Applications: learn how to create effective CVs, engaging video applications, and prepare for job interviews.
Business Concepts: understand key terms and ideas by writing formal emails, creating business plans, participating in trade shows, describing data, and exploring megatrends. Activities include meetings, discussions, problem-solving, and presenting information.
Professional Communication: improve written and oral communication skills needed for studies and work, focusing on correct grammar and appropriate use of formal and informal styles.

This course aims to provide practical skills and knowledge for success in the business field.

Additional information for students: previous knowledge etc.

The course is taught at a B2 level according to the Common European Framework.

Assessment criteria

The course is evaluated on the basis of continuous assessment.
Active participation in all course's activities impacts the course grade.

Assessment scale

1-5

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

The student has satisfactory knowledge of the course content.

The speech is understandable with some difficulty to follow. Interaction is mostly missing. The speech is hesitant, pauses are rather long and pronunciation mistakes sometimes make it hard to understand the message. The student uses only basic structures and makes some mistakes.

Written communication consists of simple expressions and there are plentiful mistakes. The language is clumsy, but the message is delivered.

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

The student has a good knowledge of the course content.

The student communicates in English well, interacts adequately and uses means of nonverbal communication. The speech is fairly easy to follow. The speech is fluent and clear, but pauses, hesitations and pronunciation mistakes may occur.

Written communication is quite fluent, clear and mostly correct. The structures and professional vocabulary are adequate to deliver the message. Minor mistakes occur concerning the genre and/or style.

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

The student has an excellent knowledge of the course content.

The student communicates in excellent English. Interaction is very skilful, and nonverbal communication effectively supports spoken words. The speech is targeted, extremely logical, relevant and consistent. The speech (language, pronunciation and intonation) is fluent, clear, accurate and naturally paced.

Written communication is very fluent and versatile. The student uses varied structures and extensive professional vocabulary, making occasional mistakes only in the most complex structures. The student can deliver the message effortlessly in the appropriate, genre-specific style.