Study Guide

Learning outcomes

The student is able to:
- deliver effective presentations and speeches in academic and general situations
- interact smoothly and take an active part in discussions and conversations
- understand the significance of nonverbal communication
- speak with improved pronunciation and a richer vocabulary

Teaching methods

The study unit runs fully online and does not require you to be present on campus. The study unit runs over Zoom according to the set schedule and the meetings will not be recorded. Individual, pair and group work are incorporated onto the study unit. You will be given individual feedback on the assignments by the teacher. The study unit includes oral presentations and recordings where you must have the camera on so that your face is visible. This will enable ensuring feedback and assessment are given to the right student.

Location and time

Check the meeting schedule from the Timetable engine at https://lukkarit.laurea.fi/#/schedule. The schedule is subject to change.

Learning materials and recommended literature

All study unit materials available in Canvas which you can access on Monday, 9 September 2024, at the latest.

Alternative completion methods of implementation

According to Laurea UAS's degree regulations (2024), "All students are entitled to demonstrate their competence." The student is entitled to apply for accreditation of prior competence regardless of where, how and when the competence has been acquired. The student may also seek accreditation of competence to be acquired on the job as part of their degree (work-based learning). The competence to be accredited must be in line with the learning outcomes of the degree programme’s curriculum. The student is responsible for demonstrating and verifying their competence and for providing sufficient information. More information about the competence demonstration process and accreditation is available in student intranet.

Important dates

According to Laurea's Degree regulations (2024) the student needs to confirm their attendance in the study unit by attending the first meeting of Friday 13th September 2024 or inform the teacher in advance of their absence. If the student fails to do so, the enrollment will be rejected and the seat handed over to the next student in the waiting list.

Students workload

The work on the study unit is measured so that each credit is equivalent to some 26.7 hours of work. The real number of hours spent on coursework is affected by multiple factors such as the student's prior knowledge of the student themes.

Further information for students

This is a bachelor's level study unit.

Prior to attending the study unit, the student needs to have completed the compulsory English language study unit where the target proficiency level is B2. Alternatively, the student needs to be at level B2 in order to be eligible to participate in the course.

The study unit has been created in accordance with Laurea quality criteria.

Grading scale

H-5

Evaluation methods and criteria

The study unit is assessed on a point-basis. The student is awarded points on attendance and five different spoken assignments. Grade calculation is as follows:
Attendance:
11 sessions x 5 pts/session
Points are given when you are present in class.
In the case of documented illness, you will receive points.
55 pts max

Assignments:
145 pts max
Assignment #1: Old Bag Speech (30 pts max)
Assignment #2 Advanced vocabulary (30 pts max)
Assignment #3 Persuasive speech (30 pts max)
Assignment #4 Public speaking (25 pts max)
Assignment #5 Debate / Job interview (30 pts max), to be decided with students once the study unit has started

200 pts max

Grade calculation:
Points correspond to percentage of effort and involvement based on 100% maximum.
180-200 pts = Grade 5
160-179 pts = Grade 4
140-159 pts = Grade 3
120-139 pts = Grade 2
100-119 pts = Grade 1
99 pts < = Failed

The student needs to complete all the five assignments and participate in at least 8 meetings to pass the study unit.

Evaluation criteria, satisfactory (1-2)

The student demonstrates some understanding of key principles of effective spoken business communication. They are able to achieve straightforward communication objectives in common work-related situations and can vary their communication style according to the situation. Spoken and written language skills are at an intermediate or upper-intermediate level (approximately B2 according to the Common European Framework). Speech is mostly fluent and language range is sufficient to cope with everyday work-related situations.

Evaluation criteria, good (3-4)

The student demonstrates a fair understanding of key principles of effective spoken business communication. They are able to achieve communication objectives in common work-related situations with a degree of success and can adapt their communication style according to audience and context. Spoken and written language skills in English are at an upper-intermediate or advanced level (B2-C1 according to the Common European Framework). Speech is often fluent, with a relatively high degree of grammatical control and evidence of a good range of vocabulary

Evaluation criteria, excellent (5)

The student demonstrates a very good understanding of key principles of effective spoken business communication.They are able to communicate clearly, concisely and appropriately in common work-related situations, and are effective in adapting both the style and content of a message to different audiences and in different contexts. Spoken and written language skills in English are at an advanced level (at least C1 according to the Common European Framework). Speech is very fluent, flexible and easy to understand, with evidence of a wide active vocabulary.