Study Guide

Learning outcomes

The student is able to
- communicate as a professional in field-specific tasks and intercultural contexts
- produce effective spoken and written texts using an appropriate style and register
- demonstrate knowledge of essential terminology needed in working life
- apply principles of interpersonal and organizational communication

Teaching methods

The study unit will contain work on the following themes:
- Intercultural communication and communication styles
- Communication strategies in spoken and written communication
- Building rapport in interpersonal communication
- Communicating effectively and persuasively in presentations, meetings and negotiations
- The use of style and register in spoken and written texts
- Orientation in academic and professional writing
- Review of common business terms

Location and time

Leppävaara campus, weekly contact sessions

Learning materials and recommended literature

Learning materials in Optima/Canvas.

Alternative completion methods of implementation

By agreement with the lecturer.

Forms of internationality

Development of intercultural competences is integrated into the study unit.

Students workload

5 credits = 135 hours of student work
Approximately 30 hours in class and 105 of independent study

Grading scale

H-5

Evaluation methods and criteria

The final grade is based on the following:
- Vocabulary test 10%
- Spoken communication 40%
- Written communication 50%
All parts must be passed in order to complete the study unit.
More detailed assessment criteria are given in the Optima workspace.

Evaluation criteria, fail (0)

The student is unable to demonstrate a satisfactory understanding of key principles of effective business communication. He/she does not give evidence of sufficient ability to achieve straightforward communication objectives in the work-related situations practised on the course. Spoken and written language skills may be below the required level for the satisfactory production of everyday business messages.

Evaluation criteria, satisfactory (1-2)

The student demonstrates an understanding of key principles of effective business communication. He/she is able to achieve straightforward communication objectives in common work-related situations and can vary his/her communication style according to the situation. Spoken fluency and language range are sufficient to cope with common work-related situations. Writing shows satisfactory control of grammar and lexis for the production of standard business messages.

Evaluation criteria, good (3-4)

The student demonstrates a good understanding of key principles of effective business communication. He/she is able to achieve communication objectives in common work-related situations with a degree of success and can adapt his/her communication style according to audience and context. Speech is fluent, with a relatively high degree of grammatical control and evidence of a wide range of vocabulary. Writing shows good control of grammar, lexis and style.

Evaluation criteria, excellent (5)

The student demonstrates an excellent understanding of key principles of effective business communication. He/she is able to communicate clearly, concisely and appropriately in common work-related situations, and is effective in adapting both the style and content of a message to different audiences and in different contexts. Speech is very fluent, flexible and easy to understand, with evidence of a wide active vocabulary. Writing shows excellent control of grammar, lexis and style.