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

Contact sessions online/on campus and homework/project assignments.
The study unit contains work on the following themes:
• communication models, applying a communication strategy
• intercultural communication and communication styles
• business writing: genre and style, the writing process, macro and micro features
• persuasive communication in presentations, pitches and debates
• building rapport and interpersonal communication in meetings and negotiations
• revision of common business terms & professional vocabulary

Learning materials and recommended literature

Learning materials in Canvas. See also:
Bovée, C. & Thill, J. 2011. Excellence in business communication. 9th edition. London: Pearson.
Hartley, P. & Chatterton, P. 2015. Business communication: rethinking your professional practice for the post-digital age. 2nd edition. London: Routledge.
Mclean, S. 2015. Business communication for success. Washington, D.C.: Flat World Knowledge.
Munter, M. 2014. Guide to managerial communication: effective business writing and speaking. 10th edition. Boston: Prentice Hall.

Alternative completion methods of implementation

By agreement with the lecturer

Important dates

Canvas will be opened on 11th January 2022 (a week before the first meeting).
The last class meeting will be held by the end of April.
Some additional dates may be scheduled for small group meetings.

Forms of internationality

Development of intercultural competences is integrated into the study unit.

Students workload

5 ECTS = 135 hours of work.

Content and scheduling

A detailed schedule will be given in Canvas.

Grading scale

H-5

Evaluation methods and criteria

The final grade is based on the following:
Vocabulary and comprehension exercises in canvas 20% (0-5)
Spoken communication assignments 40% (0-5)
Written communication assignments 40% (0-5)
All parts must be passed in order to complete the study unit.
More detailed assessment criteria are given in the Canvas workspace.

Evaluation criteria, satisfactory (1-2)

Students demonstrate an understanding of key principles of effective communication for professional purposes. They can achieve communication objectives in a range of work-related situations, modify their communication style according to context and the requirements of the message, and manage interpersonal interactions with people from different backgrounds. Spoken fluency and range are sufficient to manage common professional situations. Writing shows satisfactory control of grammar and lexis for the production of standard business messages.

Evaluation criteria, good (3-4)

Students demonstrate a good understanding of the principles of effective communication for professional purposes. They are able to achieve communication objectives in a range of work-related situations with a degree of success and can adapt their communication style to suit the requirements of audience and context. Speech is fluent, with a high degree of grammatical and propositional control. Writing shows good control of grammar, lexis, and style in a range of texts for professional purposes.

Evaluation criteria, excellent (5)

Students demonstrate an excellent understanding of key principles of effective communication for professional purposes. They are able to communicate clearly, concisely, and appropriately in a wide range of work-related situations and are 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 a high degree of grammatical control and propositional precision. Writing shows excellent control of grammar, lexis, and style in producing a variety of text types and genres.