English in Correctional Services (5 cr)

Learning outcomes

The student is able to
- communicate as a professional in field specific tasks
- speak and write English with the understanding of the appropriate style and register
- identify personal developmental needs in communication and language skills and develop realistic strategies for improvement
- search for information from professional publications and databases

Location and time

See a more detailed schedule and instructions in Optima

Materials

All learning material is provided in Optima.
However, if you are interested in reading more on Constructive Communication you can read:
Marshall B. Rosenberg : Rakentava ja myötäelävä vuorovaikutus or Nonviolent Communication - A Language of Life (same book in English)

Teaching methods

This course has a combination of contact lessons and is also partly implemented through a virtual game called International Correctional Services Officer of the Year. The following competence areas are
• Oral communication skills needed for the workplace: presentations; describing services; interviewing skills;
• Constructive communication (Nonviolent Communication)
• Reflective written skills
• Intercultural competences
• Field-specific vocabulary and understanding
As mentioned above this course is based on a virtual game called International Correctional Services Officer of the Year in the game platform Seppo. Assignments are in the game which will be played in teams. Supporting material is provided in lectures. You will require a mobile device: phone, pad or laptop to participate. However, as the game is in teams one device per team is sufficient.
Also the basics of Constructive Communication (Nonviolent Communication) will be taught as a professional and personal communication method to facilitate, empathetic encounters with clients, self-empathy and self-development.

Upon completion of the course, a student should be able to
• communicate orally and in written form in workplace and academic related dialogues
• have a basic understanding of constructive communication
• use field related vocabulary
• be aware of field-related intercultural influences and possibilities

Exam schedules

See a more detailed schedule and instructions in Optima

Completion alternatives

AHOT (RPL – recognition of prior learning) and workplace acquired competences should be discussed with the teacher and then applied for. Suitable compensatory tasks will be developed accordingly.

Student workload

For a 5 credit course you are expected to do 135 hours of work.
For this course, I have allocated 2 credits to the game (54 hours) and 3 credits for contact lessons and assignments

Content scheduling

See a more detailed schedule and instructions in Optima

Evaluation scale

H-5