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

Weekly classes on campus.

The student needs to have passed the initial language proficiency test prior to taking this study unit. If the student does not pass the language proficiency test they need to complete R0170 Valmentava englanti as well either simultaneously or before taking this study unit. The student can also acquire the required language proficiency in other ways.

Learning materials and recommended literature

The study unit material is available in Canvas and you will get access to it on Friday, 22nd September 2023 at the latest.

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

According to Laurea UAS's degree regulations, "All students are entitled to demonstrate their competence. The recognition and accreditation of prior competence is initiated by the students themselves. The competence is recognised and accredited by the teacher responsible for the studies or another person designated to the position.

The assessment is carried out according to the same assessment criteria and, as a rule, same grading scale as that adopted for the corresponding study unit or module.

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.

Students should apply for the accreditation of prior competence at the beginning of their studies, so they can progress in their studies without interruption. However, students are entitled to apply for accreditation of prior competence throughout their studies."

Important dates

Detailed information can be found in Canvas.

Quote from the degree regulations section 18:

“Students must be present for the first contact teaching session, or they must notify the responsible teacher of their absence to confirm they intend to participate in studies, Alternatively, the teacher can specify a different manner for the student to confirm that they intend to participate in the studies. The completion of these measures can be required within a week of the studies having begun. The application of the aforementioned approach requires that the teacher notifies the students accepted to the study unit of the practice and that the practice is specifically mentioned in the study unit’s implementation plan.

If the student has a justified reason for not attending the first contact teaching session or for not notifying the teacher of their intention to be involved in studies in the manner required by the teacher, the student must contact the responsible teacher to agree on participation in the studies. Their registration for the study unit will be rejected, of the student does not notify the teacher of being absent from the first contact teaching session or the reason for their absence cannot be considered justified, Another student who is in line for the study unit can be selected in their place”.

Students workload

5 ECTS = 135 hours of work

Content and scheduling

Once the student has completed the study unit she/he will have achieved the following objectives:

- 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

Further information for students

The student needs to have passed the initial language proficiency test prior to taking this study unit. If the student does not pass the language proficiency test they need to complete R0170 Valmentava englanti as well either simultaneously or before taking this study unit. The student can also acquire the required language proficiency in other ways.

Grading scale

H-5

Evaluation methods and criteria

The final grade is based on the following:
Vocabulary and comprehension quizzes 20%, 1 ECTS
Spoken communication 40%, 2 ECTS
Written communication 40%, 2 ECTS

More detailed assessment criteria are given in Canvas.

Evaluation criteria, fail (0)

Students do not demonstrate adequate proficiency in submitting vocabulary and comprehension tasks nor in producing spoken and written professional communications.

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.