Communication skills (5 cr)

Objective

You are familiar with Xamk's instructions for written assignments.
You are able to use professionally important databases and other sources of information and refer to them in your texts.

You know how to write texts that meet the standards for layout, content and style required in your studies and working life.

You are able to use appropriate writing and sharing tools.

You improve your interactive communication skills and manage fluently in different group work situations, such as meetings and negotiations.

You develop your presentation skills for professional purposes and acquire skills in giving and receiving feedback.

Content

Which written skills (genres, styles, tools) are you expected to master both in your studies and in work assignments in your own professional field?
Which spoken skills (presentations, interaction in meetings and negotiations, self-assessment and feedback, easing stage fright) are you expected to master both in your studies and in work assignments in your own professional field?
How do you search information from different sources and make use of it?

Course material

Gerstler, S., Aho, H. & Willberg, H. 2019. No niin! 1. Suomea aikuisille. Helsinki: FinnLectura.

Study forms and methods

Scheduled track:
Classes on Mikkeli Campus. There are contact lessons and working independently included in the course. It is required to attend the lessons actively and complete the assignments and exams successfully.

Blended track:
Instead of contact lessons, choose an online course.

Timing of exams and assignments

There will be two exams in the course. Both exams must be passed. It is possible to write (rewrite) a non-written or not passed exam on three general exam dates. These dates will be given at the beginning of the course.

Student workload

135 h total (60 contact lessons, 75 h independent).

Further information

The students having native-like skills in the Finnish language will study the course 'Viestintätaidot', the students having no previous skills in the Finnish language, the course Finnish 1. This information here is the same as information given about Finnish 1.

(Finnish 1) Prior skills in the Finnish language are not a requirement, but attending the course requires English skills enabling academic studies.

Evaluation scale

1-5

Assessment methods and criteria

Lectures and exercises. Two midterm exams. To be settled at the course kick off.

Assessment criteria, fail (0)

Students do not complete assignments in the given timetable. Students do not attend the lessons.

Assessment criteria, good (3-4)

The course Finnish 1 is arranged at the entry-level of your studies. The assessment emphazises criteria a–d and f. Students that have reached the level 3 are able to
a) use phrases, basic vocabulary and structures (CEFR levels A1.1–A1.2) in everyday communication
b) look for information from the textbooks and other information sources of the elementary Finnish
c) identify various contexts and interrelated tasks
d) communicate in simple everyday situations
e) work as team members in a goal-oriented way.