Professional Communication and Academic Writing (5 ECTS)

Objective

The student
• can act in communication and interaction situations related to studying and tasks in their field of work
• can produce various types of social services texts in English
• can communicate as an expert in the diverse tasks and environments of social services, including research and development roles
• can search for and critically evaluate information and use it purposefully
• knows best practices in oral and written communication and can apply them appropriately
• can utilise their language and communication skills to continuously develop their thinking and expertise.

Content

• Professional text skills and text production: stages of the writing process and collaborative writing
• Interaction skills: client communication, teamwork, and negotiation situations
• Communication in plain language
• Presentation skills: advocacy work through speech and giving feedback
• Best practices for digital communication and ethical use of AI
• Basics of academic writing
• Ethical and critical use of sources and citation methods

Location and time

Lectures:

September 19, at 8:30-11:45
September 26, at 8:30-11:45
October 10, at 8:30-11:45
October 31, at 8:30-11:45
November 7, at 8:30-11:45
November 21, at 8:30-11:45
December 5, at 8:30-11:45

Presentations on December 10 and 12.

Teaching methods

Lectures on campus and online, reasonable homework. Please note that venue changes are possible. Details will be announced on the first lesson on September 19 at 8:30-11:45 in hybrid mode, both on campus and online.

Contents:
• Professional text skills and text production: stages of the writing process and collaborative writing
• Interaction skills: client communication, teamwork, and negotiation situations
• Presentation skills: advocacy work through speech and giving feedback
• Best practices for digital communication and ethical use of AI
• Basics of academic writing
• Ethical and critical use of sources and citation methods

Methods:
• Reflective class discussion on social services topics
• Class exercises
• Group work, both written and oral
• Individual work, both written and oral
• Final written assignment and oral presentation

Student workload

5 ECTS credits which makes 135 hours of student's work.

Further information

Please revise English grammar and structure before the course. At the beginning of the course, the student's English language skills should be at least at the European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) level B2.

Evaluation scale

0-5

Assessment criteria, satisfactory (1)

Framework of assessment is attached in the curriculum's description.

Assessment criteria, approved/failed

Framework of assessment is attached in the curriculum's description.

Assessment methods and criteria

Assessment criteria is 0-5. The assessment is made on the basis of written and oral course work and student's participation in class and group work.

Qualifications

The student's English language skills are at the European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) level B2.