Study Guide

Objectives (course unit)

The course focuses on developing various workplace communication skills in English.

After completing the course, the student
- knows how to effectively communicate in English in professional situations
- masters the relevant professional terminology in the field of music
- can write professional documents related to the field of music
- can search and interpret professional knowledge from various sources in English
- can assess, maintain, and develop their own language and study skills

Content (course unit)

- Authentic professional texts, music terminology
- Different jobs in the field of music
- Telling about one’s own education and objectives
- Describing productions and pieces in the field of music
- Different communication situations: e.g. teaching an instrument and musical theatre
- Formal letter, email, and CV
- Competition and scholarship applications

Prerequisites (course unit)

Starting level: Upper secondary school English courses or skill level B2 on the Common European Framework of Reference. Do the starting skill level test in English and if necessary, complete a preparatory course before the start of the course.

Assessment criteria, satisfactory (1-2) (course unit)

The student
- can give a simple and understandable presentation utilising aids
- can tell briefly about their own instrument
- manages simple conversations on professional topics
- usually reacts in some way to what's being said to them
- is somewhat conscious of the stylistic requirements of various types of text
- can produce mostly understandable writing
- understands the main points of a normally paced conversation about a familiar topic, when the message is repeated if needed
- can pronounce in a way that is mostly understandable
- can find the information they are looking for in texts that discuss familiar topics
- uses the basic professional vocabulary so that the essential message is communicated
- uses basic grammatical structures

Assessment criteria, good (3-4) (course unit)

The student
- can prepare and give a brief but clear presentation on a professional topic
- can tell about their own instrument
- manages conversations on professional topics quite fluently
- usually reacts appropriately to what's being said to them
- usually communicates using an appropriate style in various situations
- can produce quite fluent and clear writing
- understands speakers who have various accents when the topic is familiar
- can pronounce fairly fluently and clearly
- understands the main points and most details of various texts
- can express things using other words if needed
- understands and uses the professional vocabulary fairly accurately
- uses grammatical structures mostly correctly and self-corrects their errors if they have led to misunderstandings

Assessment criteria, excellent (5) (course unit)

The student
- can give an engaging, structured presentation with the needed materials
- can tell about their own instrument fluently and in a versatile way
- manages conversations on professional topics fluently and naturally
- reacts quickly and appropriately to what's being said to them
- communicates using an appropriate style in various situations
- can produce fluent, appropriate writing with only a few errors
- understands speakers who have various accents relatively easily
- can pronounce fluently and clearly
- understands the main points and details of a demanding professional text and can adapt the information
- can express things using other words and bridges the gaps in their vocabulary in a discreet way
- understands and skilfully and accurately uses the professional terminology of their own specialisation
- uses complex grammatical structures mostly correctly

Assessment methods and criteria

The student has to be present on at least 80% of the lessons i.e. three absences are allowed including the final exam. Failure to attend enough classes may affect final grade or prevent you from sitting the final exam.

The grade is based on oral competence (presentation, video CV) and written competence (grant application, written exam). Failing to adhere to deadlines may affect your grade. Submitting homework during the course also affects your grade.

Assessment scale

0-5

Teaching methods

Classroom teaching, group and pair work, online learning on Moodle.

This course is taught in English (Finnish as support language if needed).

Learning materials

Materials on Moodle page.

Student workload

Contact teaching 9 x 2,25 hours = 20,25 hours
Independent work includes weekly homework, either reading or exercises.

Completion alternatives

Independent portfolio for those with proficiency and prior experience in professional English. The portfolio must be submitted by the last day of the course.

If you have a Proposal for Individual Study Arrangements, please let the teacher know at the start of the course.

If you have prior studier in higher education, you might be entitled to credit transfer. Read more: https://intra.tuni.fi/en/studying/studying-0/studying-languages#credit

International connections

International students in the course if possible.

Further information

Prerequisites
A-level upper secondary school English or equivalent skills, a passed TAMK skill level test, or a passed preparatory course.