Study Guide

Objectives (course unit)

The student
- is able to identify and apply the elements of academic reading, writing and speaking;
- is able to critically evaluate sources, and use them in his/her own writing/speaking;
- is able to communicate clearly and logically about his/her own field;
- is able to continue developing his/her English language and intercultural communication skills independently.

Content (course unit)

- academic style and language
- structuring an essay / report / research paper: paraphrasing and referencing, cohesive devices
- authentic scientific texts
- presentations, discussions

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

The student
- communicates in comprehensible English showing some awareness of academic style and register in their written assignments
- can search for information in scientific publications, but has sometimes problems in interpreting and utilizing it
- understands the significance of knowing scientific English, and works fairly purposefully to gain linguistic competence in one’s special field
- is aware of some ways to further develop one’s academic language skills and field-specific skills by utilizing different tools and strategies to some extent

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

The student
- communicates fairly fluently showing relatively solid awareness of academic style and register in their written assignments
- understands and employs field-specific terminology fairly accurately
- can utilize various resources and dictionaries
- expresses oneself and conveys the message to the reader fairly idiomatically without misunderstandings (H4)
- conveys the information to the reader understandably without misunderstandings, but sometimes non-idiomatically and with features from the mother tongue (H3)
- can search for information in scientific publications to promote one’s professional growth
- can critically assess the references
- can apply and utilize most of the information obtained
- understands the significance of knowing scientific English, and works purposefully to gain linguistic competence in one’s special field
- is aware of various ways to further develop one’s academic language skills and field-specific skills by utilizing different tools and strategies in a goal-oriented manner

Assessment criteria, excellent (5) (course unit)

The student
- communicates fluently, effortlessly and almost flawlessly showing solid awareness of academic style and register in their written assignments
- employs and utilizes specific terminology and accurate field-specific concepts in their written assignments
- can search for information in scientific publications and other professional sources: interprets and utilizes it with ease to promote one’s professional growth
- can critically assess the references
- can apply and utilize the information obtained
- understands and employs field-specific terminology accurately
- can utilize a vast variety of resources and dictionaries
- expresses oneself fluently and conveys the message to the reader idiomatically without misunderstandings
- is well aware of various ways to further develop one’s academic language skills and field-specific skills by utilizing different tools and strategies in a goal-oriented and self-directed manner

Location and time

Depending on the COVID-19 situation, it might be either online or face-to-face teaching.
The timetable will be announced soon.
The ZOOM link will be the designated classroom.
https://tuni.zoom.us/j/7630316699

Exam schedules

There will be no exams. The report/ essay submitted by the student replaces the exams.

Assessment methods and criteria

This course emphasizes academic writing and the evaluation is based on a 0-5 grading scale where 0 fails and 5 is excellent. Active participation in class and online collaborative platforms are required. To get a minimum pass, students need to submit an essay using TAMK's template written in an academic style. There should be evidence of source materials used and in-text and list of references included in accordance with TAMK's recommendations.

Assessment scale

0-5

Teaching methods

Lectures, practising TAMK's recommended referencing style, researching and assessing source materials, paraphrasing, writing workshops etc.

Learning materials

Materials for academic writing will be provided on Moodle. However, materials for individual essays will be determined by the topic or theme of the student.

Student workload

Learn to use TAMK's thesis template and the report guide, research authentic materials to write an academic essay based on the selected topic of the student.

Completion alternatives

Accreditation.

Practical training and working life cooperation

Report writing.

Further information

Students should remember that learning to use and edit the thesis template is a plus and also using strictly use the report guide as the source of referencing material.

Assessment criteria - fail (0) (Not in use, Look at the Assessment criteria above)

The student has not attended the minimum number of lessons and has not provided any evidence of illness to justify their absence. Participation in lessons and online forums is not significant. In addition, the student has not submitted the final essay.

Assessment criteria - satisfactory (1-2) (Not in use, Look at the Assessment criteria above)

Satisfactory (1-2):
The student has attended the minimum lessons of 80%. He/she communicates in comprehensible English on the whole and shows some awareness of the norms for different types of text; references to source materials are included where appropriate. Requirements regarding participation, meeting deadlines, the use of TAMK's thesis template and the report guide etc. are minimally fulfilled.

Assessment criteria - good (3-4) (Not in use, Look at the Assessment criteria above)

Good: (3-4)
The student has attained at least, 80% of attendance. His/her English is mainly clear and appropriate. Written work meets norms for different types of text, including scientific reporting. Oral communication is professional. Requirements regarding participation, meeting deadlines etc. are mainly fulfilled. The student has used multiple sources of academic writers in his/her work accurately in accordance with TAMK's report guide. The report/essay has been written using the thesis template.

Assessment criteria - excellent (5) (Not in use, Look at the Assessment criteria above)

Excellent (5)
Students’ written English is formal and accurate and displays appropriate variation in style; reports meet norms for different types of text; students show the ability to access and select appropriate information; references to source materials are incorporated accurately and in a variety of ways; source materials are expertly paraphrased. The student has used multiple sources of academic writers in his/her work accurately in accordance with TAMK's report guide. Oral expression is fluent and professional. Requirements regarding participation, meeting deadlines etc. are consistently fulfilled.