Introduction to Finnish Language and Culture 1 (5 cr)

Learning outcomes

The student is able to:
- speak and understand Finnish in very basic and familiar everyday situations
- find information in very short texts and write simple messages
- use some of the basic grammar structures
- become familiar with Finnish cultural manners and customs
- reach the target level of A1.1 in the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages

Location and time

Leppävaara campus. Weekly sessions during the whole semester (once a week, 3 lessons). NOTICE! THE STUDENTS HAVE TO BE PRESENT AT THE 1ST SESSION OR INFORM THE TEACHER IN ADVANCE ON THEIR ABSENCE. Otherwise they may loose their place at the course.

Materials

Teacher's material (about 35 pages). The material will be available in Canvas when the course starts. Study material is also available for copying in the Laurea Leppävaara library. THE STUDENTS WILL PRINT OUT OR COPY THE MATERIAL THEMSELVES.

Teaching methods

The course will have lessons every week during the whole semester. It's aiming at basic knowledge of Finnish grammar and vocabulary to guarantee that the students will be able to speak and understand Finnish in very basic everyday situations. The target level is A1.1. in the Common European Framework of Refrence for Languages. NOTICE! THE STUDENTS HAVE TO BE PRESENT AT THE 1ST SESSION OR INFORM THE TEACHER IN ADVANCE ON THEIR ABSENCE. Otherwise they may loose their place at the course.

Student workload

According to Laurea mathematics, 5 credits requires a workload of 135 hours. About 50 of them will be used for weekly lessons in classroom. Homework and home studies will take the rest of the hours, however, it may vary depending on students' personal activeness, skills and goals.

Assessment criteria, approved/failed

Grading 1-5, 1 being the lowest and 5 the highest grade.
Final grade will consist of the following:
1. Written exam at the end of the course
2. Oral exam at the end of the course
3. Small vocabulary tests during the course
4. Active participation and attendence in the lessons
Required attendance: 80 % of lessons unless otherwise agreed.

Content scheduling

Basic grammar (verb conjugation, endings, questions, possessive etc), vocabulary (related to food, accomodation, studying, describing a person, family, hobbies, numbers, telling the time, weekdays, months, weather, etc.), cultural issues (facts, customs, habits in Finland), oral exercises (buying a ticket, paying at the cashier, discussing different issues, personal questions etc.).

Evaluation scale

H-5

Further information

No prerequisites required.
Required attendance: 80 % of lessons unless otherwise agreed.