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. On autumn period, starting in September, finishing latest in December (on working days during daytime).

Materials

The book: Suomen mestari 1: suomen kielen oppikirja aikuisille / Sonja Gehring, Sanni Heinzmann (available in the Laurea library, in other libraries and in bookstores)
Some teacher's own material also
Material for independent studying available in libraries, e.g.:
Kuparinen & Tapaninen: Sun suomi. Finnish for beginners. 2013. Otava.
Material for independent studying available in Internet, e.g.:
A taste of Finnish: http://tasteoffinnish.fi/
Easy Finnish. http://oppiminen.yle.fi/suomi-finnish/easyfinnish
Supisuomea. http://yle.fi/vintti/yle.fi/supisuomea/01/index.html
Infopankki. www.infopankki.fi

Teaching methods

The course will have lessons weekly during the 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.
Besides contact lessons there will be some assignments. Optima workspace will be in use (information, some material, homework & remote assignment returning).

Student workload

According to Laurea mathematics, 5 credits requires a workload of 135 hours. About 50-55 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.

Evaluation scale

H-5

Further information

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