Finnish 1 (5 cr)

Objective

You can use the languages you know and the Finnish-speaking environment in support of your Finnish language studies.

You can express yourself in Finnish at A1.1.-A1.2 level in the most common everyday situations, both orally and in writing.

You know the main grammatical features of the Finnish language.

You are able to independently increase your vocabulary and improve your language skills with the help of relevant sources.

You are familiar with Finnish culture.

You can ethically use ICT in your studies.

Content

How does Finnish compare to other languages you know?

What are the special characteristics of the Finnish language?

How is Finnish pronounced and written?

How do you introduce yourself and communicate in everyday situations?

How do you make use of the Finnish-speaking environment in learning the language?

What vocabulary, phrases and structures do you need in everyday situations?

What kind of language and cultural knowledge do you need in basic language studies?

What sources and tools can you use in your basic Finnish language studies during the course and independently?

How can you use technology and tools in your language studies in an ethical way?

How do you set yourself goals in Finnish language learning and how do you reflect on your learning?

Course material

The study material used in the course is: Gehring, S. & Heinzmann, S. 2020. Uudistettu Suomen mestari 1. Suomea aikuisille. Helsinki: FinnLectura. (Note! Edition 2020 or newer.)
The other study material is available in the Learn (Xamk Moodle) online learning environment.

Study forms and methods

The instruction is delivered entirely as on-site teaching at the Mikkeli campus according to the schedule. Remote participation is not possible. On-site teaching is not recorded and is not replaced by remote lectures when on-site teaching is scheduled. Attendance is mandatory for completing the course. Teacher guidance is available during on-site classes.

The course includes on-site lessons twice a week and individual, pair, and small group tasks performed during the lessons. In addition, various oral and written exercises are completed.

Various methods of feedback are used during the course. These may include written and oral feedback, and peer feedback can also be used.

RDI and work-related cooperation

When possible there will be training of branch connected vocabulary and communication situations.

Timing of exams and assignments

The course ends at the time specified in the implementation details, by which all learning assignments, exams, and other tasks related to completing the course must be completed. There will be two exams in the course. Both exams must be passed. It is possible to write (rewrite) a non-written or not passed exam twice. Exam dates will be given at the beginning of the course.

International cooperation

This course suits well for international, exchange and double degree students.

Student workload

1 ECTS credit corresponds to approximately 27 hours of student work. However, the workload depends on study skills and prior knowledge.

In a 5-credit course, the student's workload is approximately 135 hours, of which around 60 hours consist of lectures and group work under the teacher's guidance according to the schedule, and about 75 hours are independently completed learning assignments.

Further information

The course is intended for students who do not have prior knowledge of the Finnish language.
Attending the course requires English skills enabling academic studies.
Attendance is mandatory for completing the course.

Evaluation scale

1-5

Assessment methods and criteria

The assessment is based on the course's learning objectives and evaluation criteria. To pass the course, students must complete both exams with a passing grade, complete the learning assignments successfully, and participate in online teaching actively.

The course is graded on a scale of 1–5.