Business Finnish language and culture (5 cr)

Objective

You are aware of the basic characteristics of the Finnish language, culture and business practices
You are familiar with basic structures and vocabulary in the Finnish language for professional needs
You are able to reflect on your own preferences and attitude towards culture
You can collaborate well in multicultural teams
You can communicate well with representatives of other cultures effectively and handle communication in various situations

Content

Basic Finnish language used in everyday conversations
Main features of Finnish society in terms of politics and economics including social and cultural factors
Cultural differences based on comparing elements of one’s own national culture to Finnish culture
Critical perspectives on cultural intelligence and awareness
Communicating effectively in intercultural settings

Evaluation

You can:
- analyze and present Finnish culture
- use the surrounding language environment to develop your Finnish language skills
- can introduce yourself and write a CV in Finnish
- can demonstrate cultural intelligence and awareness
- can collaborate and communicate in multicultural teams

Course material

Study material is presented on the course platform in Learn.

Study forms and methods

The course involves face-to-face meetings. Classes are organised in accordance with the group schedule on Kouvola campus. Participation in classes is compulsory. There will be no additional assignments given to compensate missed classes. The course contains online exercises, class discussions, and independent assignments. Different forms of feedback will be offered, including peer feedback possibilities.

RDI and work-related cooperation

The course offers material for the needs of professional communication in Finland. In addition, the course develops academic writing skills for the purpose of future academic assignments.

Timing of exams and assignments

Business Finnish Language and Culture: Learning assignments and exams will be announced at the beginning of the course.

Academic Writing: In the end of the course, the students submit professional essays and take 3 tests on information retrieval, academic writing and Xamk referencing.

International cooperation

The course generally develops international competence, language skills, and cultural awareness.

Student workload

Business Finnish Language and Culture 3 ECTS, i.e. 81 hours of student work
Academic Writing 1 ECTS, i.e. 27 hours of student work
Ankkapurha camp 1 ECS, i.e. 27 hours of student work

Course part description

Business Finnish language and Culture covers the following topics:
- basics of the Finnish language and managing in everyday situations in Finnish
- basic grammatical structures
- pronunciation and listening comprehension
- specific characteristics of Finnish culture.


Academic Writing part covers the following topics:
- basics of academic language,
- critical writing
- Xamk references
- essay writing
- professional presentations.

Ankkapurha camp
- learning about Finnish culture
- experiencing Finnish habits
- understanding the importance of the Finnish nature for Finns

Further information

jenni.klingberg@xamk.fi
ksenia.visser@xamk.fi
stina.tallberg@xamk.fi

Evaluation scale

Approved/Failed

Assessment methods and criteria

Business Finnish Language and Culture: The assessment is based on various learning assignments and exams conducted during the course. The course requires independent work, group work, and active participation in contact lessons.
In case of academic writing course, all the independent assignments on the Learn platform should be completed. Academic writing tests and the essay task should be passed successfully.
Participation in Ankkapurha camp is compulsory.

Evaluation scale is Approved/Failed.