Finnish 1 (5 cr)

Objective

You are able to express yourself in Finnish in the most common everyday situations both orally and in writing.

You have a command of simple phrases, basic clauses and vocabulary (CEFR level A1.1?A1.2) needed in e.g. introducing yourself and in service encounters.

You are familiar with the most essential grammatical features, like vowel harmony, present tense of the verb types and partitive singular case, and can manage with the pronunciation and spelling.

You are able to expand your vocabulary and knowledge of language usage also independently using different sources.

You can show familiarity in the Finnish culture.

Content

What kind of language Finnish is compared with other languages that you know? What are the special features of Finnish?

Which phrases and what kind of knowledge on Finnish language and culture are needed in everyday communication?

Which sources and tools you can use in order to learn elementary Finnish during the course and also independently?

How to pronounce and spell in Finnish?

Evaluation

The course "Suomi 1" is located in the entry-level of your studies. The assessment emphazises criteria a–d and f. A student that has reached the level 3 is able to
a) use phrases, basic vocabulary and structures (CEFR levels A1.1 - A1.2) in everyday communication
b) look for information from the text books and other information sources of the elementary Finnish
c) identify various contexts and interrelated tasks
d) communicate in simple everyday situations
e) work as team-members in a goal-oriented way.

Study forms and methods

Scheduled track:
Timing A+B, ie. On Mondays 8.15-9.45 and on Tuesdays 14.30-16. Classes on Kouvola Campus.
There are contact lessons and working independently included in the course. It is required to attend the lessons actively (minimum 80 %) and complete the assignments and exams successfully.

Blended track:
Instead of Finnish 1, choose an online course Finnish for Beginners.

Timing of exams and assignments

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 on three general exam dates. These dates will be given at the beginning of the course.

Student workload

135 h total (60 contact lessons, 75 h independent).

Further information

Prior skills in the Finnish language are not a requirement, but attending the course requires English skills enabling academic studies.

Evaluation scale

1-5

Assessment methods and criteria

Lectures and exercises. Two midterm exams. To be settled at the course kick off.

Assessment criteria, fail (0)

A student does not attend the contact lessons and/or complete the assignments and exams successfully in the given timetable.

Assessment criteria, good (3-4)

The course Finnish 1 is arranged at the entry-level of your studies. The assessment emphazises criteria a–d and f. Students that have reached the level 3 are able to
a) use phrases, basic vocabulary and structures (CEFR levels A1.1–A1.2) in everyday communication.
b) look for information from the textbooks and other information sources of the elementary Finnish.
c) identify various contexts and interrelated tasks.
d) communicate in simple everyday situations.
e) work as team members in a goal-oriented way.

Qualifications

Prior skills in the Finnish language are not a requirement, but attending the course requires English skills enabling academic studies.