Finnish for Foreigners 1 (3cr)

Objectives (course unit)

After successful completion of the course students will be able to pronounce Finnish quite correctly, understand and use short and simply-structured Finnish expressions that concern some of the most common matters and situations related to everyday life (introducing oneself and one’s family, telling the time, buying and paying, timetables, food and menu, working and studying). Student can shortly discuss about these matters and understand short texts concerning such topics.

Content (course unit)

Basics of the Finnish language, structural exercises, pronounciation exercises, vocabulary exercises, conversational and drama exercises, listening comprehension exercises, reading comprehension exercises, written exercises.

Prerequisites (course unit)

No prerequisites.

Assessment criteria, satisfactory (1-2) (course unit)

Student has been able to complete all the assignments acceptably. She/he can exchange greetings/farewells, introduce oneself, name a few objects and copy some words that she/he has learned. It is hard for her/him to attend a simple conversation or create a short text. Her/his pronunciation causes difficulties to understand meanings of produced speech.

Assessment criteria, good (3-4) (course unit)

Student has an active attitude towards studying Finnish language showing that by completing course tasks according to the schedule. She/he is able to cope in most common everyday situations: shopping, travelling, and visiting people. A student is able to write brief messages (e.g. e-mail, text message, and post card) in Finnish and is able to pronounce Finnish clearly enough. Student’s mother tongue may have an effect in pronunciation and/or sentence structure, but it doesn’t cause big problems to understand the meaning of messages.

Assessment criteria, excellent (5) (course unit)

Student has a positive and active attitude towards learning language. She/he can pronounce Finnish distinctively and is able to use suitable and varied expressions in everyday situations using grammar mostly correct way. A student can participate in a conversation asking and responding to questions about topics studied in the course. She/he can write simple descriptions or stories and recombine words and phrases into new sentences.

Location and time

During the second period on Monday (10 - 12) and on Thursday (8 - 10): 2 x 2 on line lessons per week. Zoom link in Moodle.

Exam schedules

On Thursday 3 December. Retake in the beginning of the following week.

Assessment methods and criteria

A course grade will be formed on the basis of a result of the written exam.

Assessment scale

0-5

Teaching methods

Because of an on line implementation all kind of on line material is utilized. The basic tool in communication during lessons is Zoom. All materials have been collected and structured in Moodle. The idea is to make learning basics of Finnish not only important but also interesting and fun.

Learning materials

Textbook with audio: SUN SUOMI - Finnish for beginners (by Kristiina Kuparinen, Terhi Tapaninen & Karoliina Kuisma). You can find the book in the TAMK library, but it is recommended to buy the book, because it will be used in all three Finnish courses. Materials made by the teacher and e-materials - both of them linked in Moodle.

Student workload

Finnish language is so different from the most students' mother tongues which means rather much work to get in communication in Finnish. This time the studying demands time and on line collaboration. A regular and active attendance in lessons is important and also compulsory to pass the course. But as said, in addition to it much private learning is needed. 3 ECT course means 3 x 27 hours' (81 hours') work! To build up one's motivation is very important: to find useful, fun and creative ways to learn, use and understand Finnish. So have Finnish as a hobby also in your free time!

Content scheduling

The contents according to course Moodle structure and the textbook.

Completion alternatives

In case you have completed a similar course in another university, please fill in the application form in Pakki and add the necessary documents (transcript of records).

If you have informally accomplished the goals and want to discuss how to show your skill please contact the teacher via email and explain why you think you should be exempted from the course and how you would you like to develop your Finnish skills.

Practical training and working life cooperation

No.

International connections

The whole group is international!

Further information

The first lesson on Monday 19 October at 10.00 - 11.30 (usually at 10.15 - 11.45).

Assessment criteria - fail (0) (Not in use, Look at the Assessment criteria above)

Uncompleted assignments, great difficulties to understand and produce the simplest basic phrases and expressions. More than 20 % absences from online lessons.

Assessment criteria - satisfactory (1-2) (Not in use, Look at the Assessment criteria above)

Student has been able to complete all the assignments acceptably. She/he can exchange greetings/farewells, introduce oneself, name a few objects and copy some words that she/he has learned. It is hard for her/him to attend a simple conversation or create a short text. Her/his pronunciation causes difficulties to understand meanings of produced speech.

Assessment criteria - good (3-4) (Not in use, Look at the Assessment criteria above)

Student has an active attitude towards studying Finnish language showing that by completing course tasks according to the schedule. She/he is able to cope in most common everyday situations: shopping, travelling, and visiting people. A student is able to write brief messages (e.g. e-mail, text message, and post card) in Finnish and is able to pronounce Finnish clearly enough. Student’s mother tongue may have an effect in pronunciation and/or sentence structure, but it doesn’t cause big problems to understand the meaning of messages.

Assessment criteria - excellent (5) (Not in use, Look at the Assessment criteria above)

Student has a positive and active attitude towards learning language. She/he can pronounce Finnish distinctively and is able to use suitable and varied expressions in everyday situations using grammar mostly correct way. A student can participate in a conversation asking and responding to questions about topics studied in the course. She/he can write simple descriptions or stories and recombine words and phrases into new sentences.