Finnish Culture and Society (5cr)

Objectives (course unit)

This course helps international business students understand life in Finland, including Finnish society, history, laws, and education. It also gives useful information about living and working in Finland to support future study and work.
After completing the course, the student will be able to:
1. Identify key features of the Finnish way of living including the structure of society, culture, and values
2. Explore the role and opportunities of international talents in the Finnish working life
3. Outline the regional characteristics and special features of the Tampere area
4. Reflect on how societal and cultural aspects influence everyday life and working in Finland

Content (course unit)

Finnish way of living​, culture and values
Features of the Finnish society, such as education system, equality, and social welfare
Characteristics of Tampere region​
Working in Finland as an international talent​

Location and time

On campus according to the timetable

Exam schedules

There is no exam on this course. Please see Methods and Grounds for Evaluation.

Assessment methods and criteria

The assessment is based on:
• successful completion of weekly assignments
• active participation in class activities (partly in Finnish)
• participation in the final seminar
• presentation of the group learning diary

Assessment scale

0-5

Teaching methods

Lectures, group work, discussions, presentations, independent study

Learning materials

Materials in Moodle

Student workload

Total hours: 5 cr x 27 h = 135 h including:
• contact lessons 42 hours (14 x 3 h)
• independent study and research 93 hours.

Completion alternatives

None

Further information

• This is an integrated course where some parts of the content and some tasks are in Finnish, therefore basic Finnish language skills are required (Finnish 1 and Finnish 2 courses completed at TAMK or equivalent Finnish language skills).
• Classes are on campus. There is no online or hybrid option.
• Mandatory attendance: 80%
• Active participation in group work and discussions is required.

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

Students demonstrate basic understanding of the Finnish way of living and societal structure, with limited detail. They can list basic facts about Tampere region and recognize some opportunities and challenges that exist for international talents. They provide a limited reflection on the influence of culture on everyday life in Finland, mostly based on personal experience, without clear connection to the course materials. They are unable or unwilling to use the Finnish language even in most basic and common situations.

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

Students provide a clear and structured overview of the societal structure and way of living in Finland and support it with relevant examples. They can describe key characteristics of Tampere region and understand opportunities that exist for international talents, while demonstrating awareness of integration and employment issues. They provide a thoughtful reflection on the influence of culture on everyday life in Finland, support it with examples from personal experience and connect it to the course materials. They are able and willing to use the Finnish language in common everyday situations.

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

Students provide an insightful overview of the societal structure, way of living, and trends in Finland, making comparisons with their own culture and supporting the reasoning with relevant examples. They can describe characteristics of Tampere region in detail and understand the opportunities for international talents that exist in the region, while demonstrating a thorough awareness of integration and employment issues. They provide a deep reflection on the influence of culture on everyday life in Finland, integrating the course content, personal experiences, and broader general knowledge. They actively use the Finnish language in common everyday situations.