Finnish 1, CEFR A1.2 (3 cr)

Objectives (course unit)

The objective of the course is developing basic language skills. The student understands a limited number of words, short sentences, questions, and prompts; can communicate concisely and introduce oneself; understands short and simple texts; can write a few sentences about oneself and one’s life. Aim to reach CEFR (Common European Framework Reference level): A1.2

Content (course unit)

Introduction to how Finnish language works. The alphabet, numbers and pronunciation. Communication, vocabulary and structures. Possible themes include personal life, family and friends; studying, work and free time; home, housing, living in Finland; public services (e.g. shopping and library); traveling; time, weather. The course will cover basic Finnish grammar and communication skills, including speaking, writing, speech comprehension and reading. Grammatical themes covered include basic conjugation and declension, verb types, basic sentence, pronunciation. The differences between spoken and written language are taken into account. No prior Finnish or linguistics knowledge is required.

Location and time

The course does not include timed lessons requiring attendance. The course will be delivered non-stop as online learning: students can choose the starting time and pace of the course. The course can be started at any time between 13 August and 10 December 2024. The course instructor will admit new students starting from 13 August 2024. After that, the teacher accepts new enrolments once a week until 9 December 2024. If the course is completed before 19 December 2024, the grade and credits will be given by 20 December 2024 at the latest. If the course is completed after 19 December 2024, the teacher will evaluate the grade in January 2025.

Exam schedules

The teacher accepts students enrolled in the course for the first time on 13 August 2024. After that, the teacher accepts new enrollments once a week. The completion of the course is based on the passing of several sub-exams. There is no final exam in the course. The course can only be passed by taking all the mandatory partial exams during the course. If the student hasn't completed all needed assignments at the end of the course, the student must enroll in a new implementation in the following semester and start from the beginning.

Assessment scale

1-5

Teaching methods

NOTE! Please read the text below carefully before signing up. NOTE! You will only be admitted to the course after the teacher's approval. The teacher does not accept new students on a daily basis due to workload (acceptance at least once a week). In the NONSTOP course, students must have very good self-management skills and the ability and motivation to study independently. Although the nature of the course is NONSTOP, there will be interaction with other learners on the implementation. Please note that no special arrangements or customisations can be made regarding the organisation of the course (e.g. completion of assignments). The course is open to students from all Finnish universities, as well as open UAS and CampusOnline students.

Learning materials

All necessary material for the course will be provided from open online sources.

Student workload

The course is 3 credits, which corresponds to approximately 81 hours of student work.

Content scheduling

The student has the flexibility to spread out the completion of the course as they prefer. The course can be started at any time between 13 August and 10 December 2024. If the course is completed before 19 December 2024, the grade and credits will be given by 20 December 2024 at the latest. If the course is completed after 19 December 2024, the teacher will evaluate the grade in January 2025. Teachers do final evaluations every two weeks. The sub-exam based grade and credits are recorded for the student. The assessment dates on Autumn semester are as follows: - 23 August - 6 September - 20 September - 4 October - 18 October - 1 November - 15 November - 29 November - 13 December - 20 December

Completion alternatives

SAMK students have the possibility to demonstrate their previously acquired competences, for which they do not have a certificate issued by a higher education institution by taking the RPL (Recognition of prior learning) test.

Practical training and working life cooperation

Learning the Finnish language opens up the possibility of employment in Finland. However, this course does not yet have working life connections.

International connections

SAMK Moodle4 To complete the mandatory assignments the student will need access to a microphone and camera.

Further information

Students commence their studies on this course independently and should not send a message to the teacher about their participation in the course. NOTICE! The course Moodle opens automatically after the enrollment is approved by teacher. Please note: After being accepted for a course, there is a slight delay before you can log in to Moodle (it may take a few hours). Once logged in, please read all instructions on the course’s Moodle page carefully. You will find all relevant information on how to complete the course there. In any questions, instead of contacting the instructor via email, please see earlier questions on the designated Q & A forum on Moodle. If your question has not already been answered, post your question on said forum. More information on logging into Moodle, especially for students outside of SAMK: https://esamksupport.samk.fi/help/moodle-student-signin/ If you still encounter problems when entering the course platform in Moodle, please contact eSAMK support: esamk.support@samk.fi Course feedback is given in Tuudo.