• Code: FIN8RB023
• Extent: 3 cr (80 h)
• Timing: period 4 (1st year students)
• Language: English, Finnish
• Level: Basic studies, target level A1-A2
• Type: compulsory

Prerequisites
Previous Finnish skills are not required.

Learning outcomes
The objective of the course is to provide students with basic knowledge of the Finnish language and culture. The student learns to understand the nature of Finnish and develops strategic skills of learning the language.

After successful completion of the course students will be able to
• understand and use short and simply-structured Finnish in everyday situations
• understand the basic nature of the language
• develop strategic skills of learning the language

Course contents
• Pronunciation and basic structures (present tense, local cases, genitive and partitive case, conditional mood).
• Presenting oneself and others.
• Nationalities and countries.
• Home and family.
• Numbers and time.
• Hobbies and activities.
• Describing people and things.
• Food and menu.
• Basic customer service and hospitality.

Teaching and learning methods
Discussion and oral assignments
Reading and short written assignments
Contact lessons 48 h
Independent work load 32 h

Identifying and acknowledging previously acquired skills (AHOT)
The student may achieve the credits on the basis of previous skills by taking a skills test. The student must show sufficient knowledge to receive acknowledgement of his/her skills. Skills test assessment on a scale 1-5.

Teacher/s with the main responsibility for the course
Aino Norrbacka, Haaga

Course materials
White, Leila 2009. From start to Finnish. A short course in Finnish. Helsinki, Finn Lectura
Material given by the lecturer
Additional reading: Kenttälä, Marjukka 2000. Kieli käyttöön: suomen kielen alkeisoppikirja. Helsinki, Yliopistopaino.

Assessment criteria
Active participation (manadatory attendance 80%)                                                                                                                                                                                           Discussion and oral assignments 30 %
Reading and short written assignments 30%
Written exam 40 %