Finnish 4Laajuus (4 cr)

Objective

The student is able to function in informal and some formal communication situations in studies and working life, and can present their field of study and academic interests in detail. They understand formal oral and written communication and can recognize and partially use different speech registers. The student can follow recurring societal discussions in the media, for example, on education, employment, health, well-being, and environmental issues. The objective is to attain the level B1.1 of the Common European Framework of Reference.

Content

• Current topics and societal discussion • Use of total and partial objects • Vocabulary of one's field • Mini-conference and presentation • Idiomatic expressions

Qualifications

Completed Finnish 3 or corresponding knowledge and skills. The course is intended for students who have the required starting level at the beginning of the instruction. Courses must be completed in order, as language skills always build on what was learned at the previous level. The teacher may reject the registration if the student does not have the required starting level. If you are unsure whether the course level is suitable for you, you can contact the teacher or take the pathway test prepared by the language center, Placement test: https://elearn.uef.fi/course/view.php?id=2080.

Assessment criteria, satisfactory (1)

FAIL The tasks related to the course have not been completed successfully or submitted on time, or the exam performance has been failed. Starting a conversation is difficult. The learner sometimes finds it impossible to find or understand the core content of normal-paced speech on familiar or even general topics. The vocabulary is limited, frequent word searches hinder communication, and their speech often consists of disconnected sentences. They do not recognize style or tone differences in texts and do not master the features of even the most familiar text types as a writer. Their written productions remain incoherent and fragmented. Structures can also be unstable. 1-2 Language skill deficiencies can make interaction situations laborious if the topics are not familiar. Style and tone differences often go unrecognized. They can emphasize points they consider important, but otherwise, the content may remain sparse. They recognize the topic and some main points of normal-paced speech. Speech may repeatedly include word searches. They can produce texts of the most familiar text types, but the productions may remain fragmented.

Assessment criteria, good (3)

3-4 Understands normal-paced speech in interaction situations, but dialects, fast tempo, or unfamiliar topics make understanding difficult. Recognizes not only the main idea but also details and stylistic features. Can start a conversation. Speech production may include short word searches. Can write complete texts, but there may be deficiencies in coherence or mastery of text type features. Uses vocabulary diversely, especially when dealing with personal or otherwise familiar topics.

Assessment criteria, excellent (5)

5 Interaction situations are natural and fluent, although tone differences may go unnoticed. Can start, maintain, and conclude a conversation on a familiar topic. Actively notices and corrects their own mistakes. Understands normal-paced speech, but understanding details may require effort if the topic is unfamiliar. Different speech registers can also be challenging. Long word searches and hesitations are relatively rare in speech. Masters vocabulary related to general topics and reads general texts quite effortlessly. Can write texts representing different text types and present things as coherent wholes. Uses vocabulary diversely and also masters idioms.

Materials

Online material.

Further information

Priority for the course is given to degree students in English-taught bachelor's and master's programs for whom the course is a required part of their degree. The course is also open to other international degree students, doctoral researchers, alumni students, and staff. If there is space available, international exchange students may also participate. Accreditations or exemptions are not available for the course or parts of the course.

Execution methods

For example, classroom teaching, blended teaching, online study.

Accomplishment methods

Modes of study Lectures, spoken and written pair and group exercises, peer feedback and independent study. The course requires a total of 108 hours of work. Successful completion of the course and participation in any exams require active participation and successful completion of the learning tasks within the given schedule. Assessment criteria Participation in exercises, assignments, final exam, and possible midterm exam. A passing grade requires meeting the learning objectives and successfully completing all tasks within the given timeframe.