- Central Eurasian Studies >> Courses >> Course List
- Introductory Finnish I
- CEUS-T 101/501
- Tapio Hokkanen
Course objectives
Introductory Finnish I is for students with no previous knowledge of the Finnish language. The aim is to obtain general skills that are desirable in everyday situations related to traveling and studying in Finland (e.g., introducing yourself, buying, traveling and talking about the weather). You will also be able to understand simple spoken Finnish that handles familiar topics and understand the main points of simple and brief messages. You will also learn basic facts about Finnish culture and history.
The course is based on engaging in communicative skills. The methods of this course are learner centered, communicative and often problem-based, which means that sometimes, for instance, you will solve grammar rules with your peer and assistance of your instructor. All basic language skills, speaking, listening, reading and writing will be included both in class activities and at home.
Required texts and materials
Vähämäki, Börje & Stuart von Wolff 2004 (1994): Mastering Finnish. Aspasia Books, Inc.- U of Toronto Press.
Wuolle Aino 1990: Finnish-English English-Finnish Concise Dictionary. 8. edition. Hippocrene.
Lecturer’s own materials given along the course
The books can be purchased at IU bookstore.
Assignments
The final grade is based on attendance and participation (40%), homework (20%), journal (10%) quizzes and tests (10%) midterm (10%) and the final exam (10%)
Absences
Language learning requires greater participation in the classroom than most other subjects in the university curriculum. Students are expected to attend ALL classes. Students are allowed to miss three instructional hours during the course of one semester without grade penalty. Absences beyond three instructional hours will result in grade penalty of 2% per day. Additional absences can be considered by the department only with proper documentation of attested medical needs for which a doctor's note will be required, and with the possibility of a tutoring requirement to preclude class disruption for other students.
Departmental Policies
- Auditing: The Department of Central Eurasian Studies does not allow auditing of language courses. Any inquiries must be addressed to CEUS Chair directly.
- Enrollment: Students enrolled in CEUS language courses obtain a grade at the end of each semester. The Department does not offer pass/fail options.
- Incompletes are not given in CEUS language courses. Any inquiries must be addressed to CEUS Chair directly.
- If you are a native speaker of a language or you are a citizen of a country where the language is commonly spoken, or you graduated from a high school in that country, Indiana University and departmental policy may (or may not) prohibit you from enrollment in this language class. Please direct all related questions to the Department of Central Eurasian Studies, Goodbody Hall 157, 855-2233, or ceus@indiana.edu
