Understanding Finland (3cr)

Objective

The course offers an introduction to Finnish culture, defined as “The learned and shared values, beliefs and behaviors of a group of people.”(Milton Bennett) or “The know-how of daily life.” (Catherine Bartlett, Aira Davidsson). Differences between Finnish culture and other cultures will be addressed, with a particular focus on participants’ cultures.

After the course, participants will have an understanding of the most important traits of Finnish culture and their roots in Finnish values. They will be prepared for the experience of cultural differences during their stay in Finland.

Content

Teacher’s lectures about central aspects of Finnish culture as a result of Finnish history and ecology. Emphasis will be on understanding how the underlying cultural beliefs and values produce the mindset one encounters in Finland today. Group exercises compare Finnish culture to participants’ own cultures, aiming to create sensibility for possible culture-related problems.

Assessment criteria, satisfactory (1)

5-1/fail