|
A nation of five million people, Finland is situated between West
and East, between Sweden and Russia, sharing for thousands of years religious,
historical,
political, social, and cultural influences and experiences with its neighbours
and the different worlds they represent.
Finnish, a Finno-Ugric language
related to Estonian and Hungarian, is spoken by 94% of Finland’s population, by 300,000 in Sweden, and by large numbers in Canada, the United States, and other countries. The other constitutionally recognized group, the Finland-Swedes, comprises over six percent of the population. The Finns have a strong commitment to their languages and to their culture. Their national epic, the Kalevala, compiled in the 19th century from old Finnish epic narrative poems and incantations, soon became a national symbol and continues to this day to inspire the growth and development of the country’s creative force. Today the entire world responds to Finnish achievements in music, literature, the arts and architecture, and celebrates the work of such outstanding figures as Jean Sibelius, Aki Kaurismäki, Alvar Aalto, and Eliel and Eero Saarinen.
Finnish studies at the University of Toronto are presently engaged
in teaching the Finnish language - a three-year sequence - and in offering
other courses on the literature and culture of Finland.
Finnish Programs
Enrolment in Finnish programs requires the completion of four courses;
no minimum GPA required.
Finnish Studies (Arts program)
Major program:
(6 full courses or their equivalent)
First Year:
FIN100Y1
Higher Years:
1. FIN200Y1, FIN300H1
2. Three full course equivalents from the following: FIN230H1, FIN235H1, FIN240H1, FIN250H1, FIN260H1, FIN305H11, FIN310H1, FIN320H1, FIN330H1, FIN340H1, FIN350H1, FIN410H1, FIN415H1, FIN420Y1, 430H1
Minor program:
(4 full courses or their equivalent, including at least one at the 300+ level)
Four full course equivalents from FIN
Faculty of Arts & Science Language Citation
The Finnish program participates in the Faculty of Arts and Science’s
Language Citation initiative. Students may achieve this Citation in Finnish.
Language study is a demanding and intellectually rewarding educational
experience. Our students learn to communicate both orally and in writing
in other languages
and are thus able to experience other parts of the world in more intimate
ways. Their access to other cultures opens doors for further study
and employment. Students in our department also have the opportunity to read
a vast array
of
world-renowned authors in the original languages, as well as works – normally not available in English – in
other areas of study, for example, cinema studies, drama, folklore,
history, intellectual history, philosophy, mathematics, and political
science.
The Language Citation recognizes a significant level of achievement
in language study. For course selection students should consult the
Undergraduate
Coordinator
as early as possible since not every language course is offered each
year. Students who begin language study at the Intermediate level
should consult
the Undergraduate Coordinator for approval of advanced literature
and culture courses that may satisfy the requirements for the Language
Citation.
The Language Citation in Finnish is available to students who complete FIN200Y1, FIN300H1,
and FIN305H1 with a grade of at least B-.
Students should note that, as explained on the page
20 of this Calendar, the Language Citation is not equivalent
to an academic
program and
that enrolment in a program is not necessary in order to earn
the recognition bestowed by
the Citation.
|