The Swedish-speaking Finns: An interdisciplinary exploration

For more information please see http://sockom.helsinki.fi/studies/courses.html.

Target group/Course level

Basic studies

Content

Finland has two official languages, Finnish and Swedish. Approximately 6 % of the Finnish population has Swedish as mother tongue. Compared to other national and linguistic minority groups in Europe, the Swedish-speaking Finns have a special status. They are well integrated, resourceful and have a strong group identity. There are, however, different challenges to the well-being of the group.

The purpose of the course is to give insights into the special situation of the Swedish-speaking Finns in a European context through the lenses of scientific theories. The course will discuss issues like the administrative consequences of the two official languages, the statutory rights of the Swedish-speaking group, language and especially matters related to bilingualism, the Swedish-speaking identity, and the extraordinarily rich media landscape.

Completion

Examination: Course participants are examined on the basis of lecture diaries and essays (5-8 pages) (4 credit points). Students who want to reach 6 credit points must write a longer essay (15 pages).