General provisions

The course is a freestanding course.

Entry requirements

Basic eligibility for university studies (except the Swedish language requirement) is required for admission to the course. The course Basic Swedish 2 (or the equivalent skill in Swedish) is also required.

Learning outcomes

The goal of this course is to help students with foreign education backgrounds and native languages other than the Scandinavian languages and Finnish to acquire basic skills in the Swedish language and some knowledge about Swedish culture and society. The course will provide a basis for further studies in Swedish that can provide the competence in Swedish required to pursue university studies in Sweden.

After completing the course, students will:

• be able to demonstrate knowledge of and apply accurately the rules of Swedish language structure
• have such a developed vocabulary that they can deal with situations beyond everyday living
• be able to communicate verbally with Swedes in Swedish
• be able to participate in conversations and discussions about both familiar and unfamiliar topics and events
• be able to hold presentations about and explain factual topics, and in doing so, use more developed language
• be able to understand what is said on the radio and the TV, such as news or entertainment programs, but also some factual programs that don't make excessive demands of the student's prior knowledge
• be able to read and, with different reading goals, comprehend newspaper articles and other authentic Swedish texts
• be able to respond in writing and comment on various facts/opinions
• be able to explain in writing their own opinions and experiences
• be able to complete factual written reports
• be able to demonstrate basic knowledge about Swedish society, as well as Swedish history, geography and culture

Content

Intensive and extensive reading of texts. Verbal and written communication with the use of more developed language. Expanded understanding of Swedish society and Swedish culture.

Instruction

The instruction consists of lectures and group exercises, partly in the language lab.

Assessment

Assessment will be carried out continuously thoughout the course. In addition, there will be a written and possibly an oral exam at the end of the course. A two-grade scale (Pass, Fail) will be utilised. Students must complete required course assignments before they may take the final exam. There will be a re-test arranged (within a reasonable time after the original exam) for students who fail the final exam.

Other regulations

The course is intended primarily for exchange students of all levels but subject to availability other students with foreign educational backgrounds may be considered. In both cases it is necessary for the applicant to be enrolled in the student register (Uppdok) of their main department at Uppsala University before an applicaiton can be granted.