General provisions

The course is offered as contract education for international researchers, lecturers and doctoral students at Uppsala University.

Entry requirements

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

Learning outcomes

Upon completing the course, international researchers, lecturers and doctoral students with foreign education backgrounds and native languages other than the Scandinavian languages and Finnish will have acquired basic skills in the Swedish language and some knowledge about Swedish culture and society.

Part 1. Reading Comprehension and Writing Proficiency (4.5 credits)

After completing the course, students will:

• be able to demonstrate knowledge of and apply to some extent the rules of Swedish language structure
• have a vocabulary of everyday words and phrases
• be able to read and comprehend textbooks, short news items and articles of various types as well as easy fiction
• be able to explain in a simple manner their own opinions and experiences in writing

Part 2. Listening Comprehension and Oral Proficiency (3 credits)

After completing the course, students will:

• be able to recount their own experiences and events
• be able to hold short presentations about known factual topics
• be able to followand participate in simple conversations and discussions about familiar topics and events
• be able to gain a general understanding of what is said in some TV programs, that do not make excessive demands of the student regarding context and previous knowledge

Content

Systematic reading and practicing of basic grammatical structures and principles of pronunciation. Reading of textbooks as well as easy authentic texts. Exercises in pronunciation. Exercises in listening comprehension. Short exercises in oral and written communication. Introduction to Swedish society and culture.

Part 1: Reading Comprehension and Writing Proficiency, 4.5 credits

Part 2: Listening Comprehension and Oral Proficiency, 3 credits

Instruction

The instruction consists of seminars and group exercises.

Assessment

Assessment will be carried out continuously throughout the course. In addition, Part 1 will be examined through a written exam, and Part 2 will be examined through a listening comprehension exam, both at the end of the course. A two-grade scale (Pass, Fail) will be used. Students must have completed required course assignments and final exams to pass the course. There will be a re-test arranged (within a reasonable time after the original exam) for students who fail the final exams.