The main object of our Finnish language and integration courses is to teach Finnish language and though Finnish is most prominent part of the weekly schedule there are also other important topics also.

One is Finnish history. Learning principal parts of the history of Finland opens the Finnish culture and language as well as enlightens our understanding of the present society: such as why the Swedish language is another official language in Finland.

The series of history is split between two semesters so that Autumn semester includes times from Finnish prehistory until the year 1809 when Sweden loses Finland and Finland becomes an autonomous Grand Duchy. This time period covers stone, bronze and iron age as well the Finnish Crusades, legends of St. Henrik, the first bishop of Finland and the Finnish Middle Ages. Also reformation and Swedish imperial time in the 17th century play a significant role not to mention the 18th century, the Enlightenment and rising national spirit in Finland.

The Spring semester has the history lessons that cover the Finnish autonomy and development under the Russian Empire and the interesting history of independent Finland.

Altogether autumn series is six lessons and spring eight lessons.

Learning the history of the country one is living is important.