SÁM-0103 North Sami Language Introduction Course Part 1

This program is intended for those who neither speak nor write Northern Sámi but want to learn the language from the very beginning. The program is designed so that through teaching and practical exercises you will learn the language.

• Scope: 15 ECTS credits
• Lectures, gatherings and schedule can be found here: Time Edit
• Over how many semesters: 1
• Teaching and learning methods: The course includes 2,5-week with physical day sessions, as well as evening classes. It is not possible to follow the teaching online
• Location: “Barentshuset,” UiT’s facilities in Kirkenes
• Language of instruction: Norwegian and Sami are the instruction language at the start of the course. Practicing Sami is increasingly emphasized throughout the course of study
• Course fee: NOK 1200 for materials and NOK 500 semester fee
• On Søknadsweb choose: 1999

Entry requirements

The education is intended for those who do not speak or write Sami language.

According to the regulations for admission to higher education, beginner´s courses and semester courses in in Sami language are exempted from the requirement for Higher Education Entrance Qualification. The exception applies to applicants who have a Sami connection due to Sámi University of Applied Sciences regulations. The exception applies to applicants who have a Sami connection according to the following alternatives
- Sami who have lost their language and want to learn Sami language, or 
- Employees at public institutions in Sami areas who want to learn Sami language, or 
- Others (eg, applicants who live in a Sami family or in a Sami area and wants to learn Sami)

The course has 15 study seats. Prioritization of study seats is done according to the regulations on admission to studies at the Sámi University of Applied Sciences § 5-4 (2): 
1. Sami who have lost their language and want to learn Sami language 
2. Employees at public institutions in Sami areas who want to learn Sami language
3. Others (eg, applicants who live in a Sami family or in a Sami area and wants to learn Sami)

Applicants will write motivation letters explaining which of the alternatives are the basis for the application.

Content

The environment of communication is organized among others for practical situations. The students are expected to communicate in Sami language among themselves and to the teachers whenever working. Central learning themes are connected to Sami traditions, life sustaining issues and other areas. The introductory headlines for the themes are:

The local environment 
- Me and my family 
- the community and buildings 
- clothing 
- socializing and service situations

Life Sustaining issues 
- time concepts (hours, days and nights, months, seasons) 
- weather, travelling and navigation 
- nature terms and place names 

Basic societal encounters 
- art, traditional handicraft, literature, religion and music 
- Sami institutions 
- media and other means of communication

The very basics of syntax, morphology and phonology will be handled. The part of speech inflect patterns and consonantal gradations will be taught along with practical work in various situations. Phonetics will naturally be connected to oral language practice.

Conditions for taking exam

- It is mandatory for the student to attend at least 80 % of the teaching. 
- Short oral group presentations (minimum 5 times) on various themes to the class. 
- Reflectional log where one’s linguistic progress is assessed (minimum 3 half page logs) 
- Participation in a project work (maximum 3 students per group) with an oral presentation (app. 10 min.). The use of Sami language during the work process will be emphasized. The project should be based on educational content and competence relevance.
- A text (1 page) that displays one’s lingual competence. The theme of the project work will facilitate this text production. 

Before the exam the student will choose parts from the work portfolio to the exhibiting portfolio. 
- 1 dialogue or conversation based on the group work 
- 1 reflectional log 
- 1 work on a theme 
- 1 text on the basis of the project work 

The assignments should be submitted within an agreed deadline and be approved by the subject teacher.

Examination

There will be an approximately 15 min. individual oral exam based on the exhibiting portfolio. The assessment emphasizes the use of oral language, and the grade is either passed or failed.