Otaniemi Upper Secondary School – Sustainable Future Project
Course code, full name, and status (C/EC/OP)
YH1 Finnish Society (C)
Topic
Ways of making an impact
Objectives
The objective of the module is that the students
- are able to read and produce non-fiction text typical of the subject
- understand the foundations on which the structure of Finnish society is built
- are familiar with citizens’ fundamental rights as well as their means of and opportunities for involvement, know how to act as active citizens, and develop an interest in civic participation
- are familiar with the foundation of the welfare state and rule of law and capable of comparing different welfare models in the Nordic countries, Europe, and elsewhere in the world
- are able to explore and evaluate societal involvement in the media
- are able to examine the possibilities of and challenges to democracy from different viewpoints and in an analytical manner
- are able to critically evaluate societal information and the basis of decision-making in society at the local and national level as well as their impact on different population groups and societal actors
- are able to plan relevant ways of using political civil involvement to resolve local, national, and international issues.
Content
Structure of Finnish society
- demographic and social structure of Finnish population
- factors that affect changes in demographic structure
Democracy and rule of law
- human rights, citizens’ fundamental rights and responsibilities
- judicial administration, judicial power and law-enforcement authority
Welfare and equality
- social equality, non-discrimination and justice
- tasks, advantages, and challenges of the Nordic welfare state
Power, participation and engagement
- forms of exercising power in society, democratic decision-making, and the Finnish agreement-based society
- citizens’ means of involvement and the significance of active citizenship
- local and national system of decision-making in Finland
- changing significance of the media and engagement through the media
More detailed description of content if necessary
Key concepts
Influence, Petition, Initiative, Boycott, Buycott, Demonstration / Protest, Anarchism, Parliamentary process, Legislative process, Democracy, Multiculturalism, Refugee status, Humanitarian immigration, Organizational activity, Non-governmental organizations (NGOs), Third sector, Media’s role in societal change, Disinformation, Media literacy
Connections within the subject
YH03 European Union and Legislative Processes
Connections to other subjects
Possible model pathways related to the content
Agenda 2030 Goal 13: Climate Action, Goal 17: Partnerships for the Goals