Swedish Language and Culture Section 3 Fall 2016 Credits ... · Swedish official teaching qualification (subject: languages) from Stockholm University and Stock-holm Lärarhögskola.

Swedish Language and Culture Level 1 Section 3 | DIS – Study Abroad in Scandinavia | Disciplines: Language

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Swedish Language and Culture Section 3

Fall 2016 Credits: 3

Classroom: 1E509 Mondays and Thursday 08.30-09.50

Disciplines: Language

(Af Chapman I Stockholm by Ellgaard Holger, Creative Commons. All pictures shown

are in public domain.)

Course Instructor: Djina Wilk, M.A. in Germanic Languages and Literature, Washington University of St.Louis. Also Swedish official teaching qualification (subject: languages) from Stockholm University and Stock-holm Lärarhögskola. Have been teaching Swedish as a foreign language since 2004. With DIS since 2016. DIS Contacts: Djina Wilk Suzanne da Cunha Bang, SLC Program Director, Kristina Lissau, Assistant Program Director, Mark Peters, Academic Coordinator


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Don’t be satisfied with surface knowledge: participate in Swedish and Scandinavian language and culture! Have fun while learning this language – how to pronounce Ä, Å and Ö; master the phrases used in the every-day Stockholmer’s day; and get to know some traditional Swedish lit-erature, songs and sayings, so as to better understand the experience of living in Stockholm and Scandinavia.

Gain the foundation for everyday communication; enjoy walking out of class and around the cor-ner to the local café, where you can order coffee and a cinnamon bun in Swedish – while saying Hi, How are you and How was your weekend to the Swedish students around you.

Gain understanding of the cultural context in which the language is embedded. The two rein-force each other: the more language, the better appreciation of the culture; the more experi-ence of the culture, the better understanding of the language.

Be able to discuss your own experiences of Stockholm and Scandinavian culture, ways and cus-toms, and understanding them in a larger perspective, thus more quickly learning to distinguish the essential from the trivial in everyday social life

Develop a critical, analytical understanding of both your own and Scandinavian culture. Chal-lenge your own perspective on the world – learning about another culture allows you to become aware of the cultural lens through which you normally see and judge the world. Explore Swedish and Scandinavian history, literature and film, as well as the burning issues of today – enriching your experience and making you a qualified discussion partner when talking to your Swedish friends and host family. This course will contain both language and culture but a major focus lies on language and the ability to communicate in Swedish both in speaking and in writing. Course learning objectives

• Know enough Swedish to live among Swedes without feeling linguistically isolated.

• Read and understand short, simple texts in Swedish.

• Listen to and understand more complex Swedish.

• Be able to engage in basic everyday conversation with a Swede.

• Know Swedish customs and ways, so as to be able to (e.g.,) thank your hostess in the Swedish manner, and know what to do when some-one says ”skål!”.

• Show appropriate cultural sensitivity to different aspects of Scandinavian society.

• Acquire a working knowledge of key aspects of Swedish and Danish history and culture.

• Use course texts and discussions to put your own experiences of Scandinavia into a cul-tural and social context.

• Enable a critical analysis of contemporary life through a comparative lens, thus allowing a new understanding of your own background.

• Give you the experience of being well-informed, perceptive residents of Stockholm and (to some extend) Copenhagen.


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Course Description

The course is meant to furnish a historical and cultural context to your Swedish and Scandinavian experience, while including aspects of the wider, Scandinavian context into which those coun-tries necessarily fits. It will deepen your understanding and appreciation of what is different, but also what is similar, to everyday social and political life at home.

We will discuss key historical events, national memories and icons, traditions and literature, as well as the burning issues challenging Sweden and Scandinavia today. Each week, we will pro-vide field studies, excursions, short readings or films that give students a deeper perspective on Scandinavian society and culture, using Stockholm – and, for the latter part of the course, Co-penhagen - as our extended classroom. An important component of the course will be your own observations and critical analysis of your own experiences, to be analyzed from an intercultural and comparative point of view.

This class will also introduce you to Swedish as a language. The best way to immerse yourself in a country is to learn just a little bit of the local language: it serves as an opener to culture. Speaking a language means experiencing first-hand the interactional conventions and customs that characterize the everyday life of a community. The analysis of key words and concepts, the application of appropriate etiquette, teaches students how to navigate a foreign culture.

The main focus is on everyday spoken Swedish, aiming to make students increasingly comforta-ble in basic Swedish conversations.

Approach to teaching: teacher and student expectations

We will be working together, as a class. My ambition is to create a classroom culture in which everyone feels at ease trying to pronounce the unfamiliar Swedish sounds and words, a classroom atmosphere where students feel safe and confident in bringing up personal observations, reflections, wonder and experiences for sharing and discussion. The format of a typical class will be as follows. Either we will concentrate on language, the emphasis being on the spoken language, the kind of language that students should be able to use right away; or we will di-vide the class up between “language” and “culture” (where a cultural topic, upon which the students may have heard a short lecture, and have certainly read about, looked at and walked through (if in the city), or watched, will be discussed. All students will be expected to speak up in Swedish during each class session; and all students are expected to show knowledge of the “cultural” issues brought up. Course Requirements Engaged participation (15% of course grade) You are required to participate actively in all class activities throughout the semester. If you miss a class, please notice that it is YOUR responsibility to catch up. Participation is graded because it

is part of the learning process. Note that attendance at all classes and field studies is required and expected

and is not credited as participation. Failure to attend will have a negative influence on the participation

grade, however.

Class participation covers

• Level of participation and ability/willingness to answer questions in class • Involvement in class and group discussions


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Participation Grade Policy

• Active class participation throughout the semester: A • Occasional participation: B • Little or no participation: C

Experiential Learning/Cultural Assignments – short written assignments (20% of course grade) These consist of two shorter thought-pieces on the cultural elements of the course, two 2-page assignments at 5% each plus a longer thought piece of 5 pages at 10%.

3 language quizzes: 20%

Oral Final Exam (20% of course grade) The Oral Exam will take place Thursday or Friday in Finals Week. It consists of questions and short monologues. Failure to show up for the exam for any other reason than illness or family emergency will automatically result in an F. You will not be admitted to the exam room if you arrive late. Written Final Exam (25% of course grade) The Written Exam will take place Thursday or Friday in Finals Week. The exam consists of various elements: A listening comprehension exercise, a reading comprehension exer-cise and grammar exercises. Failure to show up for the exam for any other reason than illness or family emergency will automatically result in an F. You will not be admitted to the exam room if you arrive late. Field Studies The class encompasses two mandatory field studies, as well as now optional cultural excursions. The pur-pose of the field studies and excursions is to use Stockholm’s cultural resources as our extended DIS class-room. Material covered during the field studies will be included in assignments and the final exam. Missing a Field Study will impact your participation grade. How to get a good grade:

• Get involved! Use your Danish, meaning the language as well as your historical and cultural knowledge outside the classroom - the more the better. The more you know the more you see and experience.

• Use the knowledge and insight obtained in class through readings, lectures and discussions to en-rich your study abroad experience and to start fun, thought-provoking and interesting discussions with Danes.

• Get organized! Notice all due dates assignment, set aside time to prepare for tests, papers etc., especially at the end of the semester.

• Prepare for class! Studying a language is like taking care of a new and vulnerable plant, it needs constant attention, water and sunshine in order to grow.

• Participate! Practice your language in a “safe” environment and get relevant feedback, this is es-sential in improving. Sharing your thoughts and ideas in class is one of the best tools for develop-ing your analytical skills.

Required texts Textbook: DIS Swedish textbook, DIS Svenska I Cultural texts in English: consists of various relevant texts and video clips in English - to be found on Canvas. Also information and statistics from different websites will be used.


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Course Intranet (Canvas) Your readings – both when, what, and where; all assignment instructions, test materials, power point presentations, handouts etc.; as well as Reading Guides, which put the individual readings in perspective and indicate where you should place your focus of attention when preparing for class. The reading guides are also useful tools for preparing for quizzes and exams. Continue learning outside the classroom While living and studying in Sweden, you can immerse yourself in the culture in a variety of ways. Try these: • Watch Swedish movies with English subtitles • Watch American sitcoms with Swedish subtitles • Turn off your iPod on trains and busses and LISTEN to what is being said around you • Watch the news in Swedish • Make a daily habit of reading and translating the headlines of the newspapers • Observe advertising in Swedish as you see it when moving around in the city… etc. etc. Disabilities If you are in need for accommodation based on the impact of a disability, please contact Mark Peters ([email protected]) to coordinate this within the first two weeks of classes. Policies Attendance – You are expected to attend all DIS classes when scheduled. If you miss multiple classes, the Office of Academic Support and the Director of Student Affairs will be notified and they will follow up with you to make sure that all is well. Absences will jeopardize your grade and your standing at DIS. Allowances will be made in cases of illness, but you might need to provide a doctor’s note. Being late to class will also have a negative impact on your final grade. Academic Honesty: Plagiarism and Violating the Rules of an Assignment DIS expects that students abide by the highest standards of intellectual honesty in all academic work. DIS assumes that all students do their own work and credit all work or thought taken from others. Academic dishonesty will result in a final course grade of “F” and can result in dismissal. The students’ home universi-ties will be notified. DIS reserves the right to request that written student assignments be turned in in elec-tronic form for submission to plagiarism detection software. See the Academic Handbook for more infor-mation, or ask your instructor if you have questions. Classroom etiquette Use of laptop computers in class is allowed for the purpose of note-taking ONLY. Cell phones and other electronic devices should be turned off and stored away. Syllabus is subject to change if necessary with as much notice as possible

Detailed Syllabus Lesson 1 (Thur Jan. 19): Introduction.

Introduction to the course, syllabus, and a discussion of mutual expectations. We will get to know

each other, not least by exchanging views and questions: “What have you heard about Sweden?

Anything odd about the country?” Will start debunking Swedish myths and stereotypical thinking.


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We’ll start, also, with the DIS SVENSKA Workbook, chapter 1: alphabet, pronunciation, personal

presentation.

Cultural homework that has to be done for lesson 1:

To read about Swedish myths:

https://sweden.se/culture-traditions/10-swedish-myths-uncovered/

To watch the following clip about Swedishness:

https://sweden.se/culture-traditions/10-youtube-clips-about-swedishness/

To study the following diagram of a cultural comparison between Sweden and United states (What

is new or surprising or interesting?):

https://geert-hofstede.com/sweden.html

No language homework for this first session since it is the first session.

Lesson 2 (Mon Jan. 23): Traditions. Swedish customs and ways.

Cultural homework that has to be done for lesson 2:

1, Read the CANVAS text “Traditions” about the role of traditions in Swedish (and all national)

identity. Read carefully and be prepared to discuss the different aspects in class.

2, Go to Sweden.se and pick two traditions that you would like to read. Study the facts about the

chosen traditions and be prepared to talk about in class. Here is the link:

https://sweden.se/culture-traditions/collection/celebrating-the-swedish-way/

Language homework that has to be done for lesson 2:

1) Review and study chapter 1 in DIS SVENSKA Textbook. Go through Workbook chapter 1; listen

to podcasts and check the words and phrases.

2) Start working with worksheets for chapter 1.

Field study (Wednesday Jan. 25): 08.30-1230: Royal Palace. Guided tour with focus on ”Power and

presentations of power”. More information on CANVAS.

https://geert-hofstede.com/sweden.html

https://sweden.se/culture-traditions/collection/celebrating-the-swedish-way/


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Lesson 3 (Thursday Jan. 26): History: Heroes, Epics, and National Identity.

Cultural homework for lesson 3:

1, Read the CANVAS text “Two stories about Gustav Vasa”. Be prepared to discuss and compare

Swedish and American “founding father” stories in class!

2, Read “From the Vikings to the Welfare State” (page 1-15 in Modern-Day Vikings). See pdf on

CANVAS.

Language homework for lesson 3: Finish chapter 1 in DIS SVENSKA Textbook, including podcasts,

and take a look at the first 2 pages chapter 2. Also, finish all worksheets to chapter 1.

Lesson 4 (Monday Jan. 30): Recap on Swedish history.

Cultural homework for lesson 4:

To have visited the exhibit “Sweden´s history throughout 100 years” at the Historical museum.

Pick 2 different things from 3 different time periods (in total 6 aspects) that you find interesting

and be prepared to talk about them in class.

Language homework for lesson 4: Work with chapter 2; check words, study phrases and listen to

podcasts.

NOTE: Shorter Thought piece 1 due 9 pm. See instructions on CANVAS.

Lesson 5 (Thursday Feb. 2). Concentrating on language.

No cultural homework.

Language homework: Continue to work with chapter 2 in DIS SVENSKA Textbook. Also, start work-

ing with the worksheets to chapter 2.

CORE COURSE WEEK Feb. 6- Feb.11

Lesson 6 (Monday Feb. 13). Sweden and openness.

Culture homework:

Read the following article about Sweden as an open society:

https://sweden.se/society/openness-shapes-swedish-society/

https://sweden.se/society/openness-shapes-swedish-society/


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Language homework: Finish chapter 2 in DIS SVENSKA Textbook. Also, finish worksheet to chapter

2.

Lesson 7 (Thursday Feb. 16): The Sami people.

Cultural homework: Watch the secretion of Youtube clips on CANVAS:

Language homework: Study for the quiz = Study your class notes and study chapter 1 and 2 in DIS

SVENSKA Textbook.

NOTE: Language quiz, on chapters 1 and 2.

Lesson 8 (Monday Feb. 20): Concentrating on language

No cultural homework.

Language homework: Study the first 2 pages in chapter 3 in DIS SVENSKA Textbook; check words

and phrases, study the grammar. Also, start working with the worksheets to chapter 3.

Field study (Wednesday Feb.22 ): 13-16.30: Visit a Swedish school. More information on CANVAS.

Lesson 9 (Thursday Feb. 23): History and nowadays in Stockholm

Cultural homework: City walk with focus. See further instructions on CANVAS.

Language homework: Finish chapter 3 in DIS SVENSKA Textbook. Also, finish worksheet to chapter

3.

BREAK Feb. 25-March 5

Lesson 10 (March 6): Concentrating on language

Language homework: Study the first 2 pages in chapter 4 in DIS SVENSKA Textbook; check words

and phrases, study the grammar. Also, start working with the worksheets to chapter 4.


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Lesson 11 (March 9): Gender and gender equality

Culture homework:

1, Read “Equality above all” (page 97-109 (Modern-Day Vikings). See PDF on CANVAS.

2, Read the whole article and check the statistics about gender equality in Sweden throughout

time: https://sweden.se/society/sweden-gender-equality/

Language homework: Finish chapter 4 and review chapter 3 and 4 in DIS SVENSKA Textbook. Also,

finish worksheet to chapter 4.

NOTE: Language quiz on chapter 3 and 4.

Lesson 12 (Monday March 13.): Concentrating on language

No culture homework.

Language homework: Study the first 2 pages in chapter 5 in DIS SVENSKA Textbook. Also, start

working with the worksheets to chapter 5.

Lesson 13 (Thursday March 16):. Swedish Literature: Strindberg

Cultural homework:

1, Read upon on August Strindberg by reading the information the following website:

http://www.biography.com/people/august-strindberg-21429601#synopsis

2, Watch movie “Fröken Julie”. See link on CANVAS, Be prepared to discuss the aspects of gender

ans social classes (as shown in the movie) in class.

Language homework: Finish chapter 5 in DIS SVENSKA Textbook. Also, finish the worksheets to

chapter 5.

NOTE: Shorter Thought piece due 9 pm.

LONG STUDY TOUR: March 18 - March 26

Lesson 14 (Monday March 27): Concentrating on language


https://sweden.se/society/sweden-gender-equality/

http://www.biography.com/people/august-strindberg-21429601#synopsis


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Language homework: Study the first 2 pages in chapter 6 in DIS SVENSKA Textbook. Also, start

working with the worksheets to chapter 6.

Lesson 15 (Thursday March 30th): Gender roles in children´s literature

Culture homework:

Read Pippi Longstocking by Astrid Lindgren. See PDF on CANVAS.

Language homework: Finish chapter 6 in DIS SVENSKA Textbook. Also, finish the worksheets to

chapter 6.

Lesson 16 (Monday April 3): Concentrating on language


Language homework: Review chapter 5 and 6.

NOTE: Language quiz on chapter 5 and 6.

MOVE TO COPENHAGEN Wednesday April 5

Mandatory orientation days at DIS Copenhagen Thursday April 6 + Friday April 7

COPENHAGEN SCHEDULE:

Lesson 17 + 18 (Monday April 10): Emigration and immigration

Culture homework:

1, Read the text about about Sweden and migration, the part “The Great Immigration 1850-1939”:

https://sweden.se/migration/

2, Read the article with statistics about the most common immigrant groups in Sweden:

http://www.thelocal.se/20160912/heres-where-swedens-foreigners-come-from

3, Read the text about the integration issue:

https://sweden.se/migration/#2013

https://sweden.se/migration/

http://www.thelocal.se/20160912/heres-where-swedens-foreigners-come-from



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4, Read the text about "the refugee challenge":


5, Read “The struggle for Swedishness” (page 66-74 in A Utopia like another). See PDF on CANVAS

Language homework: Study and work with whole chapter 7 in DIS SVENSKA Textbook. Also, work

with the worksheets to chapter 7.

Lesson 19+20 (Monday April 24) Sweden: a ”neutral” state

Culture homework:

1, Read upon Sweden during World War at Wikipedia. Here is the link: ”https://en.wikipe-

dia.org/wiki/Sweden_during_World_War_II

2, Read upon the White buses at Wikipedia. Here is the link: https://en.wikipe-

dia.org/wiki/White_Buses

3, Watch and read a series of interviews of refugees who made it to Sweden. Here is the link:

http://www.thankstoscandinavia.org/the-rescues/sweden/

4, Read an article from the New York Times: “The (Not So) Neutrals of World War II”, by Roger Co-

hen, Jan 26, 1997. Here is the article: http://www.nytimes.com/1997/01/26/weekinreview/the-

not-so-neutrals-of-world-war-ii.html

5, Read the attempts to debate the delicate issue in “Why did Germany not invade Sweden in

World War 2?”, on http://www.emaso.com/links/ref-articles/ref30e/ref30e.htm, and “Why didn’t

Nazi Germany invade Sweden?” on https://www.quora.com/Why-didnt-Nazi-Germany-invade-

Sweden.

Language homework: Study and work with whole chapter 8 in DIS SVENSKA Textbook. Also, work

with the worksheets to chapter 8.

Lesson 21 (Tuesday April 25): Sweden as a welfare state and as a democracy

Culture homework:

1, Read “The Rise of the Swedish Model” (page 17-29 in Modern-Day Vikings). See PDF on CAN-

VAS.

2, Read ”Democratic utopia” (page 34-46 in A Utopia like any other). See PDF on CANVAS.


https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sweden_during_World_War_II

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sweden_during_World_War_II

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/White_Buses

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/White_Buses

http://www.thankstoscandinavia.org/the-rescues/sweden/

http://www.nytimes.com/1997/01/26/weekinreview/the-not-so-neutrals-of-world-war-ii.html

http://www.nytimes.com/1997/01/26/weekinreview/the-not-so-neutrals-of-world-war-ii.html

https://www.quora.com/Why-didnt-Nazi-Germany-invade-Sweden

https://www.quora.com/Why-didnt-Nazi-Germany-invade-Sweden


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Language homework: Review chapter 1-8 in DIS SVENSKA Textbook. Also, review and improve your

answers for the oral exam. Language homework: Prepare and practice your answers to the ques-

tions dealt with in the oral exam.

Field study (Wednesday May 3). 08.30-12.30. Guided tour on Christiansborg with focus on power

relations between Denmark and Sweden. See more information on CANVAS.

Lesson 22+23 (Thursday May 4): Concentrating on language

NOTE: Final oral exam will take place during these 2 lessons!

NOTE: Final thought-piece due Monday May 5

Swedish Language and Culture Section 3 Fall 2016 Credits ... · Swedish official teaching qualification (subject: languages) from Stockholm University and Stock-holm Lärarhögskola.

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