Course Syllabus
| Danish Language & Culture II B |
| Semester & Location: |
Spring 2025 - DIS Copenhagen |
| Type & Credits: |
Elective Course - 3 credits |
| Major Disciplines: |
Anthropology, Cultural Studies, Language |
| Prerequisite(s): |
Danish Language and Culture: Level I, or in special cases, you can prove that you meet a certain level of Danish language ability prior to the start of the semester |
| Faculty Members: |
Nina Honoré Lahav |
| Time & place |
Tuesday & Friday, 10.05-11.25 in Fi 44 Kosmo 401 |
Course Description
This course is an integrated language and culture course which serves as the ideal entry point for your studies abroad in Denmark. Offering an introduction to the Danish language while also exploring important themes in Danish culture and society, this course will help you navigate and understand your new environment. It will strengthen your sense of place and sense of belonging while studying abroad.
In terms of language learning, the emphasis is on spoken everyday Danish, reading comprehension, and basic grammar which allows you to interact in basic ways with your local surroundings. The functional approach is evident both in classroom interactions, hands-on exercises, and experiential learning through field studies around Copenhagen and environs.
An important component of the course is your own observations of Danish society as you are studying abroad. In this integrated language and culture course we explore how culture is reflected in language through expressions, concepts, and keywords. By openly and critically studying values, symbols, and dominant and marginalized narratives in Danish culture and history we will begin to understand how these continue to shape identities today. With Denmark as your case study, you will develop your ability to understand and study other cultures from an intercultural perspective.
Learning Objectives
- Acquire knowledge and understanding of Danish culture and society
- Ability to speak, read, and understand Danish on a basic level
- Gain an understanding of the connections between language and culture
- Enhance intercultural awareness and critical reflection
- Develop a sense of belonging
Faculty
Nina Honoré Lahav holds a Master's degree in Teaching Danish as a Second Language from Aarhus University, which she earned in 2001. In 1993-95, she pursued Hebrew studies in Israel, and in 1996-97, she completed courses in linguistics and psychology at Harvard University. In addition, she holds a Bachelor's degree in English and Spanish Business Language from Copenhagen Business School, which she obtained in 1992. Since 2001, Nina has been a valuable member of the DIS team.
Readings and other resources
Required language material
Texts in Danish will be distributed gradually to form a collection of readings
Black, Mika Sun: Den Lille, Alfabeta, 2016.
Lundskær-Nielsen, Tom & Holmes, Philip: Danish, An Essential Grammar, Routledge, 2011. (for extra grammar)
Readings
The class is divided into 5 modules
1. Monarchy and governance
2. Politics
3. New Nordic and current issues
4. Danish Film Festival
Total list is found under 'modules'
- The King's New Year speech
- Knud Rasmussen and the taken children of Greenland
- Regional differences, Holmager, Thygesen, Buur, Lynge
- The Populist Foundations of Democracy, Mikkel Folher
- Spaces between buildings, Jan Gehl
- New Nordic food, Janne Hansen
- New Nordic design, Emilie Weydahl
- Media & Politics in Denmark, Nete Nørgaard Kristensen & Mark Blach-Ørsten
- Carl Dreyer - A master of his craft, Herbert Luft
- Dogme film (text TBA)
- Drømmer jeg, Johnny De Luxe
- Denmark boosts Greenland defence after Trump repeats desire for US control, Robert Greenall & Poul Kirby
Written assignments
Due dates
- January 31
- February 21
- March 14
- April 4
- April 25
Online Sources:
Konngens Nytårstale, dr.dk den 31. december 2024.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8rK78TPPpUY
Remember to switch to English subtitles
New Nordic food: https://dca.au.dk/en/current-news/news/show/artikel/ny-nordisk-mad-er-bare-mad-1
Greenland: https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/ckgzl19n9eko
Ordbogen.com
DIS has a subscription to Ordbogen, a Danish-English/English-Danish online dictionary. Go to www.ordbogen.com Links to an external site. and follow the instructions you will receive by email from Ordbogen.com early in the semester.
Continue learning outside the classroom
You are expected to continue learning outside of the classroom. Keep informed about what is going on in Denmark - it is expected that you will read the Danish news in English (and in Danish), gain a basic knowledge of Danish political and societal structures, and explore Danish culture on your own through movies, TV-shows, literature, and various cultural events offered in Denmark.
Field Studies
Field study 1: February 26 9:00 AM Frederiksborg Castle; The power
Field study 2: April 9, 1 PM Filmfestival,
Social event: April 31, 18:00-21.00, Reffen
Approach to Teaching
The teaching style of this class is interactive. You are expected to actively participate in class discussions, to have done the readings and other homework, and come to class with notes, questions and relevant observations.
Learning a language is hard work and requires a lot of commitment. The ambition is to create a classroom culture in which everyone feels at ease trying to pronounce the unfamiliar Danish sounds and words.
Engaged participation is an integrated part of class and will be a large part of the course evaluation. Participating in class discussion requires a high level of preparation and a voluntary contribution of knowledge and ideas. In addition, when speaking Danish or discussing the connection between language and culture it is important to meet the level of preparation required to be an active participant.
Grading Components
Active Participation in class discussions and assignments (30%): You are required to participate actively throughout the semester in both language activities and cultural discussions. Please note that attendance at all classes and field studies is required and expected and is not credited as active participation.
Cultural assignment 1 - Group presentation (15%)
Cultural assignment 2 - Group video project (20%)
Submit to Canvas May 6.
Written exercises (10%): 5 exercises over the semester
Oral Exam (20%): You will perform a dialogue with one of your classmates followed by questions and answers from your instructor.
Participation (35%)
Academic Regulations
Please make sure to read the Academic Regulations on the DIS website. There you will find regulations on:
Course Summary:
| Date | Details | Due |
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