Course Syllabus

Swedish Language and Culture I

  

Semester & Location:	Fall 2025- DIS Stockholm
Type & Credits:	Elective Course - 3 credits
Major Disciplines:	Antropology, Language
Faculty Members:	Andrea Simonelli (current students please use the Canvas Inbox)
Time & Place:	Mondays & Thursdays 8:30-9:50 Classroom: C502

 

Course Description

This course is an integrated language and culture course which serves as the ideal entry point for your studies abroad in Sweden. Offering an introduction to the Swedish language while also exploring important themes in Swedish 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 Swedish, 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 Stockholm and environs.

An important component of the course is your own observations of Swedish 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 Swedish culture and history we will begin to understand
how these continue to shape identities today. With Sweden as your case study, you will develop your ability to understand and study other cultures from an intercultural perspective.

 

Learning Objectives

By the end of the semester, you will be able to

• Acquire knowledge and understanding of Swedish culture and society
• Ability to speak, read, and understand Swedish on a basic level
• Gain an understanding of connections between language and culture
• Enhance intercultural awareness and critical reflection
• Develop a sense of belonging

 

Faculty

B.A. in Modern Languages and Literature (English, Russian and Scandinavian Languages, Milano University, 2009). M. Sc. in Pedagogy (Stockholm Univerity, 2020). Business Developer, ELVIRA Kunskapsutveckling, 2022-2024. Developer of "Ukraine Compentece Program" (funded by the European Social Fund). Goal: ensure the successful integration of Ukrainian refugees into Swedish society. Language teacher, ABF Komvux, Stockholm, 2018-2022, teaching Swedish to adults. Language Teacher, Sigtuna Kommun, 2017-2018. With DIS since 2024.

 

Readings

Language part:

Swedish at DIS - Sense of Belonging (2024). In house publication.

Culture part:

Beery, Thomas (2013) Nordic in nature: friluftsliv and
environmental connectedness, Environmental Education Research, 19:1, 94-117

Booth, Michael (2014) The almost nearly perfect people - behind the myth of the Scandinavian utopia. Penguin Random House, pp. 293-311, 322-329, 364-370.

Burnett Robert (2001). Global strategies and local markets: Explaining Swedish music export success. Global Repertoires. Routledge. London. 2001 

Börestam, Ulla (2005). Interscandinavian Language contacts. The Nordisc languages: An International handbook of the history of the North Germanic languages. Uppsala. 2005

Derrier, Benoit. and Savage, Maddy. (2021). The Scandinavian way to tackle winter (bbc.com)  BBC Reel.

Galli, Erik. (2018).  The Honest Queer Guide to Stockholm's LGBTQ Scene (out.com) Out Magazine. Published 20 March 2018

Grandval, Jan. (latest updade 2024). The Swedish music miracle | sweden.se, sweden.se. Latest update 25 March 2024.

Hilson, Mary. (2020). The Nordic Model. Introduction to Nordic Cultures. UCL Press, pp.70-84

Johansson Robinowitz Christina and Carr, Lisa Werner (2001). Modern-Day Vikings - A Practical Guide to Interacting with the Swedes. Intercultural Press, pp. 17-28 + 81-95

Kramsch, Claire.(1998) Language and Cultural Identity. Language and Culture. Oxford University Press. pp. 65-77.

Kuhn, Gabriel. (2020) Liberating Sápmi: Indigenous Resistance in Europe's Far North. PM Press. pp. v-xix, 2-41, 162-168.

Milewski, John. (ed.) (2018). Sweden: The World’s 'First Feminist Government' | Wilson Center Video interview produced and published by Woodrow Wilson Center.

Porzucki, Nina. (2018) The three-letter word that rocked a nation - The World from PRX Public Radio International. Originally aired 27 March 2018.

Rothstein. Bo, Steinmo Sven. (2018) “Us Too!” – The Rise Of Middle-Class Populism In Sweden And Beyond. Dagens Nyheter, Stockholm. Published 03 October 2018

Savage, Maddy. (2019, October 9). Jantelagen: Why Swedes won’t talk about wealth (bbc.com)  BBC. Online publication. 

Shevah, Emma. (2015, September 9). Pippi Longstocking: a feminist, an optimist and a free thinker | Children's books | The Guardian. The Guardina, Online publication.

Sweden.se (2024) Gender equality | sweden.se. Latest update 16 July 2024.

Sweden.se (2024) Gay rights in Sweden | sweden.se. Latest update 9 July 2024.

Van den Bossch, Sara (2025, March 6). 80-year-old Pippi was innovative, but did not advance women’s emancipation much | Tilburg University.Tilburg University, only publication. Latest update:  15 March 2025. 

Other cultural material:

Selected programs and videos from Swedish public service, both TV and radio.

 

Field Studies

The class has two mandatory field studies (on Wednesdays), as well as optional cultural excursions (during weekends). The purpose of the field studies and the cultural excursions is to use Stockholm’s cultural resources and Stockholm city as our extended DIS classroom. Material covered during the field studies will be included in assignments and classrooms discussions. 

• Field study 1, 24th of September - 13-17: Hike in Nackareservatet
• Field study 2, 19th of November - 8.30 - 12.30:  Visit to the open air museum Skansen with seminar/workshop "Sweden's way to democracy". 

 

GUEST LECTURE by Stefan Rundfelt, Political Advisor to the Vice Mayor for Housing and Real Estate in the City of Stockholm.

• Thursday 23/10: Gender Equality and Feminism in Sweden.

 

Approach to Teaching

The culture part of course will include interactive lectures, classroom discussions, mandatory field studies and optional culture excursions. There is a focus on processing observations, sharing information and discuss.  The language part will include different classroom exercises with the purpose of learning and reviewing vocabulary, applying grammar rules to real life and activating the language. 

 

DIS Accommodations Statement 

Your learning experience in this class is important to me.  If you have approved academic accommodations with DIS, please make sure I receive your DIS accommodations letter within two weeks from the start of classes. If you can think of other ways I can support your learning, please don't hesitate to talk to me. If you have any further questions about your academic accommodations, contact Academic Support acadsupp@dis.dk. 

Expectations of the Students

From my students, I except active participation - one of the key components of your grade and one of the most pleasurable aspects of an engaging course - requires preparation. I expect you to have completed the assigned reading(s)/listening(s)/media viewing(s) before each class and to come with notes, thoughts, and questions. Readings, announcements, details, updates, the course schedule, and communications with one another are on Canvas. Download the Canvas app to your phones and turn on notifications so you stay up-to-date. You are responsible for checking Canvas daily.

 

Please do the following:
1. Submit assignments on time.
2. Complete all assigned readings/media viewings and language homework prior to the designated class.
3. 25 classroom sessions will go by fast and times flies! Be punctual and attend all classes (also including field studies), be well prepared and ready to contribute. Missing classes without a legitimate excuse or showing up to class not prepared will result in a lower participation grade. Each unexcused absence will automatically result in a grade deduction of 5 points, 
4. Bring a notebook and pen/cil to class for taking notes. Only use laptops when instructed for specific activities. Please switch off your mobile phone during class and resist the urge to text. Please speak with me if you need your device for note-taking. 

Evaluation

How to get a good grade:

• Get involved. Use your Swedish, 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 enrich your study abroad experience and to start fun, thought-provoking and interesting discussions with Swedes and other people that you meet during the semester.

• Get organized. Notice all due dates assignment, set aside time to prepare for tests, papers etc., throughout the whole semester. 

• Prepare well for class. Studying a language is like taking any kind of training. In order to develop, you need to practice as much as possible and study on a regular basis. Also, take many notes while doing the readings.

• Participate. Practice your language in a “safe” environment and get relevant feedback, this is essential in improving. So, try to use as much Swedish as possible during the language part of the course. Also, sharing your thoughts and ideas in class is one of the best tools for developing your analytical skills.

Grading

 

Assignment	Percent
Engaged Participation	30%
Cultural Assignments (1+2)	35%
Online Worksheets	10%
Final Oral	25%

 

Engaged participation

You are expected to be well-prepared for class and to be very engaged in the classrooms discussions and exercises, both in regard to language and culture. Also, you are expected to actively participate actively on all four field studies during the semester. Detailed guidelines/grading rubrics can be found under "Assignments".

 

Cultural assignments

You are expected to  give one shorter presentation and also write one  academic papers of around 1500 words in regard to culture. The topics for this cultural essay is related to topics dealt with in regard to culture. Further detailed guidelines will be provided in class and here in Canvas. Detailed guidelines/grading rubrics can be found under "Assignments".

 

Online Worksheets

Online Worksheets are part of the final grading and can be accessed in the Swedish Language Resources

We encourage you to complete the worksheets throughout the semester as they correspond to the chapters in the book. The final deadline to complete the worksheets is the same as the oral exam deadline - see Canvas calendar for details.

 

Oral Exam

You are expected to take a final oral exam in Swedish language. This final oral exam will test your language skills gained from the whole semester but with emphasis on the last 2 chapters dealt with in class. Detailed guidelines/grading rubrics can be found under "Assignments".

 

Late Papers / Assignments

All late submissions will be reduced by half a letter grade for each day late unless you have communicated with me before the deadline and have received permission to submit your work late. 

Electronic Technologies

Laptops/tablets/iPads/phones are not permitted to be open and in-use during class unless we are working on specified tasks. Mobile phones must be silenced during class. If you need your device for note-taking, let's talk. 

 

Academic Regulations

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 correctly credit all work or thought taken from others. Academic dishonesty will result in a final course grade of F and may result in dismissal. Your home institutions will be notified. DIS reserves the right to require that written student assignments be submitted electronically for scanning by plagiarism detection software. Please speak with me if you have any questions.

Please make sure to read the Academic Regulations on the DIS website. There you will find regulations on:

• Course Enrollment and Grading
• Academic Expectations and Honor Code

 
DIS - Study Abroad in Scandinavia - www.DISabroad.org