This course is an integrated language and culture course with a major focus on learning Swedish through music, rhythm, and song. Music has proven highly beneficial to second-language acquisition, as pronunciation and vocabulary are learned in playful ways through repetition and engagement. At the same time, lyrics and rhymes are rich sources of information about cultural values, beliefs, customs, social relations, national narratives, and cultural differences.

This course is based on a high degree of experiential learning through use of musical elements and the city as our classroom. We will approach Swedish culture from both a historical and contemporary perspective.

When studying the Swedish language, we will employ a communicative, functional approach, so you will be able to use the language actively on a basic level, thereby giving you a valuable basis for intercultural encounters during the study abroad experience. Through rhythm and song, the course will focus on everyday Swedish, reading comprehension, and basic grammar. The course will explore how culture is reflected in language through lyrics and other sources. By analyzing keywords and concepts and applying appropriate etiquette, you will learn how to better navigate a foreign culture. An important component of the course is your own observations of Swedish society as well as critical analysis of the presented materials.

Learning Objectives

•  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

Maria Carlsson
M.A. in Music, Royal College of Music.
Professional singer, educated teacher in vocal, ensemble and general music education with long teaching experience.

Readings 

Language part: 

Swedish at DIS - A Sense of Belonging

Cultural part (Selected material :

Castineira, Angel (2011) Imagined Nations: Personal Identity, National Identity and the Places of Memory. Kingston (Canada): Queen's University. pp. 43-53.

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

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

Booth, Michael (2015), The Almost Nearly Perfect People 

Carr Werner, Lisa and Robinowitz Christina Johansson (2001), The Rise of the Swedish Model, Modern-Day Vikings - a Practical Guide to Interacting with Swedes, p. 81-95

 

Course Intranet (Canvas)

Your readings – both when, what, and where; all assignment instructions, test materials, powerpoint 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.

 

Field Studies

The class encompasses two mandatory Field Studies, as well as an optional cultural excursions. The purpose of the Field Studies and excursions is to use Stockholm’s cultural resources as our extended DIS classroom. The material covered during the Field Studies will be included in assignments and the final exam. Missing a Field Study will impact your participation grade.

 

Approach to Teaching

The teaching style of this class is interactive. You are expected to actively participate in class discussion, 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 Swedish sounds and words.

Expectations of the Students

Engaged participation is an integrated part of the class and will be a large part of the course evaluation. Participating in the class discussions requires a high level of preparation and a voluntary contribution of knowledge and ideas. In addition, when speaking Swedish or discussing the connection between language and culture it is important to meet the level of preparation required to be an active participant.

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.

• Get organized! Notice all due dates and assignments, and 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 essential in improving. 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	35%
Online worksheets	10%
Final Oral	25%

Engaged participation 

Participation in class requires arriving on time and being prepared in relation to readings and other assignments both for culture and language. Your participation grade reflects the importance of being active in this course, which relies in great part on the reflections, discussions, and exercises in class. Active participation is essential, both in cultural discussions and language exercises as well as in Field Studies. Attendance is mandatory.

 

Culture assignments 

You will have two cultural assignments during the term, which will be graded separately. Cultural assignment 1 is a group assignment where you explore different parts of Stockholm together with your group and present your findings in class. Cultural assignment 2 is your final paper where you get to write about your cultural observations and findings during your time abroad. Detailed assignment descriptions will be made available on Assignments on Canvas and be on your calendar. Formal guidelines and policies you find further down in this Syllabus.

 

Online Worksheets

Online Worksheets are part of the final grading and can be accessed in the "Course Modules: 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. 

 

Policy on classroom etiquette - laptops, cellphones, and food in class