Course Syllabus
Danish Language and Culture through Food and Sustainability C, section 164 |
 |
| Semester & Location: |
Spring 2026 - DIS Copenhagen |
| Type & Credits: |
Elective Course - 3 credits |
| Prerequisite: |
None |
| Faculty Members: |
Bianca Liberski |
| Time & Place: |
Tuesday & Friday 11:40 - 13.00 in N7-C21 |
Danish Language & Culture through Food and Sustainability 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 connections between language and culture
- Enhance intercultural awareness and critical reflection
- Develop a sense of belonging
Faculty
Bianca Liberski. Cand.merc.int. MA, Intercultural Management, Copenhagen Business School, BA (Hons) European Business and French, Manchester Metropolitan University, UK and Université Blaise Pascal, France. She has worked in international relations and Ethics for the Danish Refugee Council and Borealis in Copenhagen, the Danish Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Warsaw and the European Commission in Bruxelles. With DIS since 2009.
Readings
Readings
- Denmark.dk - the official website of Denmark: "It's All About Denmark" and "Equally Happy & Green". 2017.
- Jespersen, Knud J.V.: A History of Denmark. The Danish Model of the Welfare State. 2011.
- Sindbæk, Søren M.: All in the Same Boat. The Vikings as European and global heritage. 2011.
- Jespersen, Knud J.V.: A History of Denmark. Introduction: What is Denmark and who are the Danes? 2011.
- Jespersen, Knud J.V.: A History of Denmark. The Church and Culture. 2011.
- Kingsley, Patrick: Poor Carina: The problem at the heart of the welfare state. 2014.
- Kingsley, Patrick: Work Well, Play Well. A Scandinavian Education. 2014.
- Lidegaard Bo: Prologue 1849-1901, A Short History of Denmark in the 20th Century. 2009.
- Sandemose, Aksel: Janteloven. 1933.
- Tinggaard Svendsen, Gert: Trust. 2014.
Video clips
- 60 minutes: “Happiness”, 2009
- International People’s College (IPC) in Helsingør: “What is a Folkehøjskole’ and ‘A Brief History of IPC”, 2015
- Reason TV/Georg Washington University: “Folk High Schools, Adult Education and the Philosophy of Grundtvig”, 2013
Field Studies
Field study 1: Walk and Visit to Øens Have, Refshaleøen
Objective: To learn about the possibilities and challenges of urban farming and gardening in the most unlikely places.
Field study 2: Visit to and guided tour of Christiania
Objective: To critically discuss and analyze the alternative “free town” of Christiania set in the middle of the capital. We will investigate its roots and its long focus on sustainability as well as whether it is still an example of the Danish “frisind” and tolerance mindset or whether it is just another close-knit organization benefitting only the few and privileged.
Podcasts
On Canvas, you can find podcasts that you can use to practice vocabulary, phrases, and pronunciation. In the textbook DIS DANSK, they are marked with a little headphone symbol. The podcasts can be found on Canvas under Danish Language Resources, Modules.
Ordbogen.com
DIS has a subscription to Ordbogen, a Danish-English/English-Danish online dictionary. Go to http://www.ordbogen.com/ (Links to an external site.) and follow the instructions received by Ordbogen.com.
Approach to Teaching and Expectations of the Students
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.
Evaluation
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.
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.
Grading
| Assignment |
Percent |
| Engaged Participation |
30% |
|
Cultural Assignments |
35% |
| Worksheets 10% |
10% |
| Oral Exam |
25% |
The grades are based on the rubrics found in Canvas under Danish Language Resources, Modules.
Academic Regulations
Please make sure to read the Academic Regulations on the DIS website. There you will find regulations on:
DIS - Study Abroad in Scandinavia - www.DISabroad.org
Course Summary:
| Date | Details | Due |
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