Course Syllabus
| Swedish Politics and Society |  |
| Semester & Location: |
Spring 2026 - DIS Stockholm |
| Type & Credits: |
Elective Course - 3 credits |
| Major Disciplines: |
Political Science, Sociology, International Relations |
| Faculty Members: |
Marcus Carson (current students please use the Canvas Inbox) maec@disstockholm.se |
| Time & Place: |
Mondays & Thursdays, 11:40-13:00 Classroom: D 410 |
Course Description
This course is designed to give you a broad-based understanding of “how Sweden works” by carefully examining the rich interplay between Swedish culture, politics, and society. The “Swedish Model” – based on an ambitious effort to combine extensive social welfare with a competitive economy – has long served as a beacon for the political Left and a bogeyman for the political Right.
In illuminating the main features, strengths and weaknesses of the Swedish model, the course not only helps to “make sense" of Sweden, but provides a powerful comparative framework for understanding the multifaceted social and political challenges of modern society. Also using the United States as a point of departure, we carefully examine Sweden's welfare state, it's successes and compromises, and the changing Swedish political environment. In doing so, we will gain important insights into the dynamics of polarization and populism that threaten the institutions of liberal democracy today.
The course is organized around the following themes:
- A conceptual lens for understanding Sweden's welfare state
- Sweden and the U.S. - similarities & differences
- The Swedish political system and political parties
- The welfare state and inequality
- Health Care in Sweden
- Sweden and the Environment
- Populism and Political Extremism
- Sweden in the European Union - and in the World
The course includes two study visits (being finalized), with one at either the Swedish Parliament (Riksdagen) or Stockholm City Hall (Stadshuset), and the other addressing either Sweden's health care or environment policy.
Learning Objectives
This course has four major objectives:
- To provide extensive insight into Swedish culture, politics and society so that you gain a richer understanding of your day-to-day experience in Sweden
- To help you to think very carefully about the complex relationship between “objective facts” and our often “subjective interpretation” of those facts. Building on essential findings in cognitive and political psychology, we will develop a richer understanding of how our interpretation of political reality is shaped both by the structure of the mind and by our subjective sense of group identity.
- To use contemporary Sweden as a case study understanding how welfare state institutions are built up and evolve over time, and for analyzing the polarization and populism that characterizes – and threatens – the institutions of liberal democracy.
- To assist you in the development of essential skills – in analytical thinking and in both oral and written presentation that are vital in navigating contemporary politics - and flourishing in the game of life.
Faculty
Marcus Carson
DIS Stockholm Faculty
Marcus Carson - Associate Professor of Sociology, PhD in political sociology from Stockholm University, BA in Psychology from Kalamazoo College (with minor in health sciences). Carson was previously Senior Research Fellow at the Stockholm Environment Institute, where among other things, he led projects on climate policy, sustainable consumption, Arctic wetlands and the Arctic Resilience Report. In his earlier professional life, he was Executive Director for the Louisiana Health Care Campaign and Legislative & Political Director for SEIU Local 100 in Louisiana, winning expansions of health care access, voting rights improvements and protecting worker’s rights. Decades-long experience bridging scientific research, policy and practice across fields of human rights and social & environmental sustainability. Also an active runner, hiker and sea kayaker. New to DIS in 2025.
Readings
-
Collier, Paul. (2013) Exodus: Immigration and Multiculturalism in the 21st Century. Selected chapters. Penguin Garland, David. (2016) The Welfare State: A Very Short Introduction.
Haidt, Jonathan (2016) "When and Why Nationalism Beats Globalism" (2016) The American Interest (p.1-8)
Okin, Susan Moller. (1997) Is Multiculturalism Bad for Women?" The Boston Review Stratfor Worldview. (2009) The Geopolitics of Sweden: A Baltic Power Reborn" 6 pages Woolridge, Adrian. (2013) “Nordic Lights” . February 2, 2013. The Economist
Field Studies
1. Wednesday, February 18 - Swedish Parliament (Riksdagen).
2. TBD
Guest Lecturers
We will meet with a couple of Swedish experts during the term.
Approach to Teaching
My teaching philosophy is based on a core assumption: Learning is a collective endeavor in which the contribution of each individual has an impact on how much is learned overall. Lectures can serve a valuable purpose both in providing useful information and in stimulating creative thought. But genuine learning takes place only when you actively engage – in reading carefully, thinking critically, in raising questions and objections, and in listening to others. It is through engaged dialogue that we exercise our capacity to enrich our understandings of the world.
Expectation of the Students
My expectation is that you will actively engage in the learning process, both inside and outside the classroom.
The course utilizes a variety of pedagogical methods, including lectures, discussions, student presentations, policy simulations, and study visits. We will emphasize discussion and student participation. You are expected to not only complete the readings for each class, but to come to class well prepared to engage in discussion.
A Word on Laptops in the Classroom
The default policy for this class is NO laptops in the classroom. Both academic research and personal experience have shown laptops to be an enormous source of distraction and an impediment to engaged discussion and learning. Thank you for your understanding.
Attendance at all lectures and field studies is mandatory.
Note that it is important to check your e-mail and DIS Canvas regularly since outlines, exam info etc. will be distributed here.
Evaluation
Attending class earns a grade of 80 pts; Raising questions and engaging in discussions earns additional points
Pre-class prep is based on regular Canvas "Quizzes"
To be eligible for a passing grade in this class you must complete all the assigned work.
More information on the assignments, requirements and deadlines will be available on DIS Canvas.
Class Representatives: Class representatives will be elected at the beginning of the semester. Communicate your feedback on the course to the two representatives. See DIS Canvas if you are unsure who they are.
Grading
| Assignment |
Percent |
|
Attendance/Active Engagement |
20% |
|
Pre-Class Prep |
40% |
|
Take Home Exam 1 |
25% |
|
Final Project |
15% |
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 |
|---|---|---|