This course is an integrated language and culture course. We will study different aspects of Swedish culture and we will operate with a complex view on culture through various representations. The focus will be on dominant national narratives, values, and symbolism, which we will approach from both a historical and contemporary perspective.

When studying Swedish language, we will employ a functional approach. The course will focus on spoken everyday Swedish, reading comprehension, and basic grammar.

The course will explore how culture is reflected in language. By analyzing keywords and concepts and applying appropriate etiquette, you will learn how to navigate a foreign culture.

An important component of the course will be your own observations and critical analysis. 

Learning Objectives

•  Acquire a higher level of cultural awareness

• Acquire knowledge and overall understanding of Swedish history, culture, and society

• Be able to speak, read and understand Swedish on a basic level

• Get an understanding of the connection between language and culture

Readings

Language part: 

DIS SVENSKA 

Cultural part:

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

Castineira, Angel (2011) Imagined Nations: Personal identity, national identity and the Places of Memory

Kramsch, Claire (1998), The Relationship of Language and Culture, Kilde: Language and Culture.

Lindgren, Astrid (1945), Pippi Longstocking

Nordstrom, Baron. J (2002) The History of Sweden

Other sources for the Culture part:

 Reports and articles from The Sami Parliament, Sametinget:

https://www.sametinget.se/10169 (Links to an external site.)

Sami Self-determination - Sametinget (Links to an external site.) www.sametinget.se (Links to an external site.) Judicially, there is a difference between being an indigenous people and a minority. A simple explanation to the view of Sami self-determination is that the …

www.pensionsfundsonline.co.uk/content/country-profiles/Sweden/90 (Links to an external site.)

https://www.thelocal.se/20131221/swedes-tell-king-to-step-down-for-victoria  (Links to an external site.)

 (Links to an external site.)https://www.thelocal.se/20130920/50352 

 (Links to an external site.)http://www.oecd.org/migration/integration-indicators-2012/keyindicatorsbycountry/name,218347,en.htm (Links to an external site.)

http://www.compareyourcountry.org/pisa/country/swe?lg=en  (Links to an external site.)

http://www.thelocal.se/20150310/sweden-is-not-some-kind-of-equality-paradise  (Links to an external site.)

https://www.nytimes.com/2012/11/14/world/europe/swedish-school-de-emphasizes-gender-lines.html (Links to an external site.) (Links to an external site.)

https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-14038419 (Links to an external site.) (Links to an external site.)
 (Links to an external site.)

Articles from the official information website Sweden.se

https://sweden.se/society/the-swedish-monarchy/ (Links to an external site.)

https://sweden.se/political-partie-in-Sweden/

https://sweden.se/society/sweden-gender-equality/ (Links to an external site.)

 

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.

Continue learning outside the classroom

 While living and studying in Sweden, you can immerse yourself in the culture in a variety of ways. Try these:

• Watch Swedish movies with English subtitles • Watch American sitcoms with Swedish subtitles • Turn off your iPod on trains and busses and LISTEN to what is being said around you • Watch the news in Swedish

• Make a daily habit of reading and translating the headlines of the newspapers • Observe advertising in Swedish as you see it when moving around in the city… etc. etc.
  
  

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	20%
Final Exams	20%
Cultural Assignments	40%
Written Exam	20%

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.

Oral Proficiency 

At the end of the term, you will have a short (approximately five minutes) interview with questions and vocabulary asked based on our language book DIS SVENSKA Spring 2021. You are expected to have done your language worksheets and exercises during the term in order to succeed.

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.

Written exam

The written exam will cover chapters 1 to 6 in DIS SVENSKA Spring 2021 and consist of both grammar exercises, reading comprehension, and test your own ability to write a text in Swedish.

Links to an external site

Policy on papers: formal guidelines, late papers

Formal guidelines:

Minimum use of two class texts/sources to which there are clear references.

Minimum use of two relevant texts chosen by the student.

1500 words (300 words pr. page = 5 pages)

Font and font size: Arial, 12

Line spacing: 1, 5

Name, Class Section number, and teacher´s name in the left upper corner.

Please note that for late papers I will deduct 5 points for every late day. However, if you need an extension please reach out before the due date.

 

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