Course Syllabus
Danish Language and Culture |
 |
| Semester & Location: |
Spring 2024 - DIS Copenhagen |
| Type & Credits: |
Elective Course - 3 credits |
| Prerequisite: |
Must speak a Scandinavian langauge |
| Faculty Member: |
Tina Bacher, please use the Canvas inbox |
|
Program Director: |
Andreas Brøgger |
|
Assistant Program Director: |
Marie Meier |
| Time & Place: | Mondays and Thursday 14.50-16.10, Room: V23-303 |
Course Instructor
Tina Bacher holds an MA (cand.mag) in French and Culture Journalism from Copenhagen University and has also taken some modules in Danish as a second language. Tina has worked as a Danish instructor since 2009, mainly with Studieskolen, a prominent language school in Copenhagen, as well as at other language schools and in her own company in parallel. Tina has worked with DIS as an external lecturer of 'Danish Language and Culture' since spring 2018. Speaks English and French, knowledge of elementary German, Swedish and Norwegian. She has been a translator for the State Department and interpreter for the Danish Police. Tina has a background as a business consultant in local businesses and tourism.
Course Description
This course is an integrated language and culture course that serves as the ideal entry point for your studies abroad in Denmark. Offering a continuation of your level in Danish 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 both spoken and written Danish, reading comprehension, and basic grammar which allows you to interact 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 its 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 more Danish
Gain an understanding of the connections between language and culture
Enhance intercultural awareness and critical reflection
Develop a sense of belonging
Your course
This course will take you through the Danish language at your level as well as Danish culture in a broad sense from elements of Danish history and literature to insights into the Danish concept of equality, the particular Danish humor, and the fact that Denmark has been ranked as the No. 1 country in the world when it comes to happiness.
REQUIRED READINGS
Kierkegaard, Søren, (excerpt of) Enten-eller, Gyldendal, 2013
Fibiger, Mathilde, (excerpt of) Clara Raphael 12 breve, Lindhardt og Ringhof, 1976
Bech Jessen , Freja, Rødstrømpen: Den næste kvindekamp bør vende sig udad - ikke indad, Kristeligt dagblad, 2015
Lundquist, Lita, artikel: Humor – helt seriøst, Weekendavisen, 2012
Bennike, Christian, artikel: Hygge har ikke gjort os til verdens lykkeligste folk. Tværtimod, Information, 2016
Wiking, Meik, The Little Book of Lykke, The Happiness Research Institute, Penguin Random House, 2017
Participation
Active participation in class and preparation ahead of time are crucial for practicing your skills and for being successful in this course. It is not sufficient to simply be present in class. Your participation will be graded according to your active participation during classes.
All homework assignments are due on the day assigned by your instructor. Late homework will not be accepted.
During the course of the semester, you will also have several projects that serve as assessments of your progress.
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.) (Links to an external site.) follow the instructions you will receive by email from Ordbogen.com.
Grading
|
Assignment |
Percent |
|
Engaged Participation |
40% of your course grade |
|
Cultural Assignments (1+2) |
35% of your course grade |
|
Oral Final Exam |
25% of your course grade |
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 unfamiliar Danish sounds and words.
Engaged participation is an integrated part of the class and will be a large part of the course evaluation. Participating in class discussions 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
Throughout the semester there will be different quizzes, worksheets, presentations, and assignments which will be part of the overall evaluation of your work and participation in class. Some of these will be graded and some will be included in your participation grade.
Disability and Resource Statement
Any student who has a need for accommodation based on the impact of a disability should contact the Office of Academic Support (acadsupp@dis.dk) to coordinate this. In order to receive accommodations, students should inform the instructor of approved DIS accommodations within the first
two weeks of classes.
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 |
|---|---|---|