Culture and Community in Scandinavia

Scand. Studies 276

3 Credits

 

In this course we will be taking a differentiated look at Scandinavia. Through a diverse series of lectures, movies, and discussions, we will explore the arts, music, culture, geography, history, languages, literature, politics, etc. of the Scandinavian countries.

 

Nete Schmidt, Ph.D.

aschmidt2@wisc.edu

1368 Van Hise

Office Hours:

Tuesday and Thursday 10:00 -11:00
and by appointment

Grading:

Participation and Attendance 20%

First Exam: 30 %

Second Exam 30 %

Formal Essay: 20 %

In order to gain a broad, multi-faceted knowledge about The Scandinavian Countries, it is important that you attend all classes. Attendance will be taken, and if you have more than 3 unexcused absences, your final grade will be lowered by a half point. More than 6 unexcused absences will lead to a lowering of 1 point, etc.

It is equally important that you participate actively in dicussions, and you are expected to ask at least one question of all guest lecturers.

The two exams will contain mix-and match questions, short essay questions, and one long essay question, covering the lectures prior to the exam. Thus, you will be graded on your ability to retain the information given in class linked with your ability to communicate the broader perspectives inspired by the information.

 

For the Formal Essay:

You are asked to write a 2-4 page analysis of a Scandinavian book: S.J. Gazan The Arc of the Swallow, 2013.

The essay should be written as a book report, containing a brief summary, an analysis of the content, and an assessment of its relevance and implications for the course. Your essay will be graded based on your ability to communicate your understanding of the book's content, and how the book has added to and facilitated your comprehension of Scandinavian Culture. Your paper must be typed and in accordance with the MLA standard.

This assignment is due in class on Thursday, October 29. No late papers will be accepted.

 

Examinations:

The First Exam will be on Thursday, October 22, in class.

The Second Exam will be on Thursday, December 10, in class.

The examinations will contain mix-and match questions, short essay questions, and one long essay question, covering the lectures prior to the exam. Thus, you will be graded on your ability to retain the information given in class linked with your ability to communicate the broader perspectives inspired by the information.

If you have any questions or concerns, be sure to write me an e-mail or see me during my office hours.

 

 

University of Wisconsin-Madison, Syllabus, Scand. Studies 276/476 Culture and Community in Scandinavia
Credits: 3

Course URL

TR 11-12:15, 479, Van Hise Hall
Instructional Mode: Face-to-Face
Credit hours: Traditional Carnegie Definition
Instructor: Faculty Associate Nete Schmidt, Ph.D.
Office Hours: Tuesday and Thursday 10:00 -11:00 am and by appointment
Email: aschmidt2@wisc.edu
Course Description:

In this course, open to freshmen, we will be taking an introductory look at Scandinavia.  Through a diverse series of guest lectures and discussions, we  will explore the arts, culture, geography, history, languages, music, literature, politics, etc. of the Scandinavian countries.

Prerequisites: None

Course Learning Outcomes:

The students will gain an ability to identify and understand the various categories of information given about Scandinavia.

The students will analyze and discuss the important features of the categories of information presented.

The students will achieve the ability to compose and produce writing that applies the concepts introduced to describe, analyze, and differentiate the categories, knowledge, and readings in the class.

Grading:

Participation and Attendance 20%

First Exam: 30 %

Second Exam 30 %

Formal Essay: 20%

Required Textbooks:

None

The class has two exams in class.

Homework:
Homework will be assigned in the form of readings.

Accommodations for students with disabilities:
The University of Wisconsin-Madison supports the right of all enrolled students to a full and equal educational opportunity. The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), Wisconsin State Statute (36.12), and UW-Madison policy (Faculty Document 1071) require that students with disabilities be reasonably accommodated in instruction and campus life. Reasonable accommodations for students with disabilities is a shared faculty and student responsibility. Students are expected to inform faculty [me] of their need for instructional accommodations by the end of the third week of the semester, or as soon as possible after a disability has been incurred or recognized. Faculty [I], will work either directly with the student [you] or in coordination with the McBurney Center to identify and provide reasonable instructional accommodations. Disability information, including instructional accommodations as part of a student's educational record, is confidential and protected under FERPA.

Diversity:
Diversity is a source of strength, creativity, and innovation for UW-Madison. We value the contributions of each person and respect the profound ways their identity, culture, background, experience, status, abilities, and opinion enrich the university community. We commit ourselves to the pursuit of excellence in teaching, research, outreach, and diversity as inextricably linked goals.
The University of Wisconsin-Madison fulfills its public mission by creating a welcoming and inclusive community for people from every background - people who as students, faculty, and staff serve Wisconsin and the world.