Culture and Community in Scandinavia
(Scandinavian Life and Civilization)
for Scandinavian Majors and others

Scand. Studies 476 , 4 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 am
and by appointment

Grading:

Participation and Attendance 20%

First Exam: 30 %

Second Exam 30 %

Additional Presentation and Write-up: 20%

Purpose:

-- To develop a deeper understanding of the broad aspects of Scandinavian Life and Civilization through the centuries

-- To create an individual presentation and lead a discussion of the content

-- To work independently on a write-up of your presentation to be handed in

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.

Additional work for 476:

We will meet immediately following the first class on Thursday Sept. 3rd to determine the additional workload for the 4th credit.
We will determine a Saturday or Sunday morning during the semester when the additional discussions can take place.

Additional work consists of a presentation followed by a student-led discussion. You are expected to hand in your presentation write-up.
You may choose from the following suggested topics or choose your own topic while making sure you have my acceptance before you start working on it.

1) Sagas and Vikings, Discussion of Eirik the Red

2) The Middle Ages, Discussion of I.P.Jacobsen "Death in Bergamo" ”

3) The 19th Century, Discussion of tales by Hans Christian Andersen

4) The 20th century, Discussion of a contemporary novel

5) Discussion of a contemporary subject of the student's choice

 

University of Wisconsin-Madison, Syllabus, Scand. Studies 476 Culture and Community in Scandinavia
Credits: 4

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.

The students will be able to place Scandinavia in a historical context from Early Stone Age to Contemporary Times.

The students will demonstrate individual, independent work in presentations and discussions about selected topics.

The students will demonstrate profound knowledge of The Scandinavian Countries in a historical, political, financial, literary, artistic, educational, and diverse setting.


Grading:

Participation and Attendance 20%

First Exam: 30 %

Second Exam 30 %

Additional Presentation and Write-up: 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.