Scandinavian Studies

This course presents the social, political and cultural characteristics of the Nordic countries and how the modern Nordic countries and societies – taken as a whole – can be distinguished from other social, political and cultural systems. Examining the 'Nordic model’ and its sustainability, each lecture explores a specific theme, ranging from macro-historical comparisons, through decentralization policies, changes and challenges to the welfare state, its multiculturalism, family policies, welfare governance, higher education, and health policies. The course explores the rich sociocultural aspects of Nordic societies, covering also themes such as sustainable development and Nordic sustainability experiences, and developments in the aquaculture sector.

In the course, some key social institutions that together have come to be called the "Swedish" or "Scandinavian" Model, are presented. The course covers the historical development of the Swedish welfare state, both in relation to institutional changes and to the political project of the welfare state. It departs from an analytical and historical perspective where the internal contradictions and impetus for change of the Swedish Model are central. Therefore, the course includes recent developments such as the possible dismantling of the Swedish welfare state and emergence of a new welfare model. The emergence of social rights and social citizenship are included in this section. The course discusses welfare state policies directed towards the family, which includes a gender perspective in which feminist critique of the welfare state is introduced. The course also discusses the particularities and the development of the Swedish Model on labor market and labor relations, reviewing different theoretical perspectives on the triad state, capital, and labor.

The course introduces the Norwegian education system within its Nordic context. It provides a thorough understanding of all relevant components of the Norwegian education system. In addition, it introduces the notion of "the Nordic model," how it affects Norwegian education, as well as how it relates to the European idea and other educational models. The course covers both formal and informal institutional practices in education, and address questions about the ideas of democracy, inclusion and exclusion, the role of knowledge and expertise, the public and private dimension, lifelong learning, and access.

The course gives a broad overview of the archaeology, history, and art history of the material culture and of the written sources from the eighth to the twelfth centuries. The course covers different aspects of the political, social, cultural, and religious developments, as well as changes within Scandinavia. This includes such aspects as the transition from paganism to Christianity, Viking Age burials, gender and social segregation, trade and plundering, rural and urban landscapes, and economic development.

The course explores different aspects of Danish culture such as literature, mythology, history, film, music, architecture, painting, the welfare state, and national identity. This course is a unique combination of lectures and excursions, which includes trips to the Louisiana Museum of Modern Art and Frederiksborg Castle. NOTE: This version of the course (50 A) represents the evaluation based on attendance only. It is worth 6 quarter units and is graded on a P/NP basis only.

The course intends to extend Swedish vocabulary and the ability to adapt the use of language to different communicative situations while developing the ability to engage in debates and discussions in Swedish. Written proficiency and the knowledge of stylistic variation in Swedish are practiced through the study of factual texts and text analysis. Active vocabulary is enlarged through reading modern Swedish literature. The pronunciation and grammar exercises are assisted by computer-based language programs in a language laboratory.

This is a beginner`s Norwegian language course for international students. Students develop basic communicative skills in Norwegian. Students learn to make themselves understood both orally and in writing using basic vocabulary and basic grammatical structures. Examples of topics covered are talking about oneself and one’s family, studies, hobbies, and work life. After completing the course, the students are able to communicate about topics covered in the course. Students are able to express themselves coherently both orally and in writing. They are able to express thoughts and opinions about everyday topics. Their pronunciation is good enough to not disrupt communication. They are able to use and understand basic grammar covered in the course.

The course explores different aspects of Danish culture such as literature, mythology, history, film, music, architecture, painting, the welfare state, and national identity. The course is a unique combination of lectures and excursions, which includes trips to the Louisiana Museum of Modern Art and Frederiksborg Castle. This version of the course (50 Q) is worth 12 quarter units and requires a 15-20 page individual research paper.

Through lectures and excursions, this course offers a portrait of Denmark through its output of popular entertainment and high art within film, television, and streaming. It places internationally famous auteurs such as Carl Theodor Dreyer, Lars von Trier, Thomas Vinterberg, and Susanne Bier in their cultural context and presents important genres such as youth film, realism, drama, comedy, pornography, and documentary. The course interrogates the role of screen sexuality, gender and racial representations, and cultural identity, and it explores the role of film, television, and streaming policy.