Scandinavian Life and Civilization for Scandinavian Majors

Scand. Studies 476 , 4 credits

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

Prof. Nete Schmidt

aschmidt2@facstaff.wisc.edu

1368 Van Hise

phone: 262-2128

Office Hours: W and F 12 -1 or by appointment

Requirements:

Midterm 40%

Final Exam: 40%

Additional presentation and Research Paper: 20%

Required Texts:

Robert Ostergren The Geography of Scandinavia (WITS)

Einar Haugen The Scandinavian Languages (WITS)

Stewart Oakley The History of Scandinavia (WITS)

Thomas Dubois Family and Community in Scandinavia (NCCP No.2)

Ludvig Holberg Erasmus Montanus (WITS)

Reader of selected texts

The texts are available at the Underground Textbook Exchange, 664 State Street, where the additional Reader should also be purchased.

Purpose:

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

-- To discuss texts in a smaller group where students are responsible for presentations of the readings

-- To work independently on an 8-10 page research paper. You choose your own topic pertaining to Scandinavian Life and Civilization, and you must have at least 8 sources outside the required reading

Examinations:

Midterm will be on Tuesday, March 11, in class.

Final exam will be on Thursday May 15 at 5:05 PM.

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:

1 extra discussion class immediately following the first class on Tuesday Jan 22 to determine the additional workload for the 4th credit.

Additional work may comprise discussion of the following with a view to the research paper:

1) Sagas and Vikings, Discussion of “Eirik the Red”

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

3) 18 th Century, Discussion of Ludvig Holberg Erasmus Montanus

4) 19 th Century, Discussion of Henrik Ibsen, Hedda Gabler

5) 20 th century, Discussion of The Faces or Hanne Marie Svendsen Under the Sun

6) Discussion of a contemporary subject of the students' choice.