ClassInfo

National Identity, ethnic minorities, the welfare state, nature, sustainability, solidarity and humor - topics already familiar to you - but did you know how important and present these topics are in Scandinavian culture and literature from Middle Ages to the present? In this course we will explore more-in-depth a range of questions regarding these topics trough reading a selection of Scandinavian texts, poems, short stories, and film. In fact, all five Nordic countries are represented in the course material and we will compare and contrast the representations from the different countries. Our readings will include poetry, short novels and literary texts by tewo Nordic Nobel Prize Laureates: Knut Hamsun and Halldór Laxness. We will also read one of the more controversial plays by August Strindberg and HenriK Ibsen. Finally, we will look at the modern Scandinavia with its ethnic diversity by readings of Michael Niemi and Jonas Hassen Khemiri. Paralell to the literary readings of texts, we will discuss several cinematic treatmets of the class discussion topics. Focus is on three themes: national identity, nature the welfare state, and the four genres: personal desription, interview, debate and reflection. Class sessions will include lecture and small group discussions.

Class is conducted in English. There are no prerequisites.

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The course will allow you explore in-depth a range of questions regarding these topics through reading a selection of Scandinavian texts, poems, short stories, and film. All five Nordic countries are represented in the course material. The course compares and contrasts the representations from the different countries. Our readings will include poetry, short novels, including literary texts by two Nordic Nobel Laureates: Knut Hamsun and Halldor Laxness. Parallel to the literary readings of the texts, we will analyze and discuss several cinematic treatments of the class' discussion topics. Focus is on three themes: national identity, nature and welfare state.