Introduction to Swedish Culture and Society
SCA120
Contact person
Ulla Carlsson
E-mail: ulla.carlsson@vxu.se
Telephone: +46 470 70 80 00
School of Humanities, www.vxu.se/hum/
This programme is only open for exchange students. If you as an exchange student have any questions about admission, prerequisites etc, please contact the International Office at internationaloffice@adm.vxu.se.
If you are a free mover, please contact the Admissions Office regarding possibilities to study at Växjö University: admission@vxu.se.
January 22 – June 10, 2007
Undergraduate level
20 credit points (30 ECTS). Full-time studies
The aim of the programme is to give the students an understanding of the development of the Swedish welfare state. The programme offers a survey of Swedish heritage and culture through the study of politics, religion, history, literature and film.
Students take excursions to places of cultural interest. The cost of local excursions is included in the programme, but the students will pay for the more extensive field trips.
Prerequisites
One year of university studies and a good command of English.
Contents
The programme comprises four modules:
Module 1: (SCA121) Contemporary Sweden, 5 credit points (7.5 ECTS)
Political, socio-economic and religious developments in present-day Sweden are focused on in this module. The influence of modern technology, secularisation and multicultural integration is discussed as well as aspects of Sweden in a globalised world.Module 2: (SCA123) Swedish History and Heritage, 5 credit points (7.5 ECTS)
Swedish history from the Middle Ages until the present is outlined focusing on the construction of the Swedish welfare state and the development of "the Swedish Model". The image of Sweden abroad is also studied.Module 3: (SCA122) Swedish Literature, 5 credit points (7.5 ECTS)
Module 3 focuses on some central authors in Swedish literature, most of whom are well-known internationally such as Carl Michael Bellman, August Strindberg and Selma Lagerlöf. The course also includes children’s literature, represented by world famous Astrid Lindgren, as well as representatives of Swedish popular fiction.Module 4: (SCA124) Swedish Film, 5 credit points (7.5 ECTS)
This module deals with Swedish film from 1896 to the present day. The focus is set on well-known directors and their films, among them Victor Sjöström, Ingmar Bergman and Bo Widerberg. The development of Swedish cinema is studied in relation to the development of society and culture at large during the twentieth century.
Teaching methods
Instruction consists of lectures, seminars and exercises, both individually and in groups as well as visits to local and national sites of interest.
Assessment methods
Assessment is based on oral and written tests, presentations and active participation in lectures, seminars and field trips.
Recommended reading
A list of the literature can be obtained from the web at www.vxu.se/hum/.
