Final Syllabus Hans Christian Andersen and the Danish Golden Age Copenhagen Spring Semester 17, European Humanities 3-credit course Monday & Thursday 13.15-14.35 in classroom N7-C24 Major Disciplines: Literature Instructor: Janis Granger Ph. D., Scandinavian Languages and Literatures, University of California – Berkeley, 1981; M.A., Scandinavian Studies, University of California – Los Angeles, 1976; B.A., History, University of California – Berkeley. Lecturer in Danish Language, Literature and Culture, University of Wisconsin - Madison, 1981-1984. Written articles and reviews on Danish literature and Scandinavian Crime Fiction. With DIS since 1984 as faculty, Academic Counselor and Registrar; as of 2011 as full time faculty. Taught at DIS Stockholm for Fall Semester 2016. Office hours: by appointment, available before and after class DIS contacts: Matt Kelley, Program Assistant, European Humanities Department Hans Christian Andersen and the Danish Golden Age| DIS – Study Abroad in Scandinavia | Major Disciplines: Literature Final Syllabus Content This course will be a study of approximately 30 fairy tales by Hans Christian Andersen (1805- 75) as well as extracts from his travelogues, poems, diaries and his autobiography, The Fairy Tale of My Life. Andersen’s significance as an international storyteller will be emphasized by analyzing his tales using various approaches and by seeing different perceptions of him through the eyes of his contemporaries and his readers of today. In order to get a feel for Hans Christian Andersen’s world, we will familiarize ourselves with important figures of the Danish Golden Age (1800-1850). Andersen’s fairytales will provide the backbone for this course that will emphasize his genuine inventiveness and the complexity of his texts. Learning Objectives The course will provide students with an in-depth understanding and knowledge of the literary art of Hans Christian Andersen from his fairytales to other forms of prose. Students will learn to analyze, critically evaluate and appreciate the works to reach an understanding of Hans Christian Andersen as a literary giant—and not just the writer of children’s fairy tales. At the end of the course, students will be able to: Identify and distinguish the works of Hans Christian Andersen by themes, styles and influences Understand and discuss the historical context of Denmark’s Golden Age and gain an understanding of Danish society Understand the fairy tale/artistic tale genre as opposed to folktales Appreciate Hans Christian Andersen as a literary and artistic genius – and not just a writer of tales for children Course Content Hans Christian Andersen (1805-1875) is internationally known as the writer of fairy tales. Children all over the world know The Ugly Duckling, The Emperor’s New Clothes, The Little Mermaid, The Princess and the Pea and other tales. But Andersen also wrote plays, novels, poems, travelogues and songs. The course will start with an introduction to the life and times of Hans Christian Andersen and the reading of his early tales. We will begin looking at the tales from a biographical and historical approach. We will also look at the influence of folk tales and other literary influences on his writing. As we will discover, Andersen’s tales are not just for children. Andersen gives insightful commentary in his later tales, which reflect social and technological changes. The course will give us an understanding of the Romantic Age and the Danish Golden Age as well as of the social and economic changes that dramatically affected life in mid-19th Century Europe. And we will discover how Hans Christian Andersen’s literary art is still pertinent in the 21st century. Hans Christian Andersen and the Danish Golden Age| DIS – Study Abroad in Scandinavia | Major Disciplines: Literature Final Syllabus Evaluation Engagement 20 % Midterm 25 % Short Analysis 20 % Final Paper or Final Exam 35% Engagement is your responsibility, so it is up to you what grade you receive in this area. Consider how often you discuss, comment or ask questions in class; how many absences you have during the semester, how often you complete all the readings for class; how often you check your phone or Facebook or other non-class related media during a single class meeting. Students must complete all course work in order to receive a passing grade. Expectations Students are expected to have read the materials for each class and actively participate in discussions. Students should come to class prepared with questions and points for discussion. When posing questions or participating in discussions, students should, as much as possible, refer to the readings to support the points they are making. If you are shy about speaking up in class, you are welcome to email me your questions or ideas for class discussions. Approach to Teaching I am enthusiastic about Hans Christian Andersen: the man; his tales and his times. I bring this enthusiasm to my teaching. I will start out with some background lectures. Since I take a cultural/historical approach to Hans Christian Andersen’s tales, there will be some lectures about mid-19th Century Denmark and the Danish Golden Age. But for the most part, the class will be based on analysis of the tales, in-class group discussions and class discussions. I am enthusiastic about analyzing writing and writing itself. We will start by learning or refreshing our techniques as to how to closely read a piece of literature so we can discuss the tales in depth. I like to give students different academic options, whether it is with presentations, writing assignments, discussion techniques, since everyone learns differently – and I like to learn from you, too. You will decide what we do in class on April 6 – it will be your class Hans Christian Andersen and the Danish Golden Age| DIS – Study Abroad in Scandinavia | Major Disciplines: Literature Final Syllabus Practical Matters/Classroom Policies Students are expected to be on time to class. If students miss multiple classes, it will affect their engagement grade. Allowances, of course, will be made in case of illness but missing too many classes without cause may result in the student being referred to Director of Academic Affairs and/or Director of Student Affairs. Laptops may be used for note-taking. Please wait until the break or time before and after class, to check email, Facebook and check and send text messages. If surfing the internet or text messaging becomes a problem, laptops and cell phones will be banned from the classroom. No eating in the classroom. Students are, of course, allowed to bring water, coffee or tea but eating of meals during class is not allowed. Students may consume lunch or a snack at the break. Also bathroom visits should also be limited to before or after class – or during the break. Disability and Accommodations Any student who has a need for accommodation based on the impact of a disability should contact the Academic Support Office at [email protected] to coordinate this. In order to receive accommodations, students should inform me of the approved DIS accommodations within the first two weeks of classes. Due Dates Short Analysis 20% Due on Thursday February 16. An interpretation of a fairy tale by Andersen. You may choose one of the tales we have read or a new tale. Your interpretation must include a discussion of how to approach the text by analyzing it by a close reading. 3-4 pages in length. Midterm 25% Midterm in class on Thursday, March 9. This in-class midterm will cover factual information about HCA and the Danish Golden Age. There will multiple choice questions, short answer question and one essay type question. Hans Christian Andersen and the Danish Golden Age| DIS – Study Abroad in Scandinavia | Major Disciplines: Literature Final Syllabus Final Paper or Final Exam 30 % Due in class on Thursday, May 4 For the paper, choose to do one of the following: An academic paper (6-7 pages) on a theme of your choice (for example, the portrait of women, Christian elements, role of the child in HCA’s tales; development of HCA’s style; HCA as a visual artist, etc.). Should at least include two outside, academic sources. A re-writing of your short analysis expanding on the original topic, taking into account comments given on the original paper. Must be 7-8 pages in length and include at least one more tale of HCA’s tales and at least two outside sources. If you choose this option, you may extend your original paper by revising your thesis, broadening your comparisons and further qualifying your arguments. Please follow this suggested structure for your papers: 1. Introduction: presentation of the topic to be investigated; a brief overview of what you will do and a brief comment about the methodology (comparison, application of a specific theory) 2. Analysis: comments, discussions, comparisons 3. Summary and conclusion 4. Notes and bibliography or Final Essay Exam 30% Choose to take a final exam. Several essay questions will be posed. You pick two. Each essay must consist of approx. 600 words or two double-spaced pages, 12 font. Field Studies Thursday, February 16, 8:00pm-10:00pm Ballet performance at the Royal Theater. The Royal Theater and the Danish ballet company were important to the Danish Golden Age. Details and tickets to be given out in class. Wednesday, April 19, 1:30pm – 4:00pm A visit to Tivoli Gardens. Tivoli opened in August 1848 and Hans Christian Andersen was there. The Chinese Pavilion was an inspiration for “The Nightingale.” After a tour of the gardens, you will have time on your own to explore and have fun. We will meet in our classroom 10-B25 at 1:30pm and walk over to Tivoli.