Active Citizenship in Denmark
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Draft Syllabus Active Citizenship in Denmark Summer 2018 Credits: 3 Location: Copenhagen Major Disciplines: Anthropology, Political Science, Sociology Related Discipline: Educational Studies Faculty Members: Mette Jungersen and Ditte Marie Egebjerg Course description: Denmark is renowned for a strong civic society characterized by equality and social trust, but this is never a given. Democracy depends on citizens to actively engage in society. In this course, we discuss civic responsibility, social cohesion, and the importance of active citizenship, and we learn alongside Danish students by visiting the community of Danish højskole – unique living and learning communities characterized by a high level of engagement and enthusiasm. Learning objectives of the course are to gain insights into: the idea of democracy as a way of life how social cohesion is instilled in youth through an emphasis on dialogue and conversation in education how civic engagement is developed through individual growth how the Danish concept of ‘liberal mind’ is reflected in current debates about social cohesion and immigration Required texts: Hall, John A., Korsgaard, Ove and Pedersen, Ove K. (eds.): Building the Nation: N.F.S. Grundtvig and Danish National Identity. McGill‐Queen’s University Press, 2015. Korsgaard, Ove: The Struggle for the People. Danish School of Education Press, 2008. Broadbridge, Edward, Jonas, Uffe and Warren, Clay: The School for Life: N.F.S. Grundtvig on Education for the People. Aarhus University Press, 2011. Approach to Teaching: Discussion based Interactive Case studies relating to current issues and events Hands on approach: Multiple visits to højskoler, grassroots organizations and local associations Expectations of the students: Active participation in class is essential for the success of the course. In each meeting, your contribution includes raising questions in relation to the day’s topic and responding to your peers’ contributions. Preparation for class includes close reading of the texts, entries to your blog (to be Active Citizenship in Denmark | DIS – Study Abroad In Scandinavia | Major Disciplines: Anthropology, Political Science, Sociology | Related Discipline: Educational Studies 1 Draft Syllabus discussed), and reflection on visits and previous class meetings. In class discussions, you will be asked to refer to specific course materials and course experiences to support your interjections. Field studies: This is a course with a strong hands‐on approach, with many activities outside the classroom. We will be doing visits to local institutions and organizations, city walks, outside lectures, trips to højskoler, and more. Be prepared to learn and be active outside the classroom as much as in it. Grading: To be eligible for a passing grade in this class you must complete all of the assigned work. Engaged participation 25% Blog 30% Oral presentation 15% Mid‐term exam 10% Final paper/exam 20% Disability and resource statement: Any student who has a need for accommodation based on the impact of a disability should contact the Office of Academic Support ([email protected]) to coordinate this. In order to receive accommodations, students should inform the instructor of approved DIS accommodations within the first two weeks of classes. Policies Attendance You are expected to attend all DIS classes when scheduled. If you miss multiple classes the Director of Academic Support, and the Director of Student Affairs will be notified and they will follow‐up with you to make sure that all is well. Absences will jeopardize your grade and your standing at DIS. Allowances will be made in cases of illness, but in the case of multiple absences you will need to provide a doctor’s note. Academic Honesty: Plagiarism and Violating the Rules of an Assignment DIS expects that students abide by the highest standards of intellectual honesty in all academic work. DIS assumes that all students do their own work and credit all work or thought taken from others. Academic dishonesty will result in a final course grade of “F” and can result in dismissal. The students’ home universities will be notified. DIS reserves the right to request that written student assignments be turned in electronic form for submission to plagiarism detection software. See the Academic Handbook for more information, or ask your instructor if you have questions. DIS Contact: Sanne Rasmussen, Program Coordinator, European Humanities Department, [email protected]. Active Citizenship in Denmark | DIS – Study Abroad In Scandinavia | Major Disciplines: Anthropology, Political Science, Sociology | Related Discipline: Educational Studies 2 .