General provisions

The course is a freestanding course.

Entry requirements

General entry requirements

Learning outcomes

The course provides the student with basic knowledge of the Nordic languages ​​and the Nordic language community, including both modern and historical aspects. It covers Swedish language, especially the grammar, sociolinguistics and historical linguistics, and provides a basic introduction to modern Icelandic, Norwegian and Danish. Within the course, the student also practices language skills in speech and writing.

Learning objectives

Upon completing the course, the student should be able to:

Knowledge and understanding

• show basic knowledge of the linguistic situation in the Nordic region
• show basic knowledge of the structure, variation and historical development of the Nordic languages

Competence and skills

• read and understand prose texts at an adequate level of difficulty in modern Icelandic, Norwegian and Danish
• produce texts, both oral and written, in good Swedish and at a basic academic level

Judgement and approach

• show awareness of language conditions in the Nordic region
• show awareness of linguistic variation in society as well as an understanding of language policy issues

Content

The course comprises four compulsory modules: 1. Icelandic, 7.5 credits; 2. Language structure, 7.5 credits; 3. Swedish in time and space, 7.5 credits; 4. Danish and Norwegian, 7.5 credits.

1. Icelandic 7.5 credits

The module provides basic knowledge and skills in modern Icelandic as well as insights into the relationship between Icelandic and the other Nordic languages, in particular Swedish.

Learning objectives

Upon completing the course, the student should be able to:

• apply and explain the fundamentals of modern Icelandic pronunciation, grammar and vocabulary
• understand prose texts of a reasonable level of difficulty in modern Icelandic
• describe and explain the relationship between Icelandic and the other Nordic languages, especially Swedish

2. Language structure 7.5 credits

The course provides knowledge about the structure of the Swedish language. The student gains insights into the structure of the language as well as skills in linguistic structural analysis. Furthermore, the course introduces basic concepts for analyzing linguistic meaning.

Learning objectives

Upon completing the course, the student should be able to:

• explain basic concepts in phonetics, phonology, morphology, syntax and semantics
• apply basic methods of structural analysis of language.

3. Swedish in time and space 7.5 credits

The module covers both contemporary and historical linguistic variation and change. The student gains knowledge about the history of the Swedish language, in particular after year 1500, and about the language's social and regional variation. Furthermore, the student gains more insights into the Swedish linguistic community by analyzing texts from different time periods. The course unit also includes carrying out a small project and presenting it orally and in writing.

Learning objectives

Upon completing the course, the student should be able to:

• describe and account for linguistic variation and change with regard to historical, social and regional factors, as well as factors of language policies
• relate the history of the Swedish language, in particular from the 16th century onwards
• critically discuss Sweden as a linguistic community

4. Danish and Norwegian 7.5 credits

The course provides an introduction to the linguistic and cultural community in Scandinavia and the other Nordic countries. The student develops basic knowledge and skills in contemporary Danish and Norwegian, and practices the ability to understand both languages ​​in speech and writing. Furthermore, the student develops basic insights into the history and variation of the Danish and Norwegian languages.

Learning objectives

Upon completing the course, the student should be able to:

• demonstrate that they are familiar with the situation of the Nordic languages and the Scandinavian spoken and written languages
• apply appropriate strategies to understand Danish and Norwegian texts
• account for the historical background of the Nordic language situation
• outline the variation within spoken language in the Danish and Norwegian language areas
• write context appropriate texts and give feedback on texts and presentations of others.

Instruction

Lectures, lessons, seminars and group exercises. There are mandatory components and written assignments.

Assessment

Students are assessed on the basis of seminars and oral and written assignments and tests.

Under special circumstances, an examiner may make exceptions to the indicated method of assessment and allow a student to be assessed by another method. A certificate regarding special pedagogical support from the University's disability coordinator, for example, may justify an alternative method of assessment.

Students who fail a regular examination will be offered a make-up examination within a reasonable period of time after the regular examination. Students who fail a certain examination twice may apply to the head of the department for permission to change examiners or form of examination.

To receive a grade of Pass with Distinction for the whole course, students must have achieved the grade of Pass with Distinction in components worth a total of at least 22,5 credits.

Other directives

Good proficiency in Swedish is required to pass the course. Contact the study counsellor if you are not certain about your level.