Syllabus

Intensive Danish Language and Culture, Fall 2010

Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday 13.15 – 14.35,
Class room: F24-202

Language ability and cultural sensitivity are closely connected - studying Danish while living in Denmark is a
unique opportunity for you to study another language and another culture, thus, giving you the opportunity
to experience your own language and culture from another perspective. In general, you get the opportunity
to see the world through a different pair of glasses. It is always a challenge the first time speaking a foreign
language, however, being adventurous and giving it a try is worth the effort.

“Man cannot discover new oceans unless he has the courage to lose sight of the shore.” (Andre Gide)

Professor: Mogens Ørting Larsen, mogensoerting@hotmail.com

DIS contact: Program Director: Suzanne da Cunha Bang, sdc@dis.dk
Danish Intern: Erin Kremser, ekr@dis.dk office: 7.24

Using the language as a stepping stone, we provide you with an insight into Danish culture, values and ways
of life.

Objectives:

Develop a basic understanding of the Danish language including grammar, vocabulary and correct
pronunciation. The textbook DIS DANSK I + II provides basic communicative competency in Danish. The
lessons guide the student step by step into modern Danish; as the main emphasis is on communicative
competencies, the grammatical rules are not the beginning and end of the lesson, but are second to the
needs of communication.
First language, then grammar. Phrases and appropriate language for specific situations are analyzed in
order to comprehend grammatical rules. At the end of the semester you will be able to engage in basic
everyday conversations with a Dane, while applying the proper cultural sensitivities relevant to Danish
society.

You should be able to:

• use and understand Danish Level II vocabulary

• discuss personal and simple social topics with some grammatical accuracy and speed
• comprehend the main ideas and content of selected contemporary popular Danish songs
• read with increased understanding texts from Danish newspapers
• participate in classroom discussions on texts from textbook as well as texts from Danish songs and
newspaper articles
• write one page compositions on various themes
• better understand one’s own linguistic and cultural heritage as well as the linguistic and cultural
heritage of the Danes

Culture:

Establish a basic understanding of Danish history, society, culture and way of life, thus, being able to
decode Danish culture. Develop a keen sensitivity to the role and importance culture plays in inter-personal
and business communications throughout the world.

Format of the Course:

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 Syllabus
Intensive Danish Language and Culture, Fall 2010
Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday 13.15 – 14.35,
Class room: F24-202

• The class meets four times a week

• Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday, 13:15 – 14:35
• 46 sessions in the semester
• Class room: F24-202

The Language is taught using “DIS DANSK I and II. ” The in-class focus is on speaking and listening
comprehension, and during class you will be asked to practice speaking Danish either with a partner and/or
in small groups, and often the homework will include you speaking with a Dane. Furthermore, we will
spend quite a lot of time on pronunciation (since this constitutes one of the bigger challenges of learning
Danish). Danish newspaper articles and Danish popular songs will be used throughout the semester.

The Cultural part will be imbedded in the language and consist of short texts in Danish about
Contemporary Denmark, Danish history and famous Danes. Danish culture will be discussed all along and
here your own experiences and observations are of utmost value.
An important aim of the course is to strengthen your ability to navigate in an international world, and your
active participation is therefore extremely important not only in class but also outside the classroom.
You are expected to bring your observations and experiences to class for analysis and discussions.
Furthermore Danish music, Danish literature in English and newspaper articles will be used as “openers” to
Danish culture and society.

Homework:

• Plan to do 1-2 hours of homework for each class meeting. 15 % of the final grade is based on preparation
of daily assignments, active participation in class, ability to respond when called upon and speaking
Danish in class. Being prepared for class is one of the key factors that determines whether or not students
succeed in Danish. A general guideline is to prepare for each class as if you were having a quiz on the
material covered in the preceding class. Quizzes will be given as needed
Students who come to class prepared will have more opportunity to participate.
There will be both oral and written assignments for each class.

Honour code: “On my honour, as a DIS student, I have not received any assistance what so ever on this
work.” Academic honesty is strictly enforced in this class.

Papers:

3 - 5 short essays in Danish about myself, family, study tours

(All essays must be typed, double spaced, spell-checked, handed in on time and include a word total at
the bottom of the page).

Individual presentations:

Each student will give 2 PP presentations in Danish during the semester about for example:

• Min familie
• Min efterårsferie (Fall vacation)
• Mine fremtidsplaner (Plans for the Future)

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 Syllabus
Intensive Danish Language and Culture, Fall 2010
Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday 13.15 – 14.35,
Class room: F24-202

• Min bedste ven (My Best Friend)

Assignments, papers and exams:

• Oral Midterm in class date: October 28
• Written Midterm in class, Danish exercises and essay: October 29
• Written Final in class, Danish exercises and essay: December 7
• Oral Final: between December 13 and 16

Field study / Experiential learning:

1. FS: Soccer Match: Date and time TBA

2. FS: September 8, 8.30-12.30
3. FS: October 27, 8.30-12.30

Danish film:
There will be one film session during the semester. Time TBA

Grading elements:
Participation 15%
Quizzes, tests and short essays 20%
Individual in class Presentations 15%
Midterm (oral and written) 15%
Written Final 20%
Oral Final 15%

Participation covers:
1. attendance
2. level of preparation – ability to answer questions asked in class
3. involvement in class and group discussions
4. presentations in class
Note: Please be aware of that simply attending class will not earn you
participation/preparation/homework credit. Participation means being actively and cooperatively
INVOLVED in the classroom sessions.
Your professor is looking forward to and expects to see you in every class since attendance is an
essential element in the language learning process. However we are aware that difficulties do arise and
therefore allow for instances of illness or emergency by permitting each student a maximum of 2
absences during the semester. If you miss more than two classes this will have a direct influence on you
participation grade. If you miss no more than 2 times and show up well prepared for each class (see
note below), you will have an A for attendance; 3 absences = B; 4 =C; 5=D; 6 or more =F.
NOTE: Please be aware that simply being in the class room will not earn you
participation/preparation/homework credit. Participation means being actively and cooperatively
INVOLVED in the classroom sessions.

The Final Grade consists of seven different elements, PLEASE NOTICE that in order to pass you exam you
have to pass each part. Skipping one part will mean failing the class.
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 Syllabus
Intensive Danish Language and Culture, Fall 2010
Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday 13.15 – 14.35,
Class room: F24-202

Disabilities: Special needs? Please discuss your need with your professor right away.

Religious observances: Conflicts due to religious holydays? Please inform your professor right away.

Studying Danish while living in Denmark offers you a huge selection of different ways to immerse
yourself in Danishess.
• Watch Danish movies with English subtitles.
• Watch American sitcoms with Danish subtitles.
• Turn off your IPod on trains and busses and LISTEN to what is being said around you.
• Watch the news in Danish.
• Make a daily habit of reading and translating the headlines of the newspapers
• “Collect” advertising in Danish as you see them when moving around in the city. Etc.

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 Syllabus
Intensive Danish Language and Culture, Fall 2010
Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday 13.15 – 14.35,
Class room: F24-202

Detailed Study Plan for the Semester

Important dates (make NO travel plans for these days)

1. FS: Soccer match, date and time TBA

2. FS: September 8, 8.30-12.30
3. FS: October 27, 8.30-12.30
Oral Midterm: Thursday October 28
Written Midterm: Friday October 29

Quizzes: will be given as needed

Written Final: December 7
Oral Final: TBA later

Lesson 1 Introduction to the course

DIS DANSK I & II (= DD I & II)
Thursday August 26
(DD I)Lesson 1

Lesson 2
Friday August 27 (DD I) Lesson 1
Lesson 3
Monday August 30 (DD I) Lesson 1
Lesson 4
Tuesday August 31 (DD I) Lesson 2
Lesson 5
Thursday September 2 (DD I) Lesson 2
Lesson 6
Friday September 3 (DD I) Lesson 2
Lesson 7
Monday September 4 (DD I) Lesson 3
Lesson 8
Tuesday September 5 (DD I) Lesson 3
Wednesday
September 8 FIELD STUDY

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 Syllabus
Intensive Danish Language and Culture, Fall 2010
Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday 13.15 – 14.35,
Class room: F24-202

8.30 – 12.30

September 9-11 SHORT STUDY TOUR

Lesson 9
Monday September 13 (DD I) Lesson 3
Lesson 10
Tuesday September 14 (DD I) Lesson 4
Lesson 11
Thursday September 15 (DD I) Lesson 4
Lesson 12
Friday September 16 (DD I) Lesson 4
Lesson 13
Monday September 20 (DD I) Lesson 5
Lesson 14
Tuesday September 21 (DD I) Lesson 5
Lesson 15
Thursday September 23 (DD I) Lesson 5
Lesson 16
Friday September 24 (DD I) Lesson 6
Lesson 17
Monday September 27 (DD I) Lesson 6
Lesson 18
Tuesday September 28 (DD I) Lesson 6
Lesson 19
Thursday September 30 (DD I) Lesson 7
Lesson 20
Friday October 1 (DD I) Lesson 7

October 3-9 LONG PROGRAM TOUR

Lesson 21
Monday October 11 (DD I) Lesson 7

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 Syllabus
Intensive Danish Language and Culture, Fall 2010
Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday 13.15 – 14.35,
Class room: F24-202

Lesson 22
Tuesday October 12 (DD I) Lesson 8
Lesson 23
Thursday October 14 (DD I) Lesson 8
Lesson 24
Friday October 15 (DD I) Lesson 8
Lesson 25
Monday October 18 (DD II) Lesson 1
Lesson 26
Tuesday October 19 (DD II) Lesson 1
Lesson 27
Thursday October 21 (DD II) Lesson 2
Lesson 28
Friday October 22 (DD II) Lesson 2
Lesson 29
Monday October 25 (DD II) Lesson 2
Lesson 30
Tuesday October 26 (DD II) Lesson 3
Wednesday October 27
FIELD STUDY
Lesson 31
Thursday October 28 Oral Midterm in class
Lesson 32
Friday October 29 Written Midterm in Class

November 1 – 14 Travel Break

Lesson 33
Monday November 15 (DD II) Lesson 3
Lesson 34
Tuesday November 16 (DD II) Lesson 4
Lesson 35
Thursday November 18 (DD II) Lesson 4

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 Syllabus
Intensive Danish Language and Culture, Fall 2010
Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday 13.15 – 14.35,
Class room: F24-202

Lesson 36
Friday November 19 (DD II) Lesson 5
Lesson 37
Monday November 22 (DD II) Lesson 5
Lesson 38
Tuesday November 23 (DD II) Lesson 6
Lesson 39
Thursday November 25 (DD II) Lesson 6

November 26 – 28 Long Weekend

Lesson 40
Monday November 29 (DD II) Lesson 7
Lesson 41
Tuesday November 30 (DD II) Lesson 7
Lesson 42
Thursday December 2 (DD II) Lesson 8
Lesson 43
Friday December 3 (DD II) Lesson 8
Lesson 44
Monday December 6 Revision Danish
Lesson 45
Tuesday December 7 Written Final
Lesson 46
Thursday December 9 Wrapping up + Julehygge

TIME FOR ORAL FINAL TO BE ANNOUNCED LATER!

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 Syllabus
Intensive Danish Language and Culture, Fall 2010
Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday 13.15 – 14.35,
Class room: F24-202