Danish Language and Culture I: Marginalized Communities and the Welfare State

(3 Credit Hours) · Undergraduate

This course integrates language and cultural studies, offering a unique exploration of Danish life and language through the perspectives of vulnerable and marginalized communities. Serving as an ideal introduction to your studies in Denmark, the course not only provides foundational knowledge of the Danish language but also engages with key themes in Danish culture and society, focusing on the experiences of those at the margins. It aims to help you better navigate and understand your new environment, enhancing your sense of belonging and connection during your time abroad. Denmark is renowned for its comprehensive welfare state, yet vulnerable and marginalized individuals still exist within society. In this course, we will examine key elements of Danish social policy and delve into the experiences of those affected. Why do we encounter homelessness in a welfare state like Denmark? How are drug users perceived in Copenhagen, and what political measures are in place to address this issue? Furthermore, what social services does the municipality of Copenhagen offer to young people at risk of gang involvement or facing critical personal struggles? Our engagement with various vulnerable and marginalized groups will foster discussions and provide valuable insights into Danish culture, history, and politics more broadly. We will also explore how cultural attitudes and perspectives on social policy are reflected in the language, focusing on the terms used in Danish to describe these communities. What can we learn about Danish traditions, values, beliefs, and societal tensions through our exploration of these groups? Language learning in this course will focus on conversational Danish, reading comprehension, and foundational grammar, enabling you to engage in basic interactions with your local environment. This practical approach is reflected in classroom activities, hands-on exercises, and experiential learning through field studies in and around Copenhagen.