Royalty in the Land of Equality

(3 Credit Hours) · Undergraduate

In this class we will discuss how the royal family of Denmark has had a large impact on the history, architecture, urban planning, and art world of the country. A comparative study of other European royal families will be included as well as a look into American "royal" families, such as the Kennedys and Obamas. How do Americans and other nations perceive the Danish royal family? Why is it that people seem to need these figures in society? How come that a slightly anachronistic institution seems to work frictionless in an unchallenged balance with a nation of today? What is the role of the media and how do the royal family act with the press? Is there a future to a monarchy as an institution in the years to come? Several visits to royal castles, collections, and monuments in and outside Copenhagen will be included, as well as visits to various museums.