About this course
This course is an integrated language and culture course which serves as the ideal entry point for your studies abroad in Sweden. By providing an introduction to the Swedish language alongside an exploration of key themes in Swedish history and culture, this course will help you navigate and understand your new environment. It is specifically crafted to strengthen your sense of place and belonging while studying abroad.
In terms of language acquisition, the emphasis is on spoken everyday Swedish, reading comprehension, and essential grammar, enabling you to interact meaningfully with your local surroundings. The functional approach is integrated into classroom discussions, hands-on exercises, and experiential learning through field studies across Stockholm and its environs.
A core component of the course is your own observation of Swedish society. In this integrated language and culture course we explore how culture is reflected in language through specific expressions, concepts, and keywords. By openly and critically examining values, symbols, and both dominant and marginalized narratives, we will analyze how history continues to shape Swedish identities today. With Sweden as your case study, you will develop your ability to understand and study other cultures from an intercultural perspective.
Additional Swedish language courses available
Higher level language courses will be offered based on your previous academic background in the language.
Syllabus
Syllabus note
Several sections of this course run each semester. Above is a sample syllabus that offers a good example of what they are like. You will gain access to your final syllabus for your course section on the Tuesday before your semester.
Faculty
Lauren LaFauci
Ph.D. (American Studies & Environmental Humanities, University of Michigan, 2009). Assistant Professor of Environmental Humanities, Whitman College, USA, 2024; Linköping University, Sweden, 2018-2023. Program Convener of the Seed Box Environmental Humanities Collaboratory, Sweden, 2016-2017. Visiting Fellow, Posthumanities Hub, Sweden, 2016. Developmental Editor, 2009-2015. Communications Coach at Stanford University, 2007-2013. With DIS since 2025.
Andrea Simonelli
B.A. in Modern Languages and Literature (English, Russian and Scandinavian Languages, Milano University, 2009). M. Sc. in Pedagogy (Stockholm Univerity, 2020). Business Developer, ELVIRA Kunskapsutveckling, 2022-2024. Developer of “Ukraine Compentece Program” (funded by the European Social Fund). Goal: ensure the successful integration of Ukraine refugees into Swedish society. Language teacher, ABF Komvux, Stockholm, 2018-2022, teaching Swedish to adults. Language Teacher, Sigtuna Kommun, 2017-2018. With DIS since 2024.
Lena Norrman
Ph.D., Older Germanic Languages and Literatures, Harvard University, 2006. Senior Lecturer in Swedish in the department of German, Scandinavian and Dutch at the University of Minnesota since 2005. The role of women in medieval Scandinavia is the focus of Dr. Norrman’s research, with special emphasis on the use of weaving as a means of communication. She is the author of Viking Women: Narrative Roles in Woven Tapestries (2008). She has also published articles on women, storytelling and weaving in Viking Age Scandinavia and Classical Greece. With DIS from 2018.