Instructor: Karin Filipsson (pronouns she/her/hers), kfilip@uw.edu
Schedule: The course will be taught Monday through Friday at 9.30-10.20. Tuesday, Thursday and Friday we will meet in person in the classroom. Monday and Wednesday we will meet on Zoom (link on the left side of the Canvas page). Office hour: Tuesday 10.30-11.30 by appointment on Zoom.
Location: MGH248
Course materials: Rivstart A1+A2 Textbok & Övningsbok (one set for the whole year). Please bring both books as well as a notebook and pen with you to each class. Masks are mandatory at all times.
Course description
Välkommen till svenska 101! In this class we will learn the basics of the Swedish language and culture, with a focus on communicative skills. Learning Swedish and about Sweden is a fascinating way to begin approaching contemporary world issues, history, media, society, politics, innovation, and everything else! While we will spend most of our time focusing on Sweden and Swedish-speaking Finland, there will also be opportunities for comparative and personalized integration with your own interests, studies, and goals. By the end of the first day, you will already be able to speak Swedish and realize how awesome, beautiful, and interesting the language is! Vi ses snart! [See you soon!]
About the course
In Modules, you will find the weekly schedule, including homework assignments. We will cover approximately 7 chapters of Rivstart in the Fall Quarter and then we will continue with the same book during Winter and Spring Quarters. We will have regular homework assignments, quizzes, and continuous oral and written assessments. There will be no final exam, instead the final assessment will be in the form of an individual OR group/pair project.
Please bring a physical copy of Rivstart A1+A2 Textbok and Övningsbok to each class. Masks are mandatory at all times before, during and after class.
In Announcements, I supply links to an Online dictionary, Duolingo, and to Rivstart online. I encourage you to download the free app Duolingo and practice Swedish every day using the app. In addition, I encourage you to watch Swedish TV (the app SvtPlay is free and offers a variety of shows/programs), listen to Swedish podcasts and Swedish music, as well as reading Swedish newspapers online. You will find links in files, but you can also find Swedish content on youtube, Spotify, Podcast apps, iTunes, Netflix etc. Have fun!
VLPA credit
Each course in the SWED 101-103 sequence also carries a VLPA credit. To that end, authentic Swedish texts, music, and media (especially film) are integrated into the course. As this course is the first in a sequence of three it is only offered FALL QUARTER. Auditors are not allowed. Note that some restrictions might apply to the use of this course in your Areas of Knowledge requirements. Feel free to contact our departmental advisor, Kim Kraft with any questions: kimkraft@uw.edu.
Principles
- We are going to prioritize supporting each other as humans
- We are going to prioritize honesty and clear communication
- We are going to choose to be optimistic, flexible and patient with each other
Classroom environment
The classroom is a community in which we learn from one another, so please be present, kind, and focused.
- Exercises and activities in pairs/small groups are and essential part of the teaching/learning
- We will focus on speaking, listening, reading, and writing
- Everyone will speak at least a little Swedish everyday
- Most of class will occur in Swedish
- Students are expected to be active participants in class
Course outcomes
At the end of this course, you will be able to...
1. Introduce yourself in Swedish and use greeting phrases in Swedish.
2. Communicate in Swedish in everyday situations, such as school, work, hobbies, family, traveling and shopping.
3. Identify Swedish cultural products, practices, traditions and perspectives.
4. Have some knowledge about Swedish history and geography.
Grading breakdown
- 45 % assignments = daily Rivstart homework and weekly Canvas assignments
- 20 % assessments = oral and written quizzes and tests after each chapter in Rivstart
- 20% projects = two writing assignments and one final project
- 15% participation = participation in class and self-assessment on Canvas
Grade scale
97-100%=4.0 ; 93-96%=3.9 ; 91-93%=3.8 ; 90%=3.7 ; 89%=3.6 ; 88%=3.5 ; 87%=3.4 ; 86%=3.3 ; 85%=3.2 ; 84%=3.1 ; 83%=3.0 ; 82%=2.9 ; 81%=2.9 ; 81%=2.8 ; 80%=2.7 ; 79%=2.6 ; 78%=2.5 ; 77%=2.4; 76%=2.3; 75%=2.2; 74%=2.1; 73%=2.0; 72%=1.9; 71%=1.8; 70%=1.7... (0-60%=0.0)
Important link to information about Campus Safety, Academic Integrity, Disability Resources, and Student Conduct
Religious accommodations
Washington state law requires that UW develop a policy for accommodation of student absences or significant hardship due to reasons of faith or conscience, or for organized religious activities. The UW’s policy, including more information about how to request an accommodation, is available at Faculty Syllabus Guidelines and Resources. Accommodations must be requested within the first two weeks of this course using the Religious Accommodations Request form.
Land acknowledgment
I would like to acknowledgment that I am teaching this course on the lands of the Coast Salish Peoples, whose ancestors resided here since time immemorial. I also acknowledge that many indigenous peoples continue to thrive in this place.
Academic advising