SWED 201
Instructor: Karin Filipsson (pronouns she/her/hers), kfilip@uw.edu
Schedule: The course will be taught Monday through Friday at 10.30-11.20. Office hour: Wednesday 11.30-12.30 by appointment.
Location: SMI111
Course materials: Rivstart A1+A2 Textbok & Övningsbok for Fall quarter and Rivstart B1+B2
Textbok & Övningsbok for Winter and Spring.
Course description
Välkommen till svenska 201! In this class we will continue to build our knowledge of Swedish language and culture, with a focus on communicative skills. Learning Swedish and about Sweden is a fascinating way to approach 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.
About the course
We will continue with Rivstart A but we will start Rivstart B, so you need both sets of books. 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.
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 can also find Swedish content on youtube, Spotify, Podcast apps, iTunes, Netflix etc. Have fun!
VLPA credit
Each course in the SWED 201-203 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.
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 Swedish every day
- 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. Read, write and discuss Swedish literature.
2. Communicate in Swedish in both everyday situations and in more formal settings.
3. Identify Swedish cultural products, practices, traditions and perspectives.
4. Have some knowledge about Swedish history and geography.
Grading breakdown
- 35 % assignments = weekly Canvas assignments and discussion posts
- 35% projects = three writing assignments and one final project including project proposal
- 30% participation and assessment = engaging and participation in class, completing Rivstart homework before each class and watching the TV show Hitta hem and posting in the discussion posts 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.