Winter 2025
Meeting:
MW 12:30pm - 2:20pm / BNS 115
SLN:
20168
Section Type:
Lecture
Joint Sections:
JSIS A 345 A
Instructor:
Syllabus Description (from Canvas):
Instructor: Guntis Šmidchens, guntiss@uw.edu
Class meets Mondays and Wednesdays 12:30-2:20, Benson Hall 115
Course Objectives
- Encounter Estonian, Latvian and Lithuanian culture:
- Read three currently popular books, watch three acclaimed movies
- and numerous songs & poems from the long tradition of Baltic national identities.
- Learn historical context useful to interpreting these Baltic cultural texts
- Cross the cultural divide—interpret Baltic culture and bring it to life in your own words
This course satisfies the General Education requirements for Humanities or Social Sciences; Writing Credit is also available.
Grades & Assignments
50% Contributions to discussions:
- Graded discussions online and in-class
40% Baltic cultures content
- 3x book reviews/response essays/creative responses (written, audio or video).
Drafts due during the quarter; then revised & resubmitted in your final portfolio - (possible spot quizzes for readings content, before class discussion)
10% Final presentation of one essay
Required Readings (please bring your copy to class, for discussion!)
- Andrus Kivirähk, The Man Who Spoke Snakish (on sale at UW Bookstore)
- Other readings and videos to be listed here, links on the Canvas website.
Schedule of Lecture topics will be posted before the first class meeting.
Catalog Description:
Cultures and peoples of Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania. Baltic literature, music, art, and film in social and historical context. Traditional contacts with Scandinavia and Central and East Europe. Offered: jointly with JSIS A 345.
GE Requirements Met:
Social Sciences (SSc)
Arts and Humanities (A&H)
Credits:
5.0
Status:
Active
Last updated:
December 5, 2024 - 12:31 pm