Download Scandinavian Culture Abroad

Title of selective course
Scandinavian Culture Abroad
Lecturer
Lone Funch Kofoed
Where
When
Room 180
Hours
Teaching language
15 x 2
English
Who can join
How do I sign up
Any university student with an
interest in Scandinavia
At the Nordic Library; Ask Ivona
Examination
Credits
Written essay
2 (+ 1 for exam)
If I want to know more
[email protected] (lecturer)
Description of course
The course is designed to activate student participation and discussion in class.
In the course we will examine and discuss different types of cultural products
which are exported from Scandinavia via the cultural institutes and/or the
embassies. Scandinavian film, literature, music, theatre, painting, design are sent
around the world to represent and promote Scandinavia in a positive way. What are
the strategies behind this kind of public diplomacy? Does it work? What are the
trademarks of Scandinavian identity and how are the Scandinavian values
communicated through culture?
1
Semester plan
Lesson 1
Introduction: What is culture?
The three notions: humanistic, anthropological, market-orientated. How can culture
and cultural products be utilized for regional growth, branding of cities, nations?
Lesson 2
Cultural exchange, nation branding and public cultural diplomacy.
Denmark, Sweden and Norway’s cultural exchange/cultural promotion strategies,
language teaching, the cultural aspect as part of a larger marketing strategy.
Recommendations and best practices for cultural diplomacy
From Swedish Institute: “Promoting Sweden”,
http://www.si.se/templates/CommonPage____473.aspx
From Danish Art Council : “International Cultural Exchange”,
http://www.kunststyrelsen.dk/d9000c/GSID/628849
Juliana Ivanova: ”Experience Bulgaria” IN: Sofia Echo, May 6th 2004
http://www.experiencebulgaria.org/
Branding, advertising and cultural promotion: “Culture as a metaphor for personality”
Simon Anholt: “Nation Branding”, Journal of Brand Management’s special issue
Lesson 3
The cultural institutes and other organisations working with promotion of culture.
Choose a couple of cultural products, events on the institutes websites, and analyse
them according to the national cultural exchange policies.
List of links
Lesson 4
The cultural festivals: Danish Wave 1999, New York / Superdanish 2004, Toronto /
Sweden: Upgrade 2006, Russia
The composition of the festivals, combination of tradition and history,
popular/mainstream culture, children’s culture, nature, family.
Lesson 5
Visit exhibition in Gallery of Foreign Art, Sofia: Scandinavian Design – Beyond the
Myth
Mirjam Gelfer-Jørgensen: Scandinavianism – a Cultural Brand
2
IN: Scandinavian Design – Beyond the Myth
Lesson 6
Preparation for exam
Compare and analyse Lindgren and Andersen: Fundamental themes and values
behind the tales? Specific Scandinavian cultural values? Exporting nostalgia? The
universalism of the two writers? (styles and themes, audience)
“Famous Swedes: Astrid Lindgren” from: www.sweden.se
H.C. Andersen “The Emperor’s New Clothes”
Lesson 7 & 8
Swedish film: Lukas Moodysson: Lilja 4-ever
Sweden educating on women’s trafficking; The Swedish Institute and The Swedish
Foreign Ministry’s campaign based upon Mooysson’s film
The Swedish cultural attaché Lisa Euren talks about the Lijla 4-ever projects
Lesson 9
The cultural festivals: Danish Wave 1999, New York / Superdanish 2004, Toronto /
Sweden: Upgrade 2006, Russia
The composition of the festivals, combination of tradition and history,
popular/mainstream culture, children’s culture, nature, family.
Lesson 10
History of Danish film:
Text: David Bordwell: A Strong Sense of Narrative Desire: A Decade of Danish
Film IN: FILM #34, Feb. 2004
Morten Piil: The Heart-warming Spark IN: FILM #Dogme, April 2005
Lesson 11 & 12
Showing of Dogme 1 – The Celebration
Showing of Lars vonTrier’s – Dancer in the Dark
Lesson 13 &14
The Great Anniversaries: Andersen and Ibsen
The festivals of literature are so much more than reading.
How to get the attention of the world media. The aspects of charity, commercialism
and everything in between. Appointing celebrity ambassadors, involving royalty.
Educating children in 3rd world countries through corporation with international
organizations.
3
http://www.hca2005.dk/
http://www.ibsenworldwide.info/
Henrik Ibsen TV-play: The Woman and the Sea
4