Time Schedule:
Marianne T Stecher Hansen
SCAND 232
Seattle Campus
Influence of Hans Christian Andersen and the fairy tale on modern Scandinavian tales and stories. Investigates the significance of the fairy tale in the modern world, with attention to writers such as Isak Dinesen, Knut Hamsun, Villy Sorensen, William Heinesen.
Class description
This course focuses on the study of the literary fairy tales of Hans Christian Andersen. Andersen's world famous tales are studied in the context of the European fairy tale tradition ((Arabian Nights, Charles Perrault, the Grimm brother's tales, and Scandinavian folk-tales). Further, the course is an opportunity to study 19th-century fairy tales within the context of European Romanticism. The course investigates aesthetics, literary themes, social concerns and ideologies specific to Andersen's work and representative of the 19th Century as a transitional age. Finally, the course explores various critical approaches to reading and interpreting the literary fairy tale.
Student learning goals
A knowledge and understanding of the literary genre "fairy tale" in a broad cultural, historical and literary context.
An introduction to various critical approaches to reading "fairy tales" and opportunities to exercise skills for interpreting and writing about literary texts.
An understanding of the distinctions between biography and literary autobiography, as exemplified in works by and about Hans Christian Andersen.
A knowledge of modern and recent adaptations of H.C. Andersen's tales and stories in various genres and media.
A knowledge of some of the major currents of nineteenth-century European -- and particularly Scandinavia -- culture, literature and social history.
General method of instruction
The primary method of instruction consists of lectures (structured by powerpoint presentations or lecture outlines) and short essay assignments. The course will also make use of small-group discussion, films and other media. Assigned reading is required in advanced of each lecture.
Recommended preparation
Course is open to all undergraduates with an interest in literature, history, and criticism. There are no specific entrance requirements; however, students with some previous training in the reading and interpretation of literature will likely have greater success in the course.
Class assignments and grading
Two critical essays are assigned (there will be a choice of topics). In addition, two exams (consisting of objective questions as well as short essays) are given during the quarter. The assignments are designed to evaluate students' ability to think and write critically about the literary texts and secondary reading as well as to evaluate their knowledge of specific subject matter.
Grades are based on the following: In-class examinations (Midterm 20% and Final 30%); two short critical essays (20% and 20% each). Participation: 10%.
