Taught onsite in multi-ethnic Copenhagen during August 2009, this interdisciplinary UW program explores Scandinavian approaches to culture in a globalizing world.
The 12-credit, intensive course engages four academic disciplines — Sociology, Film Studies, Literature and Architecture — in order to illuminate European perspectives on migration, integration and diversity while enriching our understanding of North American experiences.
The program’s four one-week modules are taught in English by UW faculty and Scandinavian specialists. Students also participate in a three-week intensive Danish language course at the beginning, intermediate or advanced levels taught by Danish faculty.
Supported by: 
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Week 1
Sociology and Politics of Integration
— Steven Pfaff & Sarah Valdez
Students will be introduced to the sociological aspects of Scandinavian multiculturalism through a study of immigrant assimilation. Topics include immigration policies and political reactions to immigration (from political parties to street protests) as well as the study of ethnic communities and neighborhoods in Denmark and Sweden.
Week 2
Ethnicity and Film
— Mette Hjort
Using Denmark and Sweden as contrasting national contexts, students examine the different contributions made by films in which Scandinavians with immigrant backgrounds participate as actors, directors, or producers. The week includes meeting with two contemporary film directors and touring of the Film Town where the contributions of “new Danes” plays a significant role.
Week 3
Multicultural Literature
— Marianne Stecher-Hansen & Peter Leonard
In the wake of the international controversy over the ‘Danish cartoons’ in 2007, this week investigates representations of ethnicity and multiculturalism in canonical and contemporary Scandinavian literature. Students explore new narratives by and about immigrants in contemporary Denmark, Norway and Sweden that raise important questions about identity, nationality and ethnicity.
Week 4
Multicultural Architecture & Urban Design
— Jennifer Dee
Explores the impact of globalization and cultural diversity in the architecture of Denmark and southern Sweden. An introduction to Copenhagen’s urban and architectural history provides a context for contemporary transformations. Students investigate how immigrant communities have interacted with public space and housing and study recent architectural projects to understand the challenges architects face in a globalizing world.
UW Credit:
SCAND 399: 7 credits (interdisciplinary course)
SCAND 495: variable credits (optional special project)
DANISH 199/299/399: 5 credits (intensive language course)
Eligibility: Advanced undergraduates and graduate students in any field. Students who have completed Danish 101-102-103 are given priority admission, but language study is not a program pre-requisite. Enrollment is limited to 12 students.
Application Deadline: March 16 2009
Program Application:To be considered for the program, please complete and submit the following to Department of Scandinavian Studies in 318 Raitt Hall in one complete packet:
- Application Form
- Two (2) Letters of Recommendation: Letters from two UW faculty or instructors who are familiar with your academic work.
- Transcripts: Official or unofficial UW transcript and official transcripts from all other colleges or universities attended.
- Statement of Purpose: In two pages, typed and double-spaced, a statement indicating your background and qualifications for study and living abroad, your reasons for choosing this program. Include any other information that you feel is relevant to your application.
Housing: Arranged in dorms or private rented rooms close to Copenhagen University campus, where Danish language classes meet. This campus is connected to greater Copenhagen by the new Metro system. Rent ranges between $600 - $700 a month for a single room with access to shared kitchen and bathroom facilities.
Concurrent Enrollment & Pre-Departure Orientation: Students participating in the program must submit forms to concurrently enroll in the UW during summer quarter 2008. Concurrent enrollment forms will be provided via a mandatory on-line orientation and will be due to IPE by the beginning of June 2009. For complete information regarding concurrent enrollment and the Mandatory Pre-Departure Orientation, please visit ipe.washington.edu.
Insurance: The University of Washington strongly recommends that students participating in this program maintain major medical insurance coverage (that covers them internationally) while abroad. More information about insurance can be found at ipe.washington.edu.
Costs: $1,650 program fee plus $250 IPE fee. Program fee includes: instructional costs, excursions and meals during excursions. The program deposit ($350) and IPE fee will be charged together and are both non-refundable Please note that the program fee is greatly reduced by a generous grant from the Scan|Design Foundation.
Other Costs: Program fees do not include airfare, housing and food, and personal spending money. Students are responsible for these expenses. Program fees are paid in dollars; most program expenses are paid in Kroner. The program reserves the right to modify the program fee based upon dollar devaluation or severe inflation. If such a change occurs, students will be notified of the increase and an adjustment will be made to the final program payment.
Withdrawal Policy: The $350 program deposit and the $250 IPE fee are non-refundable. Any student withdrawing after March 27, 2009 will be liable for a set percentage of the program fee, depending on the date of withdrawal. No part of the $1,650 program fee is refundable once the program has begun. Notice of withdrawal from the program must be made in writing to the Scandinavian Studies Department and to the office of International Programs & Exchanges. The required withdrawal form is available on-line at http://ipe.washington.edu/forms/WithdrawDefer.pdf
Financial Aid: Most forms of financial aid can be utilized during participation in the program. Students interested in applying for increased financial aid during their quarter of study abroad should obtain a revision request from the Financial Aid office, and a budget of student expenses from the IPE office, and submit both to the Financial Aid office in Schmitz Hall. Please visit IPE for further information.
Insurance: The University of Washington strongly recommends that students participating in this program maintain major medical insurance coverage (that covers them internationally) while abroad. More information about insurance can be found at http://ipe.washington.edu.
Scholarships: Scholarships are available through the Northwest Danish Foundation. UW students are encouraged to apply for these scholarships to support their participation in the Copenhagen Classroom.
Further Information:
Assistant Program Director:
Anni Fuller
Onsite Program Coordinator:
Jan Krogh Nielsen