The latvian academy of culture

The Author of the Course Lecturer Ieva Grāvīte

The objective of the Course The aim of the course is to acquaint the students of International Cultural Connections “Latvia-Denmark” with with the geographical position of Denmark and its signifiance for historical, political and socio-economic events. The aim of the course is to aquaint the students with the biggest cities of Denmark, Denmark's administrative division, the political system and its history, the main political parties and their programmes, the economic life of Denmark and the role of the EU in today’s Denmark, the system of education, mass media in Denmark and their role in the development of the thinking of society, as well as with topical problems in the state. The course also explores the Scandinavian social system model and the conditions of its origin, the problem of minorities in today’s Denmark, as well as legislation in separate state sectors, which are connected with environment and nature preservation. An important theme in the course is Nordic cooperation both at the formal and informal level, and the cooperation between the Nordic and the Baltic States.

Preconditions for the Acquisition of the Course The first term of Danish language and culture.

The Scope of the Course 1 term 32 lectures and seminars, 2 hours a week in the first and second term in the first year.

The number of Credit Points 2 points.

The Type of Assessment An oral test at the end of each term, a independet project work during the two terms, two progress tests during the term.

The Contents of the Course see Appendix

Appendix

No	CXXXVI.THEMES	HOURS
1.-2.	Introduction. The geographical position, geographical terms in Danish, inhabitants, the ethnic distribution, the biggest towns and islands the main elements of the infrastructure of the state.	8
3.-4.	Denmark in a European context – connections (political and economic) with the biggest European neighbourring countries: historically and today.	8
5.-6.	The importance of nature in the politics and in the consciousness of Danes. A “nature friendly” policy and the use of alternative energy sources, legislation connected with this theme. Nature landscapes in Denmark.	8
7.-8.	Nordic cooperation – the Nordic Council and the Nordic Council of Ministers, cooperation with the Baltic States, common projects. State structure – state polity, the parliamentary system: the largest political parties, their programmes, the role of monarchy in state life.	8
9.-10.	The educational system today and its historical development (N.F.S. Gruntvig’s ideas of enlightenment).	8
11.-12.	Danish mentality. Traditions and holidays. The main mass media.	8
13.-14.	State economy. Shipping in a historical view. The importance of agriculture. Denmark and the EU.	8
15.-16.	The social model of Scandinavia – its advantages and disadvantages. The inhabitants, their attitude towards immigrants and minorities in Denmark, the rights and obligations of immigrants and minorities.	8

Literature:

1. 
   Det danske Kulturinstitut. 1992. Opdag Danmark. København:Systime.
   
2. 
   Hane Harry, Olsen Jorgen, Aarup Jorn-Kristensen. 1983. Det gamle Danmark 800-1890.Udviklingslinier og tendenser. København: Munksgaard.
   
3. 
   Hansen Bent, Hane Harry, Livvijn Carl, Sorensen Preben.1986. Danmark i tusind ar. København: Systime.
   
4. 
   Hellesen Kjærulff Jette, Tuxen Ole. 1988. Historisk Atlas Danmark. København: G.E.C. Gads Forlag.
   
5. 
   Nordic Council of Ministers.1992. Meet your Nordic Neighbours. København:Nordisk Ministerrad.
   
6. 
   Materials of the Royal Danish Embassy in Latvia, The Danish Institute of Culture and the Nordic Information Office.
   

The Name of the Course Background Studies: Introduction to the History of the Danish language

The Author of the Course Lecturer Ieva Grāvīte

The objective of the Course The aim of the course is to give the students an introduction to the place of Danish among other languages, the history of Danish and the language situation in Denmark today. During the course the students will get acquainted with the common features in the development of Latvian and Danish, both from the diachronic and the synchronic point of view.

Preconditions for the Acquisition of the Course Knowledge of Danish at the level of the third term (second year, first term).

The Scope of the Course 1 term, 32 hours of lectures and seminars, 2 academic hours a week, in the second term in the second year.

The number of Credit Points 1 point.

The Type of Assessment An oral test at the end of the term. Two progress tests during the term.

The Contents of the Course see Appendix