Imagining Sweden - Swedish History and Culture during the 20th Century, 7.5 credits

Learning outcomes

Upon completion of this course, the student will be able

• Recognize historically relevant concepts and historical lines in the development of welfare in Swedish and other Nordic societies in the first half of the 20th century,
• Discuss the importance of labor immigration for the development of Swedish welfare until the 1970s,
• Assess and take a stand on Sweden's policy of neutrality and actions on the international stage during and after World War II,
• Outline the development of the feminist movement in Sweden in the 20th century up to the end of the Cold War,
• Compare the position of women in the Swedish welfare state and in another country, and
• Handle academic writing at a basic level.

Content

In the popular imagination, Sweden has frequently appeared as an ideal, progressive welfare state populated by blonde, blue-eyed social democrats, opening their country to people in need. Lately, this image has been questioned, and an alternative image of Sweden has grown as a country struggling with increasing income inequality, social unrest and where populist, right-wing parties are gaining ground. How is one supposed to understand and reconcile these different images?

The course examines Swedish history in the 20th century in an international perspective, where the image of the Swedish success story is put into a historical and cultural context. During the course the historical development of the Swedish state is put into perspective of international perceptions about Sweden and swedishness, in order to gain an understanding of how different images of Sweden and swedishness has been constructed and which purpose these images fill and have fulfilled in the past.

Examinations and grades

Imagining Sweden I, 1 credits (Code: A001)
Grades used are Fail (F), Sufficient (E), Satisfactory (D), Good (C), Very Good (B) or Excellent (A).

Imagining SwedenII, 1 credits (Code: A002)
Grades used are Fail (F), Sufficient (E), Satisfactory (D), Good (C), Very Good (B) or Excellent (A).

Imagining Sweden III, 1 credits (Code: A003)
Grades used are Fail (F), Sufficient (E), Satisfactory (D), Good (C), Very Good (B) or Excellent (A).

Imagining Sweden IV, 4.5 credits (Code: A004)
Grades used are Fail (F), Sufficient (E), Satisfactory (D), Good (C), Very Good (B) or Excellent (A).

According to the Higher Education Ordinance, Chapter 6, Section 18, a grade is to be awarded on the completion of a course, unless otherwise prescribed by the university. The university may determine which grading system is to be used. The grade must be determined by a teacher specifically nominated by the university (the examiner).

In accordance with university regulations on grading systems for first and second-cycle courses and study programmes (Vice-Chancellor’s decision ORU 2018/00929), one of the following grades is to be used: fail (U), pass (G) or pass with distinction (VG). For courses included in an international master’s programme (60 or 120 credits) or offered to the university’s incoming exchange students, the A to F grading scale is to be used. The vice-chancellor, or a person appointed by them, may decide on exceptions from this provision for a specific course, if there are special grounds for doing so.

The grades used on this course are Fail (F), Sufficient (E), Satisfactory (D), Good (C), Very Good (B) or Excellent (A).

Comments on grades

In order to pass the course all examinations must be passed. In order to achieve the grade Very Good (B) or Excellent (A), the last examination must be graded with an equivalent grade.

Modes of assessment

Imagining Sweden I, 1 högskolepoäng (Provkod: A001)
Written assignment.

Imagining Sweden II, 1 högskolepoäng (Provkod: A002)
Oral examination.

Imagining Sweden III, 1 högskolepoäng (Provkod: A003)
Oral examination.

Imagining Sweden IV, 4,5 högskolepoäng (Provkod: A004)
Written assignment.

Comments on modes of assessment
Examination deadline
An examination shall be carried out at the time decided by the university. If an examination, which involves that the student can do the assignment in another place than in the university's premises (for example take-home examination), can not be submitted on time, the examiner decides how the examination shall be handled.

Supplementary assignments for a passing grade
The examiner may decide that a student who has not received a passing grade on the examination may submit supplementary assignments instead of taking a re-examination. Supplementary assignments must be carried out according to the teacher’s instructions and submitted to the teacher within one week after the student is notified of the failing grade.

For students with a documented disability, the university may approve applications for adapted or other modes of assessment.

For further information, see the university's local examination regulations.

Specific entry requirements

General entry requirements for university studies.

For further information, see the university's admission regulations.

Other provisions

The course is given in English.

Students who have been admitted to and registered on a course have the right to receive tuition and/or supervision for the duration of the time period specified for the particular course to which they were accepted (see, the university's admission regulations (in Swedish)). After that, the right to receive tuition and/or supervision expires.

Transitional provisions

Should the course undergo changes to such an extent that the student cannot be examined in accordance with this course syllabus, special examinations will be provided in accordance with the university's local guidelines. If this occurs, the university will inform the students involved.

Reading list and other learning resources

Byström, Mikael & Pär Frohnert (2013)
Reaching a state of hope: refugees, immigrants and the Swedish welfare state, 1930-2000
Lund: Nordic Academic Press

Lindkvist, Thomas m.fl. (2018)
A concise history of Sweden from the Viking Age to the present
Lund: Studentlitteratur

Additions and Comments
Required reading can be extended by up to 300 pages.