UNIVERSITY OF KENT
Confirmation that this version of the module specification has been approved by the School
Learning and Teaching Committee:
………… A. Stähler, 18 DEC 2014………….(date)
MODULE SPECIFICATION
1.
Title of the module
CP660 Contemporary Nordic Culture
2.
School or partner institution which will be responsible for management of the module
School of European Culture and Languages (Comparative Literature)
3.
Start date of the module
September 2016
4.
The number of students expected to take the module
15 students
Acceptance onto the module is subject to confirmation of a school placement. Applicants will
be asked to submit a summary of their reasons for choosing this module, and will be
interviewed by the module convenor to assess suitability for the course. Selection will be on
the basis of a thoughtful approach to what they expect to gain from and contribute to the
module, their ability to act as a role model and to represent the University in an outside
organisation.
5.
Modules to be withdrawn on the introduction of this proposed module and
consultation with other relevant Schools and Faculties regarding the withdrawal
None
6.
The level of the module (e.g. Certificate [C], Intermediate [I], Honours [H] or
Postgraduate [M])
H
7.
The number of credits and the ECTS value which the module represents
30 credits (15 ECTS)
8.
Which term(s) the module is to be taught in (or other teaching pattern)
Autumn and Spring (Yearlong).
Selection for the module will normally take place at the time students are making option
choices; interviews will be during the spring term, or in week 0 or 1 of the autumn term at the
very latest.
9.
Prerequisite and co-requisite modules
None
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10. The programmes of study to which the module contributes
BA Comparative Literature; BA World Literature; BA German. Also available as a Wild
Module.
11. The intended subject specific learning outcomes
On successful completion of this module students will be able to:
1. Demonstrate systematic knowledge and critical understanding of central, interrelated
aspects of contemporary Nordic culture, ranging from history, sociology and architecture,
to literature, theatre, film, television series and innovation culture.
2. Demonstrate cogent understanding of the cultural, historical and political contexts at
work in Scandinavia today. In addition, students will be able to show appreciation of the
ways in which the different traditions of the Nordic countries interrelate within these
contexts, with a particular view to their role in company cultures.
3. Exhibit the analytical skills required to critically assess, evaluate and explain the
distinctive features of Nordic culture with reference to the contexts listed in (2) above.
4. Critically analyse and compare Nordic cultural artefacts and phenomena in their relevant
contexts.
5. Evaluate how these artefacts and phenomena play into company cultures of innovation
and learning.
12. The intended generic learning outcomes
On successful completion of this module students will be able to:
1. Demonstrate effective communication skills (written and oral), self-analysis, problemsolving and critical evaluation. Furthermore, they will have developed these skills through
seminar discussion, and through giving oral presentations.
2. Demonstrate organisational skills, prioritisation, time management, as well as
interpersonal and analytical skills.
3. Consolidate and extend their ability to carry out independent research, as well as
demonstrate an ability to understand close links between theoretical knowledge, and
practical learning in concrete contexts.
4. Display the learning ability needed to undertake appropriate further training of
professional or equivalent nature.
5. Demonstrate qualities and transferable skills necessary for decision-making in complex
and unpredictable contexts.
6. Demonstrate the ability to exercise initiative and personal responsibility.
13. A synopsis of the curriculum
This module will give the students a well-founded cross-disciplinary working knowledge of
and insight into central aspects of contemporary Nordic culture, specifically the region’s
recent history, its predominant sociological characteristics, its architecture and urban
planning, its theatre, film and television series, as well as literature, as well as an introduction
to the innovation culture in some of the largest, Scandinavian companies, e.g. LEGO,
Ramboll, Mærsk, IKEA and Bang & Olufsen. The coursework component of the module will
be followed by an internship in one of the aforementioned companies.
As part of their internship, each student will devise a special project in consultation with the
mentor and the module convenor. Precise objectives and skills to be learnt will be recorded
and tracked regularly. Students will keep a weekly log of their activities. The placement may
take place either as a block during the Easter vacation of stage 2 or 3, or at regular intervals
over the spring term.
The two principal aims of the module are to give students extensive insight into contemporary
Nordic cultures, and to enable smooth access into working in companies based in
Scandinavia, but located in the UK as well.
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14. Indicative Reading List
Amirsadeghi, H. and Braine, S. (2015): Nordic Contemporary: Art from Denmark, Finland,
Iceland, Norway, and Sweden. London: Thames and Hudson.
Andersen, J.G. and Hoff, J. (2001): Democracy and Citizenship in Scandinavia. London:
Palgrave.
Jenkins, R. (2011): Being Danish. Paradoxes of Identity in Everyday Life. Copenhagen:
Museum Tusculanum Press.
Kent, N. (2001): The Soul of the North: A Social, Architectural, and Cultural History of the
Nordic Countries, 1700-1940. London: Reaktion Books.
Kristensen, P.H. and Lilja, K., eds. (2012): Nordic Capitalisms and Globalization: New Forms
of Economic Organization and Welfare Institutions. Oxford: Oxford University Press.
Sørensen, Ø. and Stråth, B., eds. (1997): The Cultural Construction of Norden. Oslo:
Scandinavian University Press.
15. Learning and Teaching Methods, including the nature and number of contact hours
and the total study hours which will be expected of students, and how these relate to
achievement of the intended module learning outcomes
This module will be taught by means of one 2-hour seminar per week x 15 weeks. Autumn
term: Two-hour lecture/seminars for 10 weeks: 20 hours. Spring term: Two-hour seminars for
5 weeks: 10 hours.
Total contact hours: 30.
Independent study hours: 200.
Placement time: Approximately 70 hours (equivalent to one half day per week for 22 weeks).
Total hours: 300.
In the autumn term the student will acquire knowledge and critical understanding of central
aspects of contemporary Nordic culture and company cultures. This will be achieved through
lectures, seminar, presentations, and group activities.
In the spring term, students will undertake an internship in a Nordic company, guided by a
designated mentor. The students will engage in work based activities and conduct a welldefined project under the guidance of the mentor and/or other staff members. Precise
objectives will be defined for the internship by the mentor. Regular seminars with the module
convenor will facilitate the successful completion of this internship. The mentor is a company
staff member who will supervise a student during his/her internship.
These learning and teaching methods will impart outcomes 11.1-5 and 12.1-6.
16. Assessment methods and how these relate to testing achievement of the intended
module learning outcomes
This module will be assessed (exclusively by the module convenor) as follows: 100%
coursework.
A, Seminar presentation (20 minutes), 10%.
B, One 2000-word essay, 30%.
C, One 2000-word essay, 30%.
D, report based on the internship, 2000 words, 30%.
The presentation and essays will test achievement of the following learning outcomes: 11.15 and 12.1-3
The internship report will test achievement of the following learning outcomes: 11.5 and 12.36.
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17. Implications for learning resources, including staff, library, IT and space
Improvements in and additions to the library collection on contemporary Nordic culture.
18. The School of European Culture and Languages recognises and has embedded the
expectations of current disability equality legislation, and supports students with a
declared disability or special educational need in its teaching. Within this module we
will make reasonable adjustments wherever necessary, including additional or
substitute materials, teaching modes or assessment methods for students who have
declared and discussed their learning support needs. Arrangements for students with
declared disabilities will be made on an individual basis, in consultation with the
University’s disability/dyslexia support service, and specialist support will be
provided where needed.
19. Campus(es) or Centre(s) where module will be delivered:
Canterbury
20. Partner College/Validated Institution:
N/A
21. University School responsible for the programme:
School of European Culture and Languages
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Module Specification Template
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