Final Syllabus
Scandinavian Crime Fiction
European Humanities 3-credit course
Semester: Fall 2015
Time: Mondays & Thursdays 14.50-16.10
Classroom: N7-C23
Instructor: Janis Granger
Related Disciplines: Literature
Instructor: Janis Granger
Ph.D. in Scandinavian Literature and Languages, U.C. Berkeley, 1982. Taught Scandinavian
languages and literature at U.C. Berkeley, UCLA, University of Wisconsin-Madison and at DIS. Parttime lecturer, Academic Counselor and Registrar at DIS 1984-2011. DIS Full Time Faculty since
2011. Has edited and contributed to books on modern Scandinavian literature and has reviewed
books for “Scandinavian Studies” and “Scandinavia.”
E-mail: jg@dis.dk
Cell Phone: 28 19 66 92
Office Hours: by appointment or after class
DIS Contacts
Karen Søilen, European Humanities Assistant Program Director
Edward Daschle, Program Assistant
Scandinavian Crime Fiction | DIS – Study Abroad In Scandinavia | Related Disciplines: Literature
Final Syllabus
The Course
In Scandinavian crime fiction, the most fantastic murders take place, families fall apart, their dark
secrets are exposed, and the validity of the Scandinavian countries’ welfare system is being
questioned – all of this described in a distinctly Scandinavian tone and style.
Is this why Scandinavian crime fiction is so popular? What is it with the terse language, the Nordic
landscape, and the protagonists as anti-heroes, feminists or outsiders that make these crime
novels so appealing? In this course we will study Nordic crime fiction as pulp fiction and as highbrow, mainstream literature and explore these various themes.
Course Format:
The course will consist of close readings, discussion and written analysis of four Scandinavian
crime novels. We will view movies based on crime fiction novels as well as see examples of
popular Scandinavian TV crime series.
Class meetings, will be, for the most part, divided into two sections. The first part of each class will
be of lecture format where keywords and concepts are introduced. During the second part, we will
discuss and analyze the novel assigned for the day (and when relevant chapters of the textbooks
assigned) relating it/them to the themes of the course. Prompts will be posted on DIS
Forum/Blackboard for those who would like some guidance for their reading of the novels.
We will be reading four crime fiction novels representing the Scandinavian countries (Norway,
Denmark, Iceland and Sweden). There will be introductions to the genre of crime fiction, to the
Scandinavian countries and the concept of the Welfare State as well as the themes for
Scandinavian crime fiction (social identity and social realism, gender, nature, the environment,
etc.). As a class, we will read Jo Nesbø’s “The Snowman,” Jussi Adler-Olsen’s “Disgrace,” Yrsa
Sigurdardottir’s “My Soul to Take” and Stieg Larsson’s “The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo.” There
will also be theoretical readings to enhance our understanding of the genre, the books, discussions
and the written assignments.
Learning Objectives:
This course aims at increasing students’ abilities to think and work analytically. This includes
developing the ability to read and analyze literary and non-literary texts, to voice criticism through
coherent argumentation, to reason by analogy, to pose interesting questions and to communicate
in written and oral form.
In this course, students will become more perceptive readers of crime fiction and criticism.
Students will explore concepts such as national identity, the environment, gender, etc. in the
context of several modern Scandinavian texts of crime fiction.
At the end of the course, students will be able to:
 Identify and distinguish themes, types, styles and influences in Scandinavian crime fiction
 Acquire a vocabulary for analysis of crime fiction and Scandinavian crime fiction in
particular, including literary as well as cultural terms
 Gain an understanding of Scandinavian society today as mirrored in crime fiction
 Develop critical skills: to think analytically, to voice criticism through argumentation
 Improve writing skills
Scandinavian Crime Fiction | DIS – Study Abroad In Scandinavia | Related Disciplines: Literature
Final Syllabus
Expectations of the student:
I expect you to have done the reading for each class and to come with notes and questions for
discussions. You should refer to the texts and readings, whenever possible, to support your
queries and ideas. If you are shy about speaking up in class, you are welcome to email me your
questions and comments. I expect students to be engaged as much as possible. You can’t be
engaged if you haven’t read the novels/articles.
Approach to Teaching
I am enthusiastic about crime fiction and Scandinavia. I bring this enthusiasm to class. Even though
there will be some lecturing to give you background information, I hope that we can explore the
realm of Scandinavian crime fiction together. I want to learn from you, too. I would like to explore
ideas – as I hope you will also bring your concepts into the discussions and ask questions. Except
for the introductory lectures to the genre and to the different Scandinavian countries, I hope to
create a good atmosphere where students feel comfortable about contributing and discussing
openly, respecting each other’s point of view.
Practical Matters/Classroom Policies:
Students are expected to be on time to class. If students miss multiple classes, it will affect their
engagement grade. Allowances, of course, will be made in case of illness but missing too many
classes without cause may result in the student being referred to Director of Teaching & Learning
and/or Director of Student Affairs.
Laptops may be used for note-taking. Please wait until the break or time before and after class to
check email, Facebook and check and send text messages. If surfing the internet or text messaging
becomes a problem, laptops and cell phones will be banned from the classroom.
No eating in the classroom. Students are, of course, allowed to bring water, coffee or tea but
eating of meals during class is not allowed. Students may consume lunch or a snack at the break.
Also bathroom visits should also be limited to before or after class – or during the break.
Disability and Accommodations:
Any student who has a need for accommodation based on the impact of a disability should contact
Sean Green (sgr@dis.dk) to coordinate this. In order to receive accommodations, students should
inform me of the approved DIS accommodations within the first two weeks of classes.
Scandinavian Crime Fiction | DIS – Study Abroad In Scandinavia | Related Disciplines: Literature
Final Syllabus
Evaluation:
In order to receive a passing grade, you must complete all the assignments.
 Engagement
15%
 Short Answer Test
15%
 Short Analysis I
20%
 Short Analysis II
20%
 Final Paper
30%
Engagement is your responsibility and thereby you help determine your grade. You should
consider how often you join in class discussion, make comments or ask questions. How many
absences do you have over the course of the semester? Do you complete all the assigned readings
on time? If you expect an “A” for the engagement grade, you should be making comments and
asking questions in almost every class.
A short answer test on Monday, October 12 will cover the articles and books we have read during
the first half of the semester, the keywords we have learned and class lectures.
For the written assignments, I will provide you with guidelines as to what I expect, what is
required and what is rewarded (see below). You don’t have to be an English major to write well. As
long as you write clearly, support your ideas and thesis from the text(s) and/or reference material
you will do well. If you don’t understand what is expected, please ask.
Scandinavian Crime Fiction | DIS – Study Abroad In Scandinavia | Related Disciplines: Literature
Final Syllabus
Description of Assignments & Due Dates
Written assignments should have a title, be double-spaced, 12 font with approximately 300 words
per page. Students may refer to “Writing Papers at DIS,” “The MLA Handbook” or a writing manual
from their home universities. Just be consistent when using citations, footnoting, etc.
Short Analysis I:
Due Monday, September 21
Students will write a short analysis on a topic or theme we have discussed. The analysis should be
3 to 4 pages in length, 12 font and approximately 300 words per page with one inch margins.
Remember to give your analysis a title! You pick an issue or theme that interests you and pursue
it. You can also write on one the books we have read – but be sure you have a thesis. Please do
not just give a plot summary! You do NOT have to use outside sources for this paper.
Your analysis should include the following:
1. Introduction: presentation of the topic to be investigated and a brief overview of what you
will be doing in your paper (i.e. exploring a specific theme or using of specific theory for
example the “10 Commandments” or exploring one of the keywords in relation to the
novel(s)
2. Analysis: comments, discussions, comparisons
3. Summary & conclusion
Short Answer Test:
In class, Monday, October 12
The test will cover the articles and books we have read during the first half of the semester, the
keywords we have learned and class lectures. The test will consist of multiple choice questions (of
keywords, concepts, terminology relevant to crime fiction and Scandinavian crime fiction); short
answer questions to be answered in bullet points and two essay questions (you will be given
several questions to choose from).
Short Analysis II:
Due Thursday, November 5
Students will write a short analysis on a topic or theme we have discussed. The analysis should be
3 to 4 pages in length, 12 font and approximately 300 words per page with one inch margins. See
details (above) under Short Analysis I.
Scandinavian Crime Fiction | DIS – Study Abroad In Scandinavia | Related Disciplines: Literature
Final Syllabus
Final Paper:
Due Thursday, December 3
For this paper, you may choose to do one of the following:

An academic paper (7-8 pages) on a theme of your choice (for example, applying one of the
keywords/concepts to novel(s) we have read; using one or two of the 10 Commandments
of Scandinavian crime fiction – exploring the murderer as a victim; the impact of the Social
Welfare State; portrayal of female detectives; gender-roles/feminism; use of crime fiction
formula, etc.) Other suggestions for paper topics will be provided. Follow the outline
above. Your paper MUST have a title! 300 words per page, one inch margins, 12 font. One
outside source.
 A re-writing of Analysis I or II, expanding on the original topic, taking into account
comments given on the original paper. Must be 8-9 pages in length.
If you choose this option, you can extend your original paper by revising your thesis,
broadening your comparisons and further qualifying your arguments by using one outside
source.
For both options, follow the outline under the Short Analysis I but be sure to list your sources in
either a separate bibliography or in footnotes.
Field Studies
Wednesday, September 16
13:00-approx. 16:00
Viewing of an episode of the Danish TV series “The Killing” and an episode of the Danish/Swedish
TV series “The Bridge.” Please meet in the DIS Bio (cinema) located in Vestergade 10, right across
from the entrance to the DIS Library.
Wednesday, October 14
9:30- approx. 12:00
Viewing of the film version of “Disgrace” (called the Pheasant Hunters in Danish). Meet in the DIS
Bio (cinema) in Vestergade 10, right across the entrance to the DIS Library.
Please note: There can be some changes to the following lesson plan due to different arrangements
and unforeseen problems with availability of texts/movies used for this course. I will inform you of
changes to the best of my ability.
Scandinavian Crime Fiction | DIS – Study Abroad In Scandinavia | Related Disciplines: Literature
Final Syllabus
Thu. Aug. 20
Mon. Aug. 24
Thu. Aug. 27
Introduction to the course; brief history of the genre of crime fiction; brief
overview Scandinavian crime fiction and its popularity. Crime Fiction
Terminology
Keywords: genre, setting, whodunit, hardboiled, red herring
Readings:
Please bring the textbook, “The Crime Fiction Handbook” to class
From the textbook, “The Crime Fiction Handbook,” Part 1 “Introduction” pp.
3-8; Part 2, “The Types of Crime Fiction,” pp. 27-50 (up until the first
paragraph on page 50 – You don’t have to read “Transgressor Narratives”)
Introduction to Crime Fiction continued; the Golden Age of Crime Fiction;
The Crime Fiction formula; The Genre; Different types of Crime Fiction
Keywords: The Welfare State, Social Democracy, police procedural, social
criticism
Readings:
Please bring the text book “Scandinavian Crime Fiction” to class
From the textbook “Scandinavian Crime Fiction,” edited by Nestingen &
Arvas:
“Introduction: Contemporary Scandinavian Crime Fiction,” by Nestingen &
Arvas: pages 1-17
Is Scandinavia experiencing a Golden Age of Crime Fiction?
Keywords: The 10 Commandments of Scandinavian Crime Fiction (on DIS
Forum/Blackboard); Norway, Norway’s Loss of Innocence, criminal, victim,
guilt
Beginning discussion of “The Snowman”
Readings:
Jo Nesbø’s “The Snowman,” pp. 3-115
Mon. Aug. 31
Norway: Skis, Mountains and Serial Killers
Keywords: Detective/Investigator; family; gender
Readings:
Jo Nesbø’s “The Snowman,” pp. 119-294
Thu. Sept. 3
Norway Cont’d and Discussion of “The Snowman”
Keywords: genetics, sins of mothers
Reading:
Jo Nesbø’s “The Snowman,” pp. 297-550
Please bring questions and observations to class with
page references; we’ll break into small groups for our
discussions
Core Course Week: September 7- September 11
Scandinavian Crime Fiction | DIS – Study Abroad In Scandinavia | Related Disciplines: Literature
Final Syllabus
Mon. Sept. 14
Summation of the first part of the course and “The
Snowman”– please bring questions and
observations with relevant page references to class
Wed. Sept. 16
FIELD STUDY
13:00-approx.16:00 Danish TV Crime Series
Viewing of an episode of the Danish TV series “The Killing”
and an episode of the Danish/Swedish TV series “The Bridge.”
Please meet in the DIS Bio (cinema) located in Vestergade 10,
right across from the entrance to the DIS Library.
Denmark: Danish Humor, Immigrants and Misfits
Introduction to Denmark, Discussion of Danish Crime Fiction,
Danish TV Series “The Killing,” “The Bridge,”
Keywords: Denmark, immigration, Welfare State
Thu. Sept. 17
Mon. Sept. 21
Short Analysis I due! Denmark cont’d
Danish Welfare Model; Differences to the other Scandinavian Countries
Keywords: Narrative, parallel stories; gender equality – or not
Thu. Sept. 24
Norwegian Harry Hole vs. Danish Carl Mørck
Scandinavian Crime Fiction Male Detectives
Keywords: “soft-boiled”, Danish social hierarchy
Reading:
Jussi Adler-Olsen, “Disgrace,” pages 1-158
Study Tours/Travel Break September 26 – October 4
Mon. Oct. 5
Discussion
Keywords: Partners, Revenge, Resolution
Please bring questions and observations with relevant page
references to class
Reading:
Jussi Alder-Olsen, “Disgrace,” pages 159-315
Thu. Oct. 8
Summation of
Please bring questions and observations with relevant page
references to class
Reading: Jussi Adler-Olsen, “Disgrace,” pages 316-503
Mon. Oct. 12
Short Answer Test in Class
Scandinavian Crime Fiction | DIS – Study Abroad In Scandinavia | Related Disciplines: Literature
Final Syllabus
Wed. Oct. 14
Field Study
9:30-12 noon, Viewing of the film version of “Disgrace,” (called the
Pheasant Hunters in Danish). Meet in the DIS cinema in Vestergade 10
Thu. Oct. 15
Vikings, Sagas and Sheep Heads
Introduction to Iceland and Icelandic Crime Fiction
Keywords: Iceland, plot
Reading:
Yrsa Sigurdardottir, “My Soul to Take,” pages 3-117
Study Tours/Travel Break October 17-October 25
Mon. Oct. 26
Isn’t this your typical Icelandic murder?
Keywords: Femi-krimi, characters
Reading:
Yrsa Sigurdardottir, “My Soul to Take,” pages 118-331
From the textbook “Scandinavian Crime Fiction,” edited by Nestingen &
Arvas:
“Meaningless Icelanders: Icelandic Crime Fiction and Nationality” pages
46-118
Thu. Oct. 29
Iceland Cont’d
Keywords: Gothic, Gender, Cultural Identity
Reading: Yrsa Sigurdardottir, “My Soul to Take,” pages 332-436
Mon. Nov. 2
Discussion of “My Soul to Take”
Keywords: Realism, Supernatural
Please bring questions and observations with relevant page
references to class
Thu. Nov. 5
Summation of Second Part of Course
Please bring questions and observations with relevant page
references to class
Travel Break/Optional Tours November 7- November 15
Scandinavian Crime Fiction | DIS – Study Abroad In Scandinavia | Related Disciplines: Literature
Final Syllabus
Mon. Nov. 16
Sweden: Ikea, Volvo and Stieg Larsson: Introduction to
Sweden and Swedish Crime Fiction
Keywords: Sweden, The Swedish Model, Olaf Palme
Reading:
Stieg Larsson’s “The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo,” pages 1-172
Article to be posted on DIS Forum TBA
Thu. Nov. 19
Sweden Cont’d: Swedish Masculinity & Scandinavian
Feminism
Keywords: Body, Gender Equality
Reading:
Stieg Larsson’s “The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo,” pages 173342
Mon. Nov. 23
“The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo”
Keywords: Secrets, Corruption, Violence
Readings:
Larsson’s “The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo,” pages 343-554
Thu. Nov. 26
Movie Showing: The American Version of “The Girl with the
Dragon Tattoo.” Meet in the DIS cinema in Vestergade 10.
This class may run over time by about 10 minutes!
Mon. Nov. 30
Discussion of “The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo”
Keywords: Journalism, Hacking, Ethics, Neo-Nazis
Please bring questions and observations with relevant page
references to class
Reading:
“Stieg Larsson: The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo,” chapter in
Textbook “The Crime Fiction Handbook,” pages 227-239
Thu. Dec. 3
Final Papers Due!
Summation of “The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo” and the Course
Scandinavian Crime Fiction | DIS – Study Abroad In Scandinavia | Related Disciplines: Literature
Final Syllabus
Primary Texts:
Textbook and Novels:
Messent, Peter, “The Crime Fiction Handbook,” London: Wiley-Blackwell, 2013
Nestingen, Andrew and Paula Arvas (eds), “Scandinavian Crime Fiction,” Cardiff, University of
Wales Press, 2011
Sigurdardóttir, Yrsa, “My Soul to Take,” London: Vintage, translated by Bernard Scudder, 2010
Adler-Olsen, Jussi, “Disgrace,” Penguin Books, London, translated by K.E. Semmel, 2012
Nesbø, Jo, “The Snowman,” London: Vintage, translated by Don Bartlett, 2010
Larsson, Stieg, “The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo,” Maclehose Press, London, translated by Reg
Keeland, 2008
These are just a few of Scandinavian Crime Fiction Novels in the DIS Library. There is also a shelf
with relevant scholarly books on reserve in the DIS Library.
Denmark:
Adler-Olsen, Jussi, “Disgrace,” “Redemption”
Blaedel, Sara, “Call Me Princess,” “Blue Blood,”
Davidsen, Leif, “The Woman from Bratislava”
Ganzen, Sissel-Jo, “The Dinosaur Feather”
Høeg, Peter, “Miss Smilla’s Feeling for Snow”
Jungersen, Christen, “The Exception”
Sweden:
Ekman, Kerstin, “Blackwater”
Jungstedt, Mari “The Double Silence”
Kepler, Lars, “The Hypnotist”
Läckberg, Camilla, “The Ice Princess,” “The Stonecutter,” “The Preacher,” “The Hidden Child,”
Larsson, Åsa, “The Savage Altar”
Mankell, Henning, “Faceless Killers,” “Firewall,”
Marklund, Liz, “The Bride Wore Scarlet,” “Red Wolf,” “Studio 6,” “Prime Time”
Nesser, Håkan, “The Woman with the Birthmark”
Sjöwall, Maj & Wahlöö, Per, “The Laughing Policeman”
Norway:
Fossum, Karin, “Don’t Look Back,” “Calling Out for You,” “He Who Fears the Wolf,”
Holt, Anne, “1222”
Nesbø, Jo, “The Bat,” “Nemesis,” “Red Breast,” “The Devil’s Star,” “The Headhunter,”
Iceland:
Indridason, Arnaldur, “Silence of the Grave,” “Voices,” “The Draining Lake,” “Artic Chill,”
“Hypothermia,” “Outrage, “ “Black Skies”
Sigurdardóttir, Yrsa, “Last Rituals,” “My Soul to Take,” “I Remember You,”
Finland:
Matti, Joensuu, “To Steal Her Love”
Scandinavian Crime Fiction | DIS – Study Abroad In Scandinavia | Related Disciplines: Literature
Final Syllabus
Reference Reading (these books are on reserve in the DIS Library)
Browder, Laura, “Dystopian Romance: True Crime and the Female Reader,” “The Journal of
Popular Culture, 2009. 39.6. pp. 928-953
Cawetti, John G., “Adventure, Mystery and Romance,” Chicago: “University of Chicago Press, 1976
Chernaik, Swales, Martin, Vilain Robert (eds), “The Art of Detective Fiction,” London: St. Martin
Press, 2000
Erickson-Johnsen, Rosemary, “Contemporary Feminist Historical Crime Fiction,” London: Palgrave
Macmillan, 2006
Fulbrook, Mary, “Historical Theory,” London: Routledge, 2002, “Looking for Clues,” pp. 96-121
Herbert, Rosemary et al. “The Oxford Companion to Crime and Mystery writing,” Oxford
University Press, 1999 (chapter on crime fiction in Continental Europe: Nordic Countries)
Knight, Stephen Thomas, “Crime Fiction 1800-2000: Detection, Death, Diversity,” New York:
Palgrave Macmillian, 2004
Munt, Sally Rowena, Murder by the Book: Feminism and the Crime Novel, London: Routledge,
1994
Nestingen, Andrew, “Crime & Fantasy in Scandinavia,” Seattle, University of Washington Press,
2008
Nordisk Litteratur/Nordic Literature (2001) bilingual articles on development of crime fiction in
the Nordic Countries
Plain, Gill, “Twentieth-century Crime Fiction,” Scotland: Edinburgh University Press, 2001
Rosenberg, Robin S., O’Neill Shannon (eds), “The Psychology of the Girl with the Dragon Tattoo,”
Dallas: BenBella Books, 2011
Ruggiero, Vincenzo, “Crime in Literature: Sociology of Deviance and Fiction, “London and New
York, Verson, 2003
Scaggs, John, “Crime Fiction,” London: Routledge, 2005
Swedish Book Review (special issue: Swedish Crime Writers):
http://www.swedishbookreview.com
Articles in English about specific Scandinavian Crime Fiction novels and the genre in general can
been found in the journal “Scandinavian Studies” (published by Society for the Advancement of
Scandinavian Studies) which can be accessed online
Scandinavian Crime Fiction | DIS – Study Abroad In Scandinavia | Related Disciplines: Literature