Hans Christian Andersen and the Danish Golden Age

Fall & Spring | 3 credits | Elective
Majors: Literature

As we will discover, Hans Christian Andersen’s tales are not just for children. He gives insightful commentary in his later tales, which reflect social and technological changes. The course will give us an understanding of the Romantic Age and the Danish Golden Age as well as of the social and economic changes that dramatically affected life in mid-19th century Europe. And we will discover how his literary art is still pertinent in the 21st century. The works of Hans Christian Andersen will be approached through different literary schools.

Field Studies

Copenhagen Walking Tour
Andersen also lived in Copenhagen for many years, and this walking tour will highlight the main places that shaped Andersen's life and writings.

Instructors

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I really enjoyed learning about Hans Christian Andersen's tales and the Danish Golden Age from the Danish perspective. The Danes have very strong cultural ties to many of Andersen's tales and their interpretations of them varies from those of me and my fellow Americans. This take on classics such as "The Little Mermaid" and "The Ugly Duckling" simply could not be produced in a typical American classroom.

Ellen Cormier English major, Smith College
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Denmark: DIS - Danish Institute for Study Abroad. Vestergade 5-7, 1456 Copenhagen. Phone: (+45) 3311 0144, Fax: (+45) 3393 2624
USA: DIS - North American Office, University of Minnesota. 1313 Fifth Street SE, Suite 113, Minneapolis MN 55414. Phone: (800) 247-3477, Non-US: (612) 627-0140 Fax: (612) 627-0141
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