Copenhagen Past & Present w/ Danish Language

A pre-semester winter course at the University of Copenhagen (BA level, 7.5 ETCS) from 6 January 2025 through 24 January 2025.

Learn about where you are

This course offers all international students at the University of Copenhagen an exciting and comprehensive introduction to the history of Copenhagen and to the Danish language. Over the course of three weeks, students will learn about the city’s history from its foundation in the early Middle Ages, when Copenhagen was just a fishing village, and through a millennium of history up to modern Copenhagen, often ranked as one of the best cities in the world when measured by quality of life. This course is a perfect introduction for those who wish to get a solid understanding of the cultural, political, economic and social history of the Danish capital. The course consists of a series of lectures taught at the University, supplemented with excursions out in the streets of Copenhagen.

The course is open to all international students and assumes no prior knowledge of Danish history or language. The course language is English.

Learn to order your coffee in Danish

As well as covering the rich history of Copenhagen, the course also includes a number of lessons in Danish for beginners, where you will be introduced to the basics of the Danish language including conversation, grammar and pronunciation. After just 3 weeks with 3 x 2 face-to-face lessons and 3 online lessons per week, you will be able to present yourself, describe where you live, and learn how to order your coffee – all in Danish. You will also be introduced to some of the Danish terminology related to the cultural content of the course.

The course is an intensive full-time three-week course. Students should also expect to do some preparation before the classes.

At the end of the course, each student will submit a 4-5 page essay with a set question which will be the official examination for the course. Two days are given to complete the assignment, and the essay will be graded with a pass/fail-mark.

NOTE! The course requires physical participation. It is not possible to take the course online. 

Application deadlines

  • First round: 1 April for summer school and 1 November for winter school
  • Second round: 1 June for summer school and 1 December for winter school (after availability)

 

 

 

Suitable candidates

Bachelor's and Master’s students are eligible to apply to this course. But please note, that the exam is at Bachelor’s level only. The course is open to international exchange students, international fee-paying guest students and Danish fee-paying guest students.

Academic qualifications

This course will be taught in English, therefore good English skills are required. All applicants must have completed the first year of studies at Bachelor’s level (60 ECTS) before the summer school begins.

Access the application form

 

 

 

 

Teaching and learning methods

The programme consists of two parts: a thematic part on the history of Copenhagen, and a language course. The thematic part will be taught as a series of lectures and excursions out in Copenhagen and environs. The language course consists of smaller classes of students being taught by an instructor, and also assignments to be done at home between classes.

The workload amounts to 206 work hours equivalent to the 7,5 ECTS points students receive upon meeting the above criteria.

Literature

A reading list will be specified for accepted students by Jun. It is expected that students read all the required text material before each lecture / class.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

    Please note: Only the thematic part of the course is subject to examination.

    Exam format: 4-5 page essay with a set question. Two days are given to complete the assignment.
    Scope: 4-5 standard pages.
    Assessment: Internal with one examiner, pass/fail-graded.
    Regulations for group exams: The exam can only be taken individually.
    Exam language(s): English.
    Permitted exam aids: All.
    Make-up exam/re-sit: Conducted in the same manner as the original exam.