Traditional balladry in the North Atlantic Region

An International summer school (7,5 ECTS, MA-level) at the Unviersity of Copenhagen

Course format: On-campus as well as excursions

Course dates: 16-27 June

Course description

In this two-week intensive summer course we will compare traditional balladry in the Nordic and Celtic regions of the North Atlantic, examining the composition, performance and preservation of ballads in five subregions:

  • Iceland, where epic narratives (fornkvæði) and metrical romances (rímur) in Icelandic are preserved in manuscripts
  • The Faroe Islands, where ballads (kvæði) are preserved in both Faroese and Danish and are still sung today together with a chain-dance
  • Denmark-Norway, where traditional ballads (folkeviser) are found in manuscripts and early prints in Danish and Norwegian
  • Scotland, including ballads in both Gaelic and Scots
  • Ireland, including ballads in both Irish and English

The student will learn about the history of balladry for each region, including the origin, transmission (both oral and written) and later collection and preservation of ballads. Other aspects include how ballads are performed (for example, together with a chain-dance) and the modern reception of ballads as part of the national or regional literary canon.

The course will also consist of a close reading of a ballad text from each of the regions investigated, in which the form and content of traditional ballads will be examined. Students will be given ballad texts in the original language (e.g. Icelandic, Gaelic) as well as a translation into English. Knowledge of the original languages is therefore not a requirement for the course.

During the course the student will also observe and participate in performances and, where relevant, dancing of traditional ballads, including the Icelandic rímur and the Faroese kvæði. In addition, the student will participate in short excursions inside of Copenhagen.

The course will be taught be experts from each of the regions investigated, giving the student a unique access to the field of balladry for each region. A final assessment in the form of a written assignment will allow the student to compare two or more regions on a relevant topic of their own choosing.

Application deadlines

  • First round: 1 April
  • Second round: 1 June (after availability, and only for students enrolled at the Faculty of Humanities/UCPH)

 

 

 

How to apply

Students must apply by 1 April by submitting application form including relevant documents. Deadline for second round of applications in case of remaining seats is 1 June.

This course will be taught in English, therefore good English skills are required. All applicants must have completed an Academic Bachelor’s Degree before summer school begins.

The course is open to international exchange, self-paying guest students and Danish students.

Accepted students will be notified before the end of April.

Admission requirements

Applicants who have completed a bachelor’s degree are eligible to apply for admission.

The course is aimed at MS students in Nordic or Celtic studies, including languages, literatures, history, anthropology, and archaeology of one or more of the regions covered, but anyone else interested in the topic is also welcome.

An ability to read academic English is a requirement for admission. Knowledge of a Nordic and/or Celtic language can be an advantage but is not a requirement for the course.

Access the application form

 

 

 

 

Teaching and learning methods

Lectures, workshops, hands-on performances, excursion.

 

Student workload

Exam               100

Excursions                   10

Preparation                  50

Lectures                      20

Workshops                  30



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Credit: 7,5 ECTS

Type of assessment: Written assignment

Written take-home assignment, optional subject. The assigment should fill 11-15 standard pages (1 standard page = 2400 characters including spaces).

For the assessment the student will submit a written assignment on a relevant topic, in which at least two of the regions covered are compared. The assignment is due in digital format following the completion of the course.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Unfortunately, the University of Copenhagen does not offer scholarships or tuition fee reductions.

Figures are estimates only.

Tuition fees

Read more about tuition fees here.

Accommodation

Monthly rate approximately: DKK 4000-6000. Deposit: one month’s rent.

Miscellaneous

Living expenses: Approx. DKK 2500 for three weeks

For more information on living costs and costs of accommodation, please visit UCPH website for international students.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

You can find information about insurance here.