Hans Christian Andersen and the Danish Golden Age Copenhagen Spring Semester 17, European Humanities 3-credit course Monday & Thursday 13.15-14.35 in classroom N7-C24 Major Disciplines: Literature Instructor: Janis Granger Ph. D., Scandinavian Languages and Literatures, University of California Berkeley, 1981; M.A., Scandinavian Studies, University of California Los Angeles, 1976; B.A., History, University of California Berkeley. Lecturer in Danish Language, Literature and Culture, University of Wisconsin - Madison, 1981-1984. Written articles and reviews on Danish literature and Scandinavian Crime Fiction. With DIS since 1984 as faculty, Academic Counselor and Registrar; as of 2011 as full time faculty. Taught at DIS Stockholm for Fall Semester 2016. Office hours: by appointment, available before and after class DIS contacts: Matt Kelley, Program Assistant, European Humanities Department
Content This course will be a study of approximately 30 fairy tales by Hans Christian Andersen (1805-75) as well as extracts from his travelogues, poems, diaries and his autobiography, The Fairy Tale of My Life. Andersen s significance as an international storyteller will be emphasized by analyzing his tales using various approaches and by seeing different perceptions of him through the eyes of his contemporaries and his readers of today. In order to get a feel for Hans Christian Andersen s world, we will familiarize ourselves with important figures of the Danish Golden Age (1800-1850). Andersen s fairytales will provide the backbone for this course that will emphasize his genuine inventiveness and the complexity of his texts. Learning Objectives The course will provide students with an in-depth understanding and knowledge of the literary art of Hans Christian Andersen from his fairytales to other forms of prose. Students will learn to analyze, critically evaluate and appreciate the works to reach an understanding of Hans Christian Andersen as a literary giant and not just the writer of children s fairy tales. At the end of the course, students will be able to: Identify and distinguish the works of Hans Christian Andersen by themes, styles and influences Understand and discuss the historical context of Denmark s Golden Age and gain an understanding of Danish society Understand the fairy tale/artistic tale genre as opposed to folktales Appreciate Hans Christian Andersen as a literary and artistic genius and not just a writer of tales for children Course Content Hans Christian Andersen (1805-1875) is internationally known as the writer of fairy tales. Children all over the world know The Ugly Duckling, The Emperor s New Clothes, The Little Mermaid, The Princess and the Pea and other tales. But Andersen also wrote plays, novels, poems, travelogues and songs. The course will start with an introduction to the life and times of Hans Christian Andersen and the reading of his early tales. We will begin looking at the tales from a biographical and historical approach. We will also look at the influence of folk tales and other literary influences on his writing. As we will discover, Andersen s tales are not just for children. Andersen 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 Hans Christian Andersen s literary art is still pertinent in the 21st century.
Evaluation Engagement 20 % Midterm 25 % Short Analysis 20 % Final Paper or Final Exam 35% Engagement is your responsibility, so it is up to you what grade you receive in this area. Consider how often you discuss, comment or ask questions in class; how many absences you have during the semester, how often you complete all the readings for class; how often you check your phone or Facebook or other non-class related media during a single class meeting. Students must complete all course work in order to receive a passing grade. Expectations Students are expected to have read the materials for each class and actively participate in discussions. Students should come to class prepared with questions and points for discussion. When posing questions or participating in discussions, students should, as much as possible, refer to the readings to support the points they are making. If you are shy about speaking up in class, you are welcome to email me your questions or ideas for class discussions. Approach to Teaching I am enthusiastic about Hans Christian Andersen: the man; his tales and his times. I bring this enthusiasm to my teaching. I will start out with some background lectures. Since I take a cultural/historical approach to Hans Christian Andersen s tales, there will be some lectures about mid-19 th Century Denmark and the Danish Golden Age. But for the most part, the class will be based on analysis of the tales, in-class group discussions and class discussions. I am enthusiastic about analyzing writing and writing itself. We will start by learning or refreshing our techniques as to how to closely read a piece of literature so we can discuss the tales in depth. I like to give students different academic options, whether it is with presentations, writing assignments, discussion techniques, since everyone learns differently and I like to learn from you, too. You will decide what we do in class on April 6 it will be your class
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 Academic Affairs 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 the Academic Support Office at acadsupp@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. Due Dates Short Analysis 20% Due on Thursday February 16. An interpretation of a fairy tale by Andersen. You may choose one of the tales we have read or a new tale. Your interpretation must include a discussion of how to approach the text by analyzing it by a close reading. 3-4 pages in length. Midterm 25% Midterm in class on Thursday, March 9. This in-class midterm will cover factual information about HCA and the Danish Golden Age. There will multiple choice questions, short answer question and one essay type question.
Final Paper or Final Exam 30 % Due in class on Thursday, May 4 For the paper, choose to do one of the following: An academic paper (6-7 pages) on a theme of your choice (for example, the portrait of women, Christian elements, role of the child in HCA s tales; development of HCA s style; HCA as a visual artist, etc.). Should at least include two outside, academic sources. A re-writing of your short analysis expanding on the original topic, taking into account comments given on the original paper. Must be 7-8 pages in length and include at least one more tale of HCA s tales and at least two outside sources. If you choose this option, you may extend your original paper by revising your thesis, broadening your comparisons and further qualifying your arguments. Please follow this suggested structure for your papers: 1. Introduction: presentation of the topic to be investigated; a brief overview of what you will do and a brief comment about the methodology (comparison, application of a specific theory) 2. Analysis: comments, discussions, comparisons 3. Summary and conclusion 4. Notes and bibliography or Final Essay Exam 30% Choose to take a final exam. Several essay questions will be posed. You pick two. Each essay must consist of approx. 600 words or two double-spaced pages, 12 font. Field Studies Thursday, February 16, 8:00pm-10:00pm Ballet performance at the Royal Theater. The Royal Theater and the Danish ballet company were important to the Danish Golden Age. Details and tickets to be given out in class. Wednesday, April 19, 1:30pm 4:00pm A visit to Tivoli Gardens. Tivoli opened in August 1848 and Hans Christian Andersen was there. The Chinese Pavilion was an inspiration for The Nightingale. After a tour of the gardens, you will have time on your own to explore and have fun. We will meet in our classroom 10-B25 at 1:30pm and walk over to Tivoli. You must enter with the class as we have special group admission tickets.
Course Schedule 1) Thu. Jan. 19 Hans Christian Andersen and The Ugly Duckling Introduction to the course, to the life and times of Hans Christian Andersen (HCA); Analysis of The Ugly Duckling taking a biographical approach. The Ugly Duckling, Haugaard p.216 HCA: The Fairy Tale of My Life An Autobiography, Introduction. & p.1-44 2) Mon. Jan. 23 The Life of the Storyteller Introduction to Danish literary Romanticism. Historical and cultural background of the times of Hans Christian Andersen, different approaches to two of his tales. HCA: The Tinderbox, Haugaard p.1 HCA: The Steadfast Tin Soldier, Haugaard p. 112 Jens Andersen: Hans Christian Andersen, Chapter 1, p.17-61 3) Thu. Jan. 26 Once upon a Time. HCA and the folk tale, sources of inspiration Grimm Brothers: The Six Swans, in course compendium HCA: The Wild Swans, Haugaard, p.117 W.H. Auden: Grimm and Andersen, in course compendium 4) Mon. Jan. 30 The Fairy Tale and Structuralism The structure of the fairy tale; structuralism as outlined by Vladimir Propp, HCA s use of the fairy tale and the creation of his own art tales HCA: The Travelling Companion, Haugaard p.40 HCA: Clod Hans, Haugaard p.479 Vladimir Propp: 31 plot elements, in course compendium
5) Thu. Feb. 2 The Storyteller HCA s published his first collection of fairy tales in 1835. We are going to read two of the four stories of the collection and pay special attention to how he depicted the nobility and children. We are also going to read his breakthrough poem The Dying Child. HCA: The Princess and the Pea, Haugaard p.20 HCA: Little Ida s Flower, Haugaard p.22 HCA: The Dying Child, in course compendium Jens Andersen: Hans Christian Andersen, p.215-248 Core Course Week: Monday, February 6 Saturday, February 11 6) Mon. Feb. 13 Hans Christian Andersen and Satire Beneath the fairy tale surface there are satirical and (typical Danish) comments on Danish mentality and society in HCA s stories. HCA: The Emperor s New Clothes, Haugaard p.77 HCA: The Shepherdess and the Chimney Sweep, Haugaard p.297 7) Thu. Feb. 16 The Danish Golden Age, Romanticism and Hans Christian Andersen Short analysis due The Danish Golden Age; key terms in Romantic thinking; Biedermeier and the bourgeoisie, search for knowledge and happiness, the new role of children Danish Golden Age article posted on DIS Canvas Thursday, February 16 8:00pm-10:00pm Ballet performance at the Royal Theater. The Royal Theater and the Danish ballet company were important to the Danish Golden Age. Meet at the theater no later than 7:30pm
8) Mon. Feb. 20 The Quest The Little Mermaid is one of Andersen s most complex stories. We will among other things use a psychoanalytical approach analyzing it. We will also look at one of the many adaptions of the story: Disney s animated version from 1989. HCA: The Little Mermaid, Haugaard p.57 Roberta Trites: Disney s Sub/Version of Andersen s in course Compendium 9) Thu. Feb. 23 Mothers & Children How does HCA portray love between mother and child? How does he write about his own mother? HCA: The Story of a Mother, Haugaard p.360 HCA: She was No Good, Haugaard p.452 HCA: The Diaries of Hans Christian Andersen, in course compendium Study Tours/Break February 25 - March 5 10) Mon. Mar. 6 The Snow Queen A close analysis of one of HCA s most recognized artistic tales. The Snow Queen, Haugaard p.234 11) Thu. Mar. 9 Midterm in Class 12) Mon. Mar. 13 The Snow Queen cont d We will continue our discussion of the Snow Queen, make comparisons with The Little Mermaid and talk about the film adaptation Frozen Please re-read The Snow Queen, look over The Little Mermaid and bring your questions and observation to class
13) Thu. Mar. 16 Love Story In many of HCA s stories he explores the idea of love and obsession. We will look at HCA s view on women, love and marriage HCA: The Snowman, Haugaard p.718 HCA: The Butterfly, Haugaard p.782 Lise Sørensen: Give me a Bride, in course compendium Study Tours/Break March 18 March 26 14) Mon. Mar.27 The Dark Side HCA delves into the darker side of man s nature and gives uncanny psychological portraits as well as exploring the theme of the innocent vs. the intellectual HCA: The Shadow, Haugaard p.334 15) Thu. Mar. 30 The Social Critic Even though HCA rose to fame and wealth, he never forgot his humble beginnings and showed sympathy for the poor HCA: A Drop of Water, Haugaard p.354 HCA: The Little Match Girl, Haugaard p. 306 16) Mon. Apr. 3 Art vs. Nature HCA s stories take up the themes of the romantic over the rationalist; culture vs. nature, the genuine vs. the artificial. HCA: The Swineherd, Haugaard p.193 HCA: The Nightingale, Haugaard p.203 17) Thu. Apr. 6 The Artist Vote to be taken as to what you want to do for Your Class on April 20 How did Hans Christian Andersen perceive the role of the artist? The importance of art and the artist. Hans Christian Andersen as an artist HCA: Psyche, Haugaard p. 785
18) Mon. Apr. 10 Inanimate Objects From the children s nursery to the cook s kitchen, Hans Christian Andersen creates marvelous tales using objects. We will look at the life story and the suffering portrayed in two tales about objects. HCA; The Darning Needle, Haugaard p. 271 HCS: The Teapot, Haugaard p. 845 Optional Tour/Break April 12 April 17 Wednesday, April 19, 1:30pm 4:00pm A visit to Tivoli Gardens. Tivoli opened in August 1848 and Hans Christian Andersen was there. The Chinese Pavilion was an inspiration for The Nightingale. After a tour of the gardens, you will have time on your own to explore and have fun. We will meet in our classroom 10-B25 at 1:30pm and walk over to Tivoli as a group. 19) Thu. Apr. 20 Your class Depending on the outcome of the class vote on April 6 20) Mon. Apr. 24 Portrayals of Females in Hans Christian Andersen s works Hans Christian Andersen portrays women as children, mothers, Grandmothers and to a lesser extent as mothers. Was Hans Christian Andersen a feminist? Or? HCA: The Red Shoes, Haugaard p. 289 Review portrayal of female characters from The Shepherdess and the Chimney Sweep, The Swineherd, The Little Mermaid, The Snow Queen, etc. 21) Thu. Apr. 27 HCA: the Future and Technological Progress With the industrial revolution, the end of absolute monarchy and technical advances, the world was changing rapidly in the mid- 19 th century. Along with societal and technical changes, there were also changes in morals and values. HCA: The Millennium, Haugaard p.428 HCA: Great Grandfather, Haugaard p.987 HCA: The Great Sea Serpent, Haugaard p. 1006
22) Mon. May 1 Death and the Storyteller What was HCA s view of life in his final years? And how did it all end? How does he look at death and the meaning of life? HCA: Auntie Toothache, Haugaard p.1058 Jens Andersen: Hans Christian Andersen, last chapter 23) Thu. May 4 Summation of course / Final Paper or Final Exam due
Literature In the DIS Library, there is a shelf of books and articles on reserve for this class Required Reading: Hans Christian Andersen. The Complete Fairy Tales and Stories, translated from Danish by Erik Christian Haugaard, New York, 1974 Jens Andersen. Hans Christian Andersen, Overlook Duckworth, New York, 2003, translated from Danish by Tiina Nunnally Hans Christian Andersen. The Fairy Tale of My Life An Autobiography, translated from the Danish by Naomi Lewis, First Cooper Square Press, New York, 2000 Selections from the course compendium Recommended Reading (on reserve in the DIS Library): The DIS Library has an excellent selection of the fairy tales, biographies and others works relevant to the class. The Royal Library also has an extensive collection of works on Hans Christian Andersen and his writings in English. Bruno Bettelheim. The Uses of Enchantment, London, 1978 Elias Bredsdorff. Hans Christian Andersen. The Story of his Life and Work 1805-1875, London, 1975 Kjeld Heltoft, Hans Christian Andersen as an Artist, translated by David Hohnen, Christian Ejlers Forlag, 2005 Wolfgang Lederer. The Kiss of the Snow Queen. Hans Christian Andersen and Man s Redemption by Women, Berkeley, 1986 Johan de Mylius. The Voice of Nature in Hans Christian Andersen s Fairy Tales, Odense, 1989 Bente Scavenius. The Golden Age Revisited: Art and Culture in Denmark 1800-1850, Copenhagen, 1996 Websites: The Hans Christian Andersen Center, website: http://www.andersen.sdu.dk The City Museums of Odense, website: http://www.museum.odense.dk/h_c_andersen.aspx Golden Days, website: http://www.goldendays.dk Articles in English about Hans Christian Andersen can been found in the journal Scandinavian Studies which can be accessed online.