Royalty in the Land of Equality DIS Spring Semester 2015 European Humanities 3-Credit Course

Transcription

1 Royalty in the Land of Equality DIS Spring Semester 2015 European Humanities 3-Credit Course Meeting Time & Classroom: 8:30-9:50 AM on Tuesdays and Fridays in V10 A33 Instructor: Steffen Løvkjær. Cand.mag. History and History of Art (University of Copenhagen and Sorbonne, Paris, France). Attached to The Danish Royal Collection at Rosenborg and Chr.VIII s Palace at Amalienborg as Assistant Curator since With DIS since Teacher contact: Steffen Løvkjær DIS contacts: Karen Søilen, European Humanities Assistant Program Director Monica Rabii, European Humanities Program Assistant Course Content: In this class we will discuss how the royal family of Denmark has had a large impact on the history, architecture, urban planning and art world of the country. A comparative study of other European royal families will be included as well as a look into American royal families, such as the Kennedys and Obamas. How do Americans and other nations perceive the Danish royal family? Why is it that people seem to need these figures in society? How can a slightly anachronistic leading institution seem to work frictionless in an unchallenged balance with a nation of today? What is the role of the media and how does the royal family act with the press? Is there a future for the monarchy as an institution in the years to come? Several visits to castles and monuments in and outside Copenhagen will be included, as well as visits to various museums. Learning Objectives: The course will provide students with an in-depth understanding and knowledge of the conception of a monarchy with the Danish one in focus. The students will understand how the monarchical tradition is the spine in quite a few of the nations in the Old World and thus how that way of rule is the key to the understanding of Europe and its differences.

2 At the end of the course, students will be able to: Identify and distinguish the nature of the Danish monarchy by themes, styles and influences Demonstrate an understanding of Danish society due to its history as a kingdom Understand the meaning of the Old World Recognize the importance of iconography and architecture as symbolic instruments of power Discuss to what extent the monarchy is synonymous with the identity of the nation Evaluation: For an explanation of the assignments, expectations and grading, see below and page 4 of this syllabus. Engagement 20% Test 15% Picture Analysis 20% Interview Assignment 15% Synopsis 5% Final Written Assignment 25% Engagement: Attendance, active participation in class discussions, field studies, being prepared for class by doing the reading and preparing questions and observations, and individual student presentations (not mandatory). Test: 30 min. written test given in class February 24th, Class 8. Questions will reflect readings and class discussions. Picture Analysis: 4 p. picture analysis (assignment due March 13th, Class 11), at the EH office, Vestergade B10) Interview Assignment Each student will interview two Danes on their views on the Danish monarchy. Students formulate and ask 4 questions based on class discussion and present their work April 10th, Class , 5 p. Synopsis: 1 p. synopsis on final paper topic May 8th, Class 22. Final Written Assignment: 8-10 p. final paper on the future of the monarchy, focusing on the Danish Monarchy. Final paper due May 15th. There will be writing assignments where you will be assessed on your analysis, overall view, conclusions and support of your ideas and thesis. If you are unclear as to what I require or what is rewarded please ask. Students must complete all course work in order to receive a passing grade.

3 Course Context: The Danish monarchy is the oldest in the world and the royal family enjoys and is surrounded by a profound respect and devotion from its subjects, the Danish population. The course will start with an introduction to the idea of a monarchy and how Denmark as a nation was founded around 1200 years ago with a King in front as the symbol of military power and political leadership and later on sociological supremacy. We will discuss the development of the monarchy and see how that way of rule gradually becomes synonymous with the identity of the country. Royal architecture and art industry will be studied and discussed and parallels will be made with other European royal dynasties. References and a discussion of American royalty such as political dynasties as the Kennedys will form part of putting into perspective the apparent need of a population of a father family. And we will discover how this, in a way, anachronistic institution is still pertinent in the 21st century. Several scholastic approaches to the topic will be observed; historically, socio-culturally and art historically among others. Field studies: The classroom will occasionally grow and Copenhagen with its streets and monuments will embrace us. Half-day trips to palaces and churches Field studies are mandatory. Expectations: Students are expected to have read the materials for each class and actively participate in discussions. Students should come prepared to class with questions and points for discussion. Approach to Teaching: I am enthusiastic about royal history, its origin and nature and I bring this enthusiasm to my teaching. Power point, DVD and YouTube will be used as well as Copenhagen, monuments, parks and palaces to constitute aids to the teaching. I will start out with some background lectures. Since I take a cultural/historical approach to royalty, there will be some lectures with exposure of ideas to identify the history and iconography of a monarchy and its royal family. But for the most part, the class will be based on analysis of texts, visits, videos, student presentations and discussion. In order to obtain a relaxed and pleasant atmosphere for everyone, engagement is indeed expected. Teaching, discussions and field studies will be academic, but in an unstuffy, un-academic atmosphere.

4 As I find the topic of the course interesting the teaching is to be too. I expect you to help me in that matter and my ambition is to create a classroom culture where it is safe to ask questions. A word about grades: I realize that grades are important to you, but try not to let your anxiety about grades prevent you from taking intellectual risks and stay numb without asking about the reading and what we discuss. I do not grade to reward you, but neither to punish you and my grade is to give you my honest assessment of your academic performance. Practical Matters/Classroom Policies: Students are expected to be on time to class, being in the classroom or for a field study. 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 the Director of Academic Support and Registrar and/or Academic Director. Laptops may be used for note-taking. Please wait until the break or time before and after class, to check , Facebook, Twitter 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. N.B. All written assignments should have a title, be double-spaced, 12 font and approximately 300 words per page. Disability and resource statement: 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 the instructor of approved DIS accommodations within the first two weeks of classes. All course readings can be found either in the course compendium or on Blackboard (DIS Forum).

5 Detailed Course Schedule: Introduction to Denmark as a monarchy 1. Friday, January 23 Presentation of teacher, students present themselves and why they have chosen this class. Technically what is a monarchy, what defines it and how does it originate? What is its political construction? No readings 2. Tuesday, January 27 The rise of Denmark, how the monarchy gradually becomes synonymous with the identity of the country Crown Jewels of Britain and Europe Prince Michael of Greece P Royal families worldwide Mark Watson P. XI - XIV 3. Friday, January 30 The expansion and development of the Kingdom under Christian IV, warfare and construction of monuments Christian IV, King of Denmark and Norway Peter Kristiansen P A King s Architecture, Christian IV and his Buildings Joakim A. Skovgaard P

6 4. Tuesday, February 3 Christian IV A King s Architecture, Christian IV and his Buildings Joakim A. Skovgaard P Friday, February 6 Field study in Copenhagen, city walk or visit to Rosenborg Castle, weather depended A King s Architecture, Christian IV and his Buildings Joakim A. Skovgaard P.67 74, 81, 87 94, 96 CORE COURSE WEEK: February Tuesday, February 17 Field study in Copenhagen, city walk or visit to Rosenborg Castle, weather depended A King s Architecture, Christian IV and his Buildings Joakim A. Skovgaard P.67 74, 81, 87 94, Friday, February 20 Presentation of IN CLASS TEST for Tuesday The aftermath of the death of Christian IV and the introduction of the absolute monarchy in 1660 Gud Konge By The Danish Museum of Decorative Art John Eriksen P Copenhagen Gateway to Europe Kay S. Nielsen P

7 8. Tuesday, February 24 IN CLASS TEST (30 min.) France, the mighty kingdom of the Sun King, Louis XIV, architecture and art industry Splendours of Versailles P Baroque Style in the Age of Magnificence P , Friday, February 27 Introduction to assignment (Picture Analysis) The 18 th century, buildings and iconography Splendours of Versailles P Baroque Style in the Age of Magnificence P , 174, , , Week Long Study Tour: March 1 March Tuesday, March 10 The 18 th century and the twin Kingdom Denmark/Norway at its best A King s Feast The Danish Royal Silver Room P Baroque Style in the Age of Magnificence P , Friday, March 13 Field study in Copenhagen, city walk, 18 th century and how Copenhagen becomes a city PICTURE ANALYSIS DUE (to be handed in at European Humanities office, Vestergade B10)

8 Gud Konge By The Danish Museum of Decorative Art P , 45, 73, 133 Architectura 21 P. 76 Baroque Style in the Age of Magnificence P The European Monarchies 12. Tuesday, March 17 England, the 19 th century and Queen Victoria, and the Commonwealth, H.M. Queen Elisabeth II, the coronation of 1953 The Royal Line of Succession Hugo Vickers P. 4 P Friday, March 20 England and the House of Windsor in the 21 st century, weddings and divorces in the last 30 years. P The Royal Portrait Image and Impact Jennifer Scott P

9 14. Tuesday, March 24 DVD, The Queen 15. Friday, March 27 Introduction to Interview Assignment USA, the First families, the Kennedys, the Bushes, the Obamas JFK: Celebrity in-chief or commander-in-chief? Gil Troy P The Hardest Man in Show Business Martha Sherrill P Everyday Icon Kate Betts P. 1-3, 31-37, , Week Long Study Tour: March 28 - April Tuesday, April 7 Greece and Austria. Abolition of monarchies, politics and moral Interview assignment due (class presentation) P Royalty Digest 3, 2011 Otto von Habsburg , The Life of an uncrowned Emperor Royalty Digest 4, 2007 An End and a Beginning, The Greek monarchy

10 17. Friday, April 10 The royal families in Sweden and Norway, before and now. Proximities and differences with the royal family in Denmark Northern Crowns, the Kings of modern Scandinavia P Denmark since the Constitution of Tuesday, April 14 The royal family in the 19 th and 20 th century P Wednesday, April 15 Field study (8:30-12:30), visit to the Cathedral of Roskilde, necropolis of the Danish Kings and Queens A King s Architecture Joakim A. Skovgaard P Friday, April 17 Field study in Copenhagen, visit to the Amalienborg Museum The Royal Danish Collection, Chr. VIII s Palace, Amalienborg Museum Catalogue of the Amalienborg Museum P. 4-5 Travel Break: April Tuesday, April 28 Guest Lecture: TBA

11 21. Tuesday, May 5 H.M. Queen Margrethe II and field study with visit to The Royal Reception Rooms at Christiansborg Palace The Royal Reception Rooms at Christiansborg Palace P. 0-4 P Friday, May 8 The young generation in the 21 st century, divorce, marriage and royal babies P SYNOPSIS DUE Individual student consultations and feedback Meeting time and room TBA 23. Tuesday, May 12 Summary and time for questions Friday, May 15 Final paper due (to be handed in at European Humanities office, Vestergade B10)