Instructor: Royalty in the Land of Equality DIS Fall Semester 2017 EH 3 Credit Course Major Disciplines: History, Sociology Meeting Time & Classroom: 8:30 9:50 AM on Tuesdays and Fridays in Vestergade 10 A33 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 1998. With DIS since 2011. Teacher contact: Steffen Løvkjær e mail. sglpdk@gmail.com mobile: 41 59 74 97 Office Hours: Tuesday and Friday before class or by appointment DIS contacts: Sanne Rasmussen, Program Coordinator, European Humanities Department, sra@dis.dk 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 does a slightly anachronistic institution seem to work in an unchallenged balance with a nation of today? What is the role of the media and how do the royal family act with the press? Is there a future to a 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 countries in the Old World and thus how that way of rule is the key to the understanding of Europe and its differences. 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 3 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 September 26th, Class 8. Questions will reflect readings and class discussions. Picture Analysis = 4 p. picture analysis (assignment due October 6 th, 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 November 10th, Class 17. 1 1,5 p. Synopsis = 1 p. synopsis on final paper topic December 1st, Class 21.
Final Written Assignment = 8 10 p. final paper on The Future of the Monarchy, with focus on the Danish one. Final paper due December 9 th. There will be writing assignments where you will be assessed by 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. 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 for an overarching familial institution. 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. 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. 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, whether 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 Director of Teaching & Learning 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, 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 the office of Academic Support (acadsupp@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 Canvas.
Detailed Course Schedule: Introduction to Denmark as a monarchy 1. Friday, August 25 Presentation of teacher and this class. Technically what is a monarchy, what defines it and how does it originate? What is its political construction? No readings 2. Tuesday, August 29 The rising 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. 7 23 Royal families worldwide Mark Watson P. XI XIV Wednesday, August 30 Field study (08.30 12.30), visit to Frederiksborg Castle, Hillerød Frederiksborg Museum, Short Guide P. 6 19, 28 43 on Canvas 3. Friday, September 1 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. 126 135 A King s Architecture, Christian IV and his Buildings Joakim A. Skovgaard P. 26 36 on Canvas
4. Tuesday, September 5 Christian IV A King s Architecture, Christian IV and his Buildings Joakim A. Skovgaard P. 105 116 5. Friday, September 8 Field study in Copenhagen, city walk or visit to Rosenborg Castle, weather dependent A King s Architecture, Christian IV and his Buildings Joakim A. Skovgaard P.67 74 in compendium, p. 87 96 on Canvas Short Tour Week: September 11 16 6. Tuesday, September 19 Field study in Copenhagen, city walk or visit to Rosenborg Castle, weather dependent A King s Architecture, Christian IV and his Buildings Joakim A. Skovgaard P.67 74, 81, 87 94, 96 7. Friday, September 22 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. 33 35 MORE READINGS ON NEXT PAGE
Copenhagen Gateway to Europe Kay S. Nielsen P. 15 33 8. Tuesday, September 26 IN CLASS TEST (30 min.) France, the mighty kingdom of the Sun King, Louis XIV, architecture and art industry Splendours of Versailles P. 30 35 Baroque 1620 1800 Style in the Age of Magnificence P. 124 125, 258 263 9. Friday, September 29 Introduction to assignment (Picture ANALYSIS ) The 18 th century, buildings and iconography Splendours of Versailles P. 60 61 on Canvas Baroque 1620 1800 Style in the Age of Magnificence P. 30 31 in compendium, p. 174, 268 269, 276 277, 279 287 on Canvas 10. Tuesday, October 3 The 18 th century and the twin Kingdom Denmark/Norway at its best A King s Feast The Danish Royal Silver Room P. 145 149 Baroque 1620 1800 Style in the Age of Magnificence P. 288 295, 298 309
11. Friday, October 6 Field study in Copenhagen, city walk, 18 th century and how Copenhagen becomes a city PICTURE ANALYSIS DUE (to be submitted on Canvas) Gud Konge By The Danish Museum of Decorative Art P. 35 41, 45, 73, 133 Architectura 21 P. 76 Baroque 1620 1800 Style in the Age of Magnificence P. 166 171 on Canvas Long Tour 1: October 8 October 16 The European monarchies 12. Tuesday, October 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 A Royal Family Anna Lerche and Marcus Mandal P. 151 161 13. Friday, October 20 England and the House of Windsor in the 21 st century, weddings and divorces in the last 30 years. A Royal Family MORE ON NEXT PAGE
Anna Lerche and Marcus Mandal P. 163 165 The Royal Portrait Image and Impact Jennifer Scott P. 187 191 14. Tuesday, October 24 DVD, The Queen Wednesday, October 25 Field study (13 17) visit to the Cathedral of Roskilde, necropolis of the Danish Kings and Queens A King s Architecture Joakim A. Skovgaard P. 78 80 15. Friday, October 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. 630 636 The hardest man in show business Martha Sherrill P. 74 82 Everyday Icon Kate Betts P. 1 3, 31 37, 101 103, 120 121 on Canvas Break: October 27 November 5
16. Tuesday, November 7 Greece and Austria. Abolition of monarchies, politics and moral Interview assignment due (class presentation) A Royal Family Anna Lerche and Marcus Mandal P. 230 235 Royalty Digest 3, 2011 Otto von Habsburg 1912 2011, The Life of an uncrowned Emperor Royalty Digest 4, 2007 An End and a Beginning, The Greek monarchy 1960 1964 17. Friday, November 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. 119 148 on Canvas Denmark since the Constitution of 1849 18. Tuesday, November 14 The royal family in the 19 th and 20 th century A Royal Family Anna Lerche and Marcus Mandal P. 9 18 19. Friday, November 17 Field study in Copenhagen, visit to the Amalienborg Museum MORE ON NEXT PAGE
The Royal Danish Collection, Chr. VIII s Palace, Amalienborg Museum Catalogue of the Amalienborg Museum P. 4 5 20. Tuesday, November 21 Guest Lecture: TBA 21. Tuesday, November 28 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 A Royal Family Anna Lerche and Marcus Mandal P. 22 27 22. Friday, December 1 The young generation in the 21 st century, divorce, marriage and royal babies A Royal Family Anna Lerche and Marcus Mandal P. 28 41 SYNOPSIS DUE Individual student consultations and feedback Meeting time and room tba 23. Tuesday, December 5 Summary and time for questions
Tuesday, December 12 Final paper due (to be submitted on Canvas)