AK1213 Swedish Society, Culture and Industry in Historical Perspective 7.5 credits

The course focuses on the construction of cultures and identities, and addresses topics such as political system, economy, technology, industry, city planning and architecture in Sweden in a long term perspective.

The course consists of lectures, excursions, seminars and films – all held in English. Lectures normally start at 17.15 in the afternoon, with teachers from the Division of History of Science & Technology at KTH or  invited guest lecturers from other universities and organisations.

The excursions consist of guided visits to city, suburban and/or industrial areas in the Stockholm region, as well as visits to museums (free admission for participants).

The seminars are devoted to exam training, discussions on the course themes and written assignments. Some lectures and seminars are followed by film sessions. We have selected a number of Swedish full-length quality films, which in different ways shed light on aspects of the course contents.

The main purpose of the course is that the students understand and should be able to give a basic account of how changing cultures, ideologies and political ideals have shaped and re-shaped Swedish city planning, technology and industry in the post-WWII period.

After the course, the students should be able to:

• Outline and demonstrate knowledge on the main characteristics of the "Swedish model" (political system, welfare state and neutrality/non-alignment)
• Outline and demonstrate knowledge on the general development of Swedish industry and technology in the post-WWII period
• Outline and demonstrate knowledge on the basic characteristics of Swedish city planning during the post-WWII period.
• Demonstrate analytical reading and writing, including reflecting, referencing, reasoning and deconstructing analytical questions central to the course content.

Completed upper secondary education including documented proficiency in English.

None

If the course is discontinued, students may request to be examined during the following two academic years.

• TEN1 - Examination, 3.5 credits, grading scale: A, B, C, D, E, FX, F
• ÖVN1 - Assignment, 4.0 credits, grading scale: P, F

Based on recommendation from KTH’s coordinator for disabilities, the examiner will decide how to adapt an examination for students with documented disability.

The examiner may apply another examination format when re-examining individual students.

•  One final written exam (TEN1; 3.5 hp), grades A-F.
• Compulsory participation in course elements and exam training activities (ÖVN1;4.0 hp), grades Pass/Fail.

Per Högselius

Nina Wormbs

• All members of a group are responsible for the group's work.
• In any assessment, every student shall honestly disclose any help received and sources used.
• In an oral assessment, every student shall be able to present and answer questions about the entire assignment and solution.

If the number of applicants exceeds the number of available places, the places are distributed on a first come, first served basis.