HDCB01142U HDCB01142U DCC H.C. Andersen and Søren Kierkegaard: The Quest for Identity in Modernity
“The Quest for Identity in Modernity,” is a course in English
for all International Students offered each semester.
The questions concerning personal identity and transformation
raised by the two Golden-Age writers, H.C Andersen and Søren
Kierkegaard, are no less relevant today than they were almost 200
years ago. How is it that a person becomes himself? How does a
person attain wholeness and truth?
“Searching for one´s identity,” refers to the process of
self-examination, self-definition, and inner exploration. It aims
at understanding one´s values, beliefs, passions, and purpose in
life. Together with Andersen and Kierkegaard, we will explore these
themes in their connection to cultural, social, emotional, and
personal dimensions.
Hans Christian Andersen and Søren Kierkegaard hold a pivotal
position in Danish Cultural Heritage. Though both writers are
intimately connected to their contemporary society, there is
something in their works that far surpass the limits of the
national and historical consciousness to which they adhere, and
extend to a wider, global, and modern consciousness. This is what
has made them not only internationally renowned but also given them
continual actuality and relevance to this day.
We will explore what it is in their writings that merits such a
prolonged actuality and such an extensive, modern appeal.
Through a vast proliferation of conceptual, fictive, and
allegorical narratives, Andersen and Kierkegaard outline a map for
the individual to navigate a path toward self-realization, without
giving any definite directions nor any fixed points of orientation.
The answer, as we know, lies in the search itself, for as
Kierkegaard writes, “The truth is the way”; or in Andersen´s words:
“Every man´s life is a fairy-tale, written by God´s fingers.”
Name of Exam: HDCB01141E Danish Literature and Philosophy in Context of Danish Culture and Society.
Texts will be available through Absalon.
- Category
- Hours
- Class Instruction
- 0
- Total
- 0
Registration through Mobility Online.
Questions to: visitingstudents@hum.ku.dk
Fee-paying (DK/EU/EEA/Swiss citizens) please see:Guest programmes – University of Copenhagen (ku.dk)
- Credit
- 15 ECTS
- Type of assessment
- Written assignment
- Type of assessment details
- Written take-home assignment with an optional subject following
active class participation. 11-15 standard pages.
The active class participation consists of an approved synopsis 2-3 standard pages.
Retake in case of non-approved active class participation consists of a written take-home assignment with an optional subject. 16-20 standard pages. - Aid
- All aids allowed
- Marking scale
- 7-point grading scale
- Censorship form
- No external censorship
- Re-exam
For students with an approved synopsis the reexamination consists of a free written take-home assignment of 11-15 pages.
For students without an approved synopsis the retake consists of a free written take-home assignment of 16-20 pages.
Course information
- Language
- English
- Course code
- HDCB01142U
- Credit
- 15 ECTS
- Level
- BachelorBachelor choice
- Duration
- 1 semester
- Placement
- Spring
- Schedule
- See link under Timetable (after november 1st)
- Course capacity
- 60
Study board
- Study Board of Archaeology, Ethnology, Greek & Latin, History
Contracting department
- SAXO-Institute - Archaeology, Ethnology, Greek & Latin, History
Contracting faculty
- Faculty of Humanities
Course Coordinators
- Mathias Parding (qfn746@alumni.ku.dk)