Final Syllabus
Hans Christian Andersen and the Danish Golden Age
DIS Fall Semester 2016, EH 3 credit course
Monday & Thursday 13.15-14.35 in classroom F24-203
Instructor: Morten Egholm
Ph. D., Film Studies, University of Copenhagen, 2009. Cand. mag., Scandinavian Studies,
Film and Media Theory, University of Copenhagen, 1997. Associate professor, Danish
Language, Literature and Culture, University of Groningen, The Netherlands, 2002-2006.
Has written several articles in Danish, English and Dutch on Danish literature, Danish
mentality, TV series and film history. Since January 2012 full time faculty at DIS.
Morten Egholm
Office hours: Thursday, 1.15-3 pm in Room 10 B-15
DIS contacts:
Karen Søilen, European Humanities Assistant Program Director
Matt Kelley, European Humanities Program Assistant
Hans Christian Andersen and the Danish Golden Age | DIS – Study Abroad in Scandinavia | Related Disciplines: Literature
Final Syllabus
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 very important
works in many other literary genres. As we will discover, Andersen’s writings are not just for
children. Furthermore, Andersen very often in his works gives insightful commentary that
reflects social, philosophical and technological changes throughout the 19th Century.
This course will be a study of 30 fairy tales by Hans Christian Andersen as well as extracts
from his novels, travelogues, poems, diaries and of 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 the thinking of European Romanticism
and 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
Evaluation:
For an explanation of the assignments, expectations and grading, see below and page 4 of
this syllabus.





Engagement
Midterm
Analysis I
Analysis II
Final Written Research Paper
20 %
20 %
15 %
15 %
30 %
Hans Christian Andersen and the Danish Golden Age | DIS – Study Abroad in Scandinavia | Related Disciplines: Literature
Final Syllabus
Engagement = attendance, active participation in class discussions, field studies, being
prepared for class by doing the reading and preparing questions and observations.
For the writing assignments, you will be assessed by how well you write. You don’t have to
be an English major to write well. You just need to write clearly, and support your ideas and
thesis with evidence from the texts – or from reference material being used. 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.
Due Dates
All written assignments should have a title, be double-spaced, 12 front and approximately
300 words per page.
Analysis I 15 %
Due on September the 29th. An interpretation of a fairy tale by Andersen (choose between
the two possibilities mentioned below). Your interpretation must include a discussion of how
to approach the text by analyzing it by a close reading. 3-4 pages in length.
Analyze: Inchelina (Haugaard page 29) or a HCA tale of your choice (but not one we have
readi in class).
Midterm 20 %
Identification/Short Answer Test in class on October the 27th. This in-class test will cover
factual information about HCA, the Danish Golden Age, as well as some short essay type
questions of all the tales we have read so far in class.
Analysis II 15 %
Due on Thursday, Monday November 10. 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.
Final Written Assignment 30 %
Research paper due on December the 5th. Hand it in to me last day in class or e-mail it
directly to me DO NOT hand the paper in via Canvas or other online possibilities!
For the last paper, you choose to do one of the following:

An academic paper (7-8 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.). Could include all kind of works by HCA – should
at least include two outside sources.

A re-writing of Analysis I or Analysis II expanding on the original topic, taking into account
comments given on the original paper. Must be 8-9 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.
Hans Christian Andersen and the Danish Golden Age | DIS – Study Abroad in Scandinavia | Related Disciplines: Literature
Final Syllabus
Please follow this suggested structure for your paper:
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. Short description/summary of text(s)
3. Analysis: comments, discussions, comparisons
4. Summary and conclusion
5. Notes and bibliography
Field Studies:
Wednesday, September, 7, 1-3.30: Walking in Hans Christian Andersen’s footsteps
A walking tour of Hans Christian Andersen’s Copenhagen with highlights from the Danish
Golden Age. Meet in the DIS Front Desk (Vestergade 7 at 9 am). We will be walking in Hans
Christian Andersen’s footsteps around the old Copenhagen city center where he met, on his
daily walks, the philosopher Kierkegaard and other cultural luminaries of this time. Many of
the buildings, squares and sites of Copenhagen are the same as during the lifetime of Hans
Christian Andersen. On this tour we will get a feel of how and where Hans Christian
Andersen lived in Copenhagen, walk his daily promenades and relive, through our
imagination, what life was like in the Danish capital in the mid-19th century
Wednesday, September, 7, 6 pm:
Watch a ballet performance of Harlekin Skeleton and try the HCA ride called The
Flying Suitcase + time on own.
Tivoli Gardens opened for the first time on August 15, 1843 and in many ways it embodies
the spirit of the Danish Golden Age. Hans Christian Andersen visited Tivoli and saw the
Chinese Pavilion that inspired the writing of his tale The Nightingale.‖
Wednesday, November, 16, 9.30-12.30 am: Hans Christian Andersen’s life and fairy
tales in film
We will see clips from some of the most famous adaptations of HCA’s fairy tales, and clips
from the Hollywood bio-pic on the author from 1952 (Danny Kaye playing HCA). In total
length we will watch the Danish film about HCA’s years at the Latin School in Slagelse,
Young Andersen (2005, 115 minutes, directed by Rumle Hammerich).
Hans Christian Andersen and the Danish Golden Age | DIS – Study Abroad in Scandinavia | Related Disciplines: Literature
Final Syllabus
The Ugly Duckling
Course Schedule:
1) Aug. 25th
2) Aug. 29th
3) Sep. 1st
Hans Christian Andersen and The Ugly Duckling
Introduction to the course and to the early life of Hans Christian
Andersen (HCA); Analysis of The Ugly Duckling taking a
biographical approach.
Readings:
HCA: The Ugly Duckling, Haugaard p.216
HCA: The Fairy Tale of My Life – An Autobiography, Introduct. &
p.1-44
The Young Hans Christian Andersen + Famous tales about
soldiers
Focus on the cultural life in the Copenhagen HCA arrives at in
1819. Analysis of two of his most famous tales – both of them with
a soldier as the protagonist.
Readings:
HCA: The Tinderbox, Haugaard p.1
HCA: The Steadfast Tin Soldier, Haugaard p.112
Jens Andersen: Hans Christian Andersen, Chapter 1, p.17-61
Once upon a Time….
HCA and the folk tale; different sources of inspiration
Readings:
Grimm Brothers: The Six Swans, in course binder
HCA: The Wild Swans, Haugaard, p.117
W.H. Auden: Grimm and Andersen, in course binder
Hans Christian Andersen and the Danish Golden Age | DIS – Study Abroad in Scandinavia | Related Disciplines: Literature
Final Syllabus
4) Sep. 5th
Sep., 7, 1-3.30 pm:
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
Readings:
HCA: The Travelling Companion, Haugaard p.40
HCA: Clod Hans, Haugaard p.479
Vladimir Propp: 31 plot elements, in course binder
FIELD STUDY: HCA’s Copenhagen, walking tour and
museum visit
Meet at front desk at 1 pm
Sep., 7, 6 pm:
FIELD STUDY: Going to Tivoli. Watch a ballet performance of
Harlekin Skeleton and try the HCA ride called The Flying
Suitcase + time on own. Tivoli already closes at 10 pm, so if
you really want to enjoy the garden, arrive earlier than
planned with me.
Sep. 12-17th: CORE COURSE WEEK
5) Sep. 8th.
Romantic thinking and Hans Christian Andersen
The Danish Golden Age; Pantheism and other key terms in
Romantic thinking
Readings:
HCA: The Bell, Haugaard p.275
6) Sep. 19th
The satirical Hans Christian Andersen
Beneath the fairy tale surface you very often find satirical and
(typical Danish) sarcastic comments on Danish mentality and
society in HCA’s stories. We are going to look at what
phenomena his making fun of and how.
Readings:
HCA: The Emperor’s New Clothes, Haugaard p.77
HCA: The Shepherdness and the Chimney Sweep, Haugaard
p.297
HCA: It’s Perfectly True, Haugaard p.405
Hans Christian Andersen and the Danish Golden Age | DIS – Study Abroad in Scandinavia | Related Disciplines: Literature
Final Syllabus
7) Sep. 22nd
Breakthrough as a fairy tale writer and view on children
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.
Readings:
HCA: The Princess and the Pea, Haugaard p.20
HCA: Little Ida’s Flower, Haugaard p.22
HCA: The Dying Child, in course binder
Jens Andersen: Hans Christian Andersen, p.215-248
8) Sep. 26th
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 discuss Disney’s animated adaptation
from 1989.
Readings:
HCA: The Little Mermaid, Haugaard p.57
Roberta Trites: Disney’s Sub/Version of Andersen’s TLM in
course binder
9) Sep. 29th
Mothers & Children
FIRST ANALYSIS DUE! Analysis of Inchelina, or a tale by
your own choice
How does HCA portray love between mother and child? How
does he write about his own mother?
Readings:
HCA: The Story of a Mother, Haugaard p.360
HCA: She was No Good, Haugaard p.452
HCA: Anne Lisbeth, Haugaard p.620
HCA: The Diaries of Hans Christian Andersen, in course binder
Hans Christian Andersen and the Danish Golden Age | DIS – Study Abroad in Scandinavia | Related Disciplines: Literature
Final Syllabus
She Was No Good
10) Oct.
3rd
11) Oct. 6th
The Snow Queen
A close analysis of one of HCA’s most recognized artistic tales.
Readings:
The Snow Queen, Haugaard p.234
The Snow Queen continued
We will continue our discussion of this tale
Long Study Tour/ Travel Break, Oct, 8–16th
The Snow Queen
Hans Christian Andersen and the Danish Golden Age | DIS – Study Abroad in Scandinavia | Related Disciplines: Literature
Final Syllabus
12) Oct. 17th
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
Readings:
HCA: The Snowman, Haugaard p.718
HCA: The Butterfly, Haugaard p.782
Lise Sørensen: Give me a Bride, in course compendium
13) Oct. 20th
The Social Critic
Even though HCA rose to fame and wealth, he never forgot his
humble beginnings and showed sympathy for the poor and
sometimes also the criminals.
Readings:
HCA: From the Ramparts of the Citadel, Haugaard p.309
HCA: A Drop of Water, Haugaard p.354
HCA: The Little Match Girl, Haugaard p.306
Long Study Tour/Travel Break, October, 19-27.
14) Oct. 24th
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.
Readings:
HCA: The Shadow, Haugaard p.334
Sigmund Freud: The Uncanny, in course binder
The Shadow
15) Oct. 27th
MIDTERM EXAM IN CLASS, 80 minutes
Hans Christian Andersen and the Danish Golden Age | DIS – Study Abroad in Scandinavia | Related Disciplines: Literature
Final Syllabus
Long Study Tour/ Travel Break, Oct, 29 – November, 6th
16) Nov. 7th
Art vs. Nature
Vote to be taken as to what you want to do for Your Class on
Nov., 21!
HCA’s stories of the artist take up the themes of the romantic over
the rationalist; culture vs. nature, the genuine vs. the artificial.
Readings:
HCA: The Swineherd, Haugaard p.193
HCA: The Nightingale, Haugaard p.203
17) Nov. 10th
HCA as a novelist I
SECOND ANALYSIS DUE!
HCA’s seven novels are lesser known than his fairy tales. But
often these can be the key to a real understanding of HCA’s
character, his ideas, and the mentality of the times he lived in.
Especially O.T. (1836), Only a Fiddler (1837), and To be or not to
be (1858). We will in this class discuss his first four novels, their
themes, structure and main ideas.
Readings:
HCA: Only a Fiddler, Part I: Chapter I-IV & XII, on Canvas, under
Files
Travel Break/Optional Tours, Nov., 9-17
18) Nov. 14th
Nov, 16, 9-12.30
19) Nov. 17nd
HCA as a novelist II
We will this time focus on HCA’s later novels where he preferred
praising harmony and peace with God and human existence.
Readings:
HCA: To be or not to be, Chapter I, II, X, & XVIII, on Canvas,
under Files
FIELD STUDY: HCA’s life and stories in film: Different clips +
the film Young Andersen (Rumle Hammerich, 2005, 115 min.)
in full length.
Info about Research Paper
For this date you should have a general idea about your
topic!
Introduction to the structure of and expectations to the final
research paper. Info about relevant literature.
Hans Christian Andersen and the Danish Golden Age | DIS – Study Abroad in Scandinavia | Related Disciplines: Literature
Final Syllabus
Young Andersen (Rumle Hammerich, 2005, Denmark)
20) Nov. 21st
This is your class!
Depending on the outcome of the class vote on November, 7
21) Nov. 28th
HCA and Christmas
In many of HCA’s stories Christmas and Christmas elements play
an important role – most often in a complex and symbolic way.
HCA: The Pine Tree, Haugaard p.225
HCA: The Pixy and The Grocer, Haugaard p.424
22) Dec. 1st
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? We will
read two of his very last stories
Readings:
HCA: The Gardener and his Master, Haugaard p.1015
HCA: AuntieToothache, Haugaard p.1058
Jens Andersen: Hans Christian Andersen, last chapter
23) Dec. 5th
Summation of course + Danish ‘hygge’
Literature
Hans Christian Andersen and the Danish Golden Age | DIS – Study Abroad in Scandinavia | Related Disciplines: Literature
Final Syllabus
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
Hans Christian Andersen. Only a Fiddler, first edition 1837, translated by Mary Howitt, Harper, New
York, on Blackboard
Hans Christian Andersen. To be or not to be, first edition 1858, translated by Mary Howitt, Harper,
New York, on Blackboard
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
Jackie Wullschlager: Hans Christian Andersen: The Life of a Storyteller, Penguin, London, 2001
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.
Hans Christian Andersen and the Danish Golden Age | DIS – Study Abroad in Scandinavia | Related Disciplines: Literature