Week 3: Overview

Welcome to Week Three of Scandinavian Politics!  This week we will study Scandinavian political culture and political leadership.

October 20:          Political Culture

Readings:

Booth, Denmark, chaps. 3-6, 11-12, 14; Iceland, chap. 5; Norway, chaps. 1, 4, 7; Finland, chaps. 1-3; Sweden, chaps. 1-3, 8.

Study Questions:

Why does Scandinavia have such high levels of social trust?

In what notable ways is the Nordic high-context culture expressed?

Why are Scandinavians so law-abiding?

October 22:          Executives

Readings:

Arter, chap. 13.

Booth, Sweden, chap. 10.

Study Questions:

Why does Scandinavia still have monarchies?

How have political checks and balances come to be more important in Scandinavia?

Are Scandinavian prime ministers becoming “presidentialized”?