Keep Reading Swedish: Elin Wägner’s Pennskaftet (lättläst) with Kjerstin Moody

In this course, taught in Swedish and designed for students at the B2 level, students will read the lättläst version of Swedish author Elin Wägner’s novel Pennskaftet (1910). Set in Stockholm at the beginning of the 20th century, the novel follows the daily life of “Penwoman,” Barbro Magnus, as she fights for and finds a place as a respected journalist in a male-dominated field and society. Set during the period when women in Sweden were fighting for the right to vote, the book also introduces readers to an active group of female suffragists and sheds light on other issues related to class, gender rights, and female emancipation in Sweden at the time.

Additional information:

• We will read between 20-30 pages each week, assigned in advance each week by the instructor, and we will complete the book by our last class session.
• Required materials: Pennskaftet (lättläst), Elin Wägner. Available in the ASI Museum Store.
• Advanced registration required.