Swedish Language Classes

Swedish Language Classes 

*Classes are held online.*

We offer Swedish Language Classes for all skill levels! Students will be using the Rivstart A1+A2 textbook (required) and workbook (recommended), available in the Museum Store. Starting prices are $63.00 plus tax for the textbook and $42.00 plus tax for the workbook. Registered students receive a 30% discount on both.

2025 Sessions 

Summer: week of May 26 –  week of July 28 (10 weeks). $170 for members. $210 for non-members.

Fall: week of Sept. 1 -  week of Nov. 17 

Class Descriptions

Beginners I
For students who have no knowledge of the Swedish language. Students will learn the fundamentals: basic grammar, vocabulary, conversation and Swedish culture and traditions. The focus will be on chapters 1-3 in the Rivstart textbook*. Classes will be held in English. Mondays 6 p.m. - 7:30 p.m. Instructor: Karin Filipsson. Register here.

Beginners II
For students who have some knowledge of basic grammar and vocabulary. Emphasis will be on vocabulary, grammar and spoken Swedish. Classes will be held in English. The focus will be on chapters 4-6 in the Rivstart textbook*. Tuesdays 6 p.m. - 7:30 p.m. & 7:30 p.m. - 9 p.m. Instructor: Karin Filipsson. Register here. for the 6 p.m. class. Register here for the 7:30 p.m. class.

Intermediate 
For students who have a working knowledge of Swedish, including elementary conversation and reading. The course will cover advanced grammar, vocabulary and conversation. Classes will be held in Swedish and English. The focus will be on chapters 7-10 in the Rivstart textbook*. Wednesdays 6 p.m. - 7:30 p.m. Instructor: Karin Filipsson. Register here.

Conversation
For students who are developing a conversational level of Swedish. Students will continue to study grammar and vocabulary while practicing speaking and listening skills. Classes will be held in Swedish and English. The focus will be on chapters 10-12 in the Rivstart textbook*. Wednesdays 7:30 p.m. - 9 p.m. Instructor: Karin Filipsson. Register here.

Advanced
For students who are comfortable speaking a rudimentary level of Swedish and would like to advance their skills. Classes will be held mostly in Swedish. The focus will be on chapters 13-15 in the Rivstart Textbook*. Mondays 6 p.m. - 7:30 p.m. Instructor: Jack Rogalla. Register here.

Advanced II
For students who are comfortable speaking a rudimentary level of Swedish and would like to advance their skills. A continuation of the Advanced class finishing the Rivstart A1+A2 textbook. Classes will be held mostly in Swedish. The focus will be on chapters 16-20 in the Rivstart Textbook*. Tuesdays 6 p.m. - 7:30 p.m. Instructor: Jack Rogalla. Register here.     

*The pace of the class is determined by the needs of the specific groups of students. Classes generally advance through 3-4 chapters a semester.    
 
NEW Swedish Media
We will read En man som heter Ove together in class and individually between classes. In addition we may read news articles, watch videos, and listen to music to engage in the Swedish language in a variety of ways. Wednesdays 6 p.m. - 7:30 p.m. Register here.
 

Instructors

Jack Rogalla
Jack is passionate about the Swedish language, history, and culture. His interest in Swedish started at a young age when family from Sweden came to visit him in Chicago. He grew up speaking only a few phrases with his grandmother and aunties until he began studying Swedish at North Park University. There, he was given the opportunity to study a semester in Jönköping, Sweden and reconnect with more relatives. He graduated with a BA in Scandinavian Studies in 2020, began teaching Swedish language classes at the Museum in 2021, and was became the Education Manager in 2023. Learning the language has allowed Jack to experience a new culture, introduced him to a variety of literature and films, and made way for new friendships. Jack hopes that you can find as much enjoyment and fulfillment in your language learning journey as he has in his.
 
Karin Filipsson
Karin Filipsson is a PhD Candidate and Swedish instructor at the Department of Scandinavian Studies at the University of Washington, where she has also completed a Graduate Certificate in Feminist Studies. She was awarded the Nadia Christensen Prize for Excellence in Nordic Studies and she published the article “Shadows and Silences in Göran Rosenberg’s Memoir: Jewish Postmemory in the Swedish Welfare State” in Scandinavian-Canadian Studies, as part of winning the Marna Feldt Publication Award in 2022. Furthermore, she has won the Aurora Borealis Prize, and she was awarded the Joff Hanauer Fellowship for Excellence in Western Civilization. Karin is also a literary translator and publishes frequently in the journal Swedish Book Review. She is currently writing her dissertation on contemporary Swedish postmigrant literature and translating Lo Dagerman’s memoir Heaven is Near.

REFUND POLICY: Class fee must be paid before or at the time of the first class. A tuition refund is available up to two days after the date of the first class. Tuition is not refundable after this time. Please call the Museum at 773.728.8111 if you have questions.

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