Finishing my first course

When I decided to created a blog I intended a much more journal/diary format.  In reality I just have not been able to keep up! As such, I have not written to much about student life, school and other aspects of life in Sweden.  I hope to compensate for that a little with a reflection on my first course: Sweden Politics.
I’ve just finished my first course. Yes, that’s right - Only a month in and I have a 'half-year' credit. Swedish post secondary is focused on a more on independent study and academic readings. Students take one course at a time. That being said, the course still had a written component and 2 seminars.  The former was a 5 page paper on an aspect of the Swedish Political System, in comparison to one’s home country.  I wrote about Swedish Political Parties vis-à-vis Canadian ones.
The first seminar was based on about 6 discussion questions. We went through them as a group. Focus was placed on discussion and not so much on individual comprehension. A lot of time was spent comparing Swedish aspects to our respective systems.
The second seminar gave us a chance to briefly summarize our paper. It turned into a sort of awkward narrative of each paragraph – at least for me. Regardless, it was a more detailed and interesting comparative of political phenomenon and practices.
To culminate the course most of us took the opportunity to jump on a train and get a tour of the Swedish Riksdag in Stockholm. A very informative guide led us around while discussing various aspects of Swedish politics.   Much of the Riksdag is in a modernly renovated building - the former Bank of Sweden.  I have to admit I missed the historical touches of Canada’s HoC. The other building however offered a little more grandeur and history. Still in tact are the dual chambers existing from the Sweden’s time as a bicameral legislature. These rooms are now at the disposal of the two largest parties.  As such, they are still arranged as they always were, with the added benefit of microphones and a projection screen.
The tour was a nice way to end the course. It also reminded me I had never taken an official tour of the Canadian Parliament (despite having the amazing opportunity to “work” in the house of commons for a 3 day model/mock parliament). So, as I checked the Riksdag tour off my list I added the canadian parliament. 
This week I will be starting my next course Gender & Politics.  However, with a week long cruise to Estonia, Russia and Finland departing Saturday, academics aren't exactly on my radar (for now). 
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A few political differences between Sweden and Canada:
Swedish politicians sit according to constituency, not party
Seats are arranged in a semi circle
No senate in Sweden
Proportional Representation in sweden
Female MPs: Sweden: 45% Canada: 25%
Voter Turn Out: Sweden 85% - Canada 61%