The Nordic studies program enables students who enter St. Olaf with advanced competence in Norwegian (or another Nordic language) or those who wish a more interdisciplinary approach than that offered by the Norwegian major an opportunity to pursue their interest in Nordic language, culture, and society.
Overview of the Major
The Nordic studies major at St. Olaf College is designed to meet the needs of students who wish to pursue both advanced proficiency in the Norwegian language and an interdisciplinary understanding of the Nordic region. Students complete foundational courses in Norwegian language before pursuing advanced proficiency. In addition, students take a variety of courses on Nordic language, culture, and society from a variety of departments and/or disciplinary perspectives, including at least one course that explores diversity, inequity, and social justice in the Nordic context. Students also have many opportunities to complete coursework through study and/or internship opportunities in one or more Nordic countries. Finally, students participate in an upper-level research seminar in which they design and complete a research project that explores an academic question about Nordic language, culture, or society through an interdisciplinary lens. Students wanting to complete both the Nordic Studies and the Norwegian majors must complete a minimum of 10 credits beyond the foundational course requirement.
Students are not allowed to combine the Nordic Studies major with the Nordic studies concentration. If a student double majors in Norwegian and Nordic studies they may also add the Sámi and Critical Indigenous Studies emphasis. Students are not allowed to count the emphasis in Sámi and Critical Indigenous Studies twice (once for the Norwegian major and once for the Nordic Studies major).
Overview of the Concentration
The Nordic studies concentration is designed for students who wish to gain an interdisciplinary understanding of the Nordic region, including its languages, cultures, and societies. The Nordic studies concentration provides students with a foundation of Norwegian language knowledge and skills. From there, students undertake coursework that situates Norway within the broader social and cultural region of the Nordic countries. Students compare and contrast the Nordic languages, cultures, and societies and engage critically with the question of what makes the Nordic countries distinctive.
Overview of the Sámi and Critical Indigenous Studies Emphasis
The Sámi and Critical Indigenous Studies emphasis is a collaboration between the Norwegian Department, the Nordic Studies program, and the Race and Ethnic Studies program. In addition to courses in these programs, the emphasis includes courses from a variety of other programs to create a space to critically examine indigenous academic knowledge and Nordic colonialism. The emphasis provides an in-depth understanding of the historical experiences, cultural traditions and innovations, and political status of the Sámi and the interconnections among the Sámi and other indigenous peoples worldwide.
St. Olaf College stands on the homelands of the Wahpekute Band of the Dakota Nation. We honor with gratitude the people who have stewarded the land throughout the generations and their ongoing contributions to this region. We acknowledge the ongoing injustices that we have committed against the Dakota Nation, and we wish to interrupt this legacy, beginning with acts of healing and honest storytelling about this place.
The emphasis consists of four total courses: two required foundational courses and two electives. Note that RACE 252 cannot be used for the Norwegian major.
Special Programs
The Norwegian Department sponsors many speakers and activities relevant to the Nordic studies concentration such as the annual Christmas service and Seventeenth of May celebration and provides students with the opportunity to live in a language house with a native speaker assistant. The Norwegian-American Historical Association, a rich source of information on Norwegian immigration, is housed in Rølvaag Memorial Library. Many students choose to study in a Nordic country on a variety of programs such as the Oslo International Summer School and the St. Olaf-sponsored programs in Norway, Sweden and Denmark. Norwegian professors also participate in the Language Across the Curriculum (LAC) program, collaborating with disciplinary professors to offer students the opportunity to use their world language skills in selected courses in other departments.
Requirements for the Major
Course List | Code | Title | Credits |
| NORW 111 | Beginning Norwegian I | 1.00 |
| NORW 112 | Beginning Norwegian II | 1.00 |
| NORW 231 | Intermediate Norwegian I | 1.00 |
| NORW 232 | Intermediate Norwegian II | 1.00 |
| Islamic Communities in Scandinavia (LAC .25 credit) | |
| Nature in Nordic Literature and Culture (Taught in English) (LAC .25 credit) | |
| The Sámi: Traditions in Transition (Taught in English) (LAC .25 credit) | |
| Topics in Norwegian Literature/Culture | |
| Topics in Norwegian Literature/Culture | |
| Nordic Values: From Origins to Obstacles | |
| Topics in Environmental Studies ("Arctic Journeys: Literature of the North" only) | |
| Nordic Explorations of Sexualities and Genders | |
| Islamic Communities in Scandinavia | |
| The Sámi: Traditions in Transition (Taught in English) | |
| |
| Nordic Mythology and Christianization (Taught in English) | |
| Gender Equality in Norway (study abroad) | |
| Introduction to Germanic Linguistics (Taught in English) (additional courses coming soon) | |
| Germanic Fairy Tales (Taught in English) | |
| Vikings: Past and Present | |
| Nordic Revolutions | |
| Transdisciplinary Topics in Nordic Studies | |
| Directed Undergraduate Research | |
| Independent Research | |
| Directed Undergraduate Research | |
| Independent Research | |
| Tolkien and Theology | |
| |
| Pro-Seminar in Nordic Studies | |
| Directed Undergraduate Research | |
| Independent Research | |
| Directed Undergraduate Research | |
| Independent Research | |
| Total Credits | 9.5-10 |
Please note: Students completing both the Norwegian and the Nordic Studies majors must have at least 15 total courses. In the case of a student who tests out of the foundational courses, 11 courses are required.
*Up to three credits from study abroad or away may be counted toward the major at discretion of program director.
*By completing this major, the student also satisfies the OLE Core Writing in the Major requirement.
Requirements for the Concentration
Course List | Code | Title | Credits |
| Beginning Norwegian I | |
| Beginning Norwegian II | |
| Intermediate Norwegian I | |
| 0.5-1.00 |
| Intermediate Norwegian II | |
| Nature in Nordic Literature and Culture (Taught in English) (LAC) | |
| The Sámi: Traditions in Transition (Taught in English) (LAC ) | |
| Islamic Communities in Scandinavia (LAC) | |
| Topics in Norwegian Literature/Culture | |
| Topics in Norwegian Literature/Culture | |
| |
| |
| 1.00 |
| Topics in Environmental Studies (When topic is 'Journeys: Lit of the North') | |
| Germanic Multiethnolects-A Story of Birth | |
| Nordic Explorations of Sexualities and Genders | |
| Islamic Communities in Scandinavia | |
| The Sámi: Traditions in Transition (Taught in English) | |
| Nordic Mythology and Christianization (Taught in English) | |
| Gender Equality in Norway (study abroad) | |
| Germanic Fairy Tales (Taught in English) | |
| Vikings: Past and Present | |
| In their own words: Literature by Immigrants in Minnesota | |
| |
| Nordic Values: From Origins to Obstacles | |
| Transdisciplinary Topics in Nordic Studies | |
| Directed Undergraduate Research | |
| Independent Research | |
| Introduction to Germanic Linguistics (Taught in English) | |
| Directed Undergraduate Research | |
| Independent Research | |
| Tolkien and Theology | |
| Total Credits | 7.5-8 |
*Please note: Students are not allowed to combine the Nordic Studies major with the Nordic studies concentration. If a student double majors in Norwegian and Nordic studies they may also add the Sámi and Critical Indigenous Studies emphasis. Students are not allowed to count the emphasis in Sámi and Critical Indigenous Studies twice (once for the Norwegian major and once for the Nordic Studies major).
Requirements for the Sámi and Critical Indigenous Studies Emphasis
The emphasis consists of four total courses: two required foundational courses and two electives. Please note that some courses approved to count toward the emphasis cannot be used for the Nordic Studies major. Please check the major requirements to confirm.
Course List | Code | Title | Credits |
| |
| NORW 244 | The Sámi: Traditions in Transition (Taught in English) | 1.00 |
| 1.00 |
| Topical Seminar (When the topic is Critical Indigenous Studies) | |
| Topical Seminar (When the topic is Theories of Race, Ethnicity (Gender), and Indigeneity) | |
| |
| Topics in Art History (When the topic is Global Indigenous Art) | |
| Topics in Environmental Studies (When the topic is The Indigenous Arctic) | |
| Topics in Environmental Studies (When the topic is Arctic Journeys: Literature of the North) | |
| Nature in Nordic Literature and Culture (Taught in English) | |
| Topics in Norwegian Literature/Culture (taught in Norwegian; counts if topic is relevant) | |
| Topics in Norwegian Literature/Culture (taught in Norwegian; counts if topic is relevant) | |
| Introduction to Musicology | |
| Music and Social Justice | |
| Local and Global Musicking | |
| A Sociology of Colonialism and Postcolonialism | |
| |
| Total Credits | 4 |
NORST 100: Nordic Values: From Origins to Obstacles
The Nordic countries consistently top the list of the best places in the world to live, but what values have supported this outcome? This course examines three core Nordic values--equality, social solidarity, and sustainability--in light of Lutheran and secular traditions. Students examine texts that reflect how these core Nordic values developed and the current challenges facing them. Offered annually.
OLE Core Requirement: Religion, Faith and Values.
NORST 200: Transdisciplinary Topics in Nordic Studies
Students explore an interdisciplinary topic in language, literature, history, or culture through close reading, discussion, analysis, and interpretation of selected works, including theoretical texts. Recent topics include: Peace and non-violence from a Nordic Perspective, The Immigrant Experience: From Nordic to Contemporary Immigration to Minnesota, Nordic-American heritage, Social Welfare in the Nordic context. Taught in English. May be repeated if topics are different. Offered periodically. Some topics may count toward Norwegian major.
NORST 219: Transdisciplinary Topics in Nordic Studies
Students explore an interdisciplinary topic in language, literature, history, or culture through close reading, discussion, analysis, and interpretation of selected works, including theoretical texts. Recent topics include: Peace and non-violence from a Nordic Perspective, The Immigrant Experience: From Nordic to Contemporary Immigration to Minnesota, Nordic American heritage, Social Welfare in the Nordic context. Taught in English. May be repeated if topics are different. Offered periodically. Some topics may count toward Norwegian major.
OLE Core Requirement: Ethical Reasoning in Context.
NORST 264: Nordic Explorations of Sexualities and Genders
This course examines how women writers from the Nordic region represent gendered identities and sexualities. Using a variety of texts from the nineteenth century to today, students learn how authors have challenged the socio-political role of women over time. Additionally, students investigate how authors make use of different literary genres such as dystopian writing, crime fiction, magical realism, or sci-fi to shine a light on gendered identities in society. Offered alternate years during the spring semester.
Prerequisite: WRIT 120 or equivalent.
OLE Core Requirement: Writing Across the Curriculum.
NORST 277: Islamic Communities in Scandinavia
This course investigates intersections of faith, culture, and politics in Scandinavian and Islamic communities. Students study early encounters between Islamic and Nordic societies and the history of migration to Norway, Denmark, and Sweden from traditionally Islamic countries. Students will examine the cultural challenges faced by Muslims, in particular women, media representations of the Muslim community in politics and society, and extreme reactions that have arisen in the face of multi-religious communities in Scandinavia. Offered alternate years.
OLE Core Requirement: Ethical Reasoning in Context.
NORST 294: Academic Internship
OLE Core Requirement: OLE Experience in Practice.
NORST 298: Independent Study
Independent work is guided by a faculty member. Students need to have the necessary background, including appropriate coursework, before an independent project is approved. A student may not substitute an IS/IR course for a course regularly offered in a department or program. IS/IR culminates in at least one product (a paper, laboratory report, work of art, etc.). Normally, the student and faculty instructor are expected to meet at least once a week. See catalog for more information under registration and course enrollment.
Prerequisites: at least second-year standing; at least 2 relevant courses for 298 (IS); approval from the faculty instructor, the academic advisor, and the department chair or program director.
NORST 300: Pro-Seminar in Nordic Studies
This course serves as the 300-level requirement for the Nordic Studies Major. Its intent is to prepare students for advanced academic and professional work in the field of Nordic Studies. It engages critically with the question of what makes the Nordic countries distinctive, moving beyond common stereotypes to explore the complex historical, social, and political dynamics that have shaped the region. Offered alternate years in the spring semester.
Prerequisite: Declared Nordic Studies Major and Junior or Senior.
NORST 394: Academic Internship
OLE Core Requirement: OLE Experience in Practice.
NORST 396: Directed Undergraduate Research
This course provides a comprehensive research opportunity, including an introduction to relevant background material, technical instruction, identification of a meaningful project, and data collection. The topic is determined by the faculty member in charge of the course and may relate to their research interests. Offered based on department decision. May be offered as a 1.00 credit course or .50 credit course.
Prerequisite: determined by individual instructor.
NORST 398: Independent Research
Independent work is guided by a faculty member. Students need to have the necessary background, including appropriate coursework, before an independent project is approved. A student may not substitute an IS/IR course for a course regularly offered in a department or program. IS/IR culminates in at least one product (a paper, laboratory report, work of art, etc.). Normally, the student and faculty instructor are expected to meet at least once a week. See catalog for more information under registration and course enrollment.
Prerequisites: at least second-year standing; at least 5 relevant courses for 398 (IR); approval from the faculty instructor, the academic advisor, and the department chair or program director.
Examples of Courses from Outside the Nordic Studies Program
ENVST 283 Topics in Environmental Studies
GERM 247 Germanic Fairy Tales (Taught in English)
HIST 188 Topical Seminar(when topic is related to Scandinavia/Arctic Passages)
HIST 211 Vikings: Past and Present
HIST 225 The Journey North: Migrations To, From, & Within Norway (study abroad)
HIST 271 In their own words: Literature by Immigrants in Minnesota
NORW 205 Nature in Nordic Literature and Culture (Taught in English)
NORW 244 The Sámi: Traditions in Transition (Taught in English)
NORW 260 Introduction to Germanic Linguistics (Taught in English)
NORW 280 Nordic Mythology and Christianization (Taught in English)
NORW 373 Topics in Norwegian Literature/Culture
PHIL 233 Existentialism
PHIL 266 Kierkegaard in Copenhagen (study abroad)
PSYCH 232 Gender Equality in Norway (study abroad)
Nordic Studies Major - Plan of Study
This is a sample plan that meets the prescribed requirements for the Nordic Studies major at St. Olaf. This tool is meant as a guide and does not replace working closely with the student's academic advisor.
All students with prior experience in Norwegian must complete the online placement exam in early summer before their first year to determine which level they should begin.
Plan of Study Grid
| First Year |
|---|
| Fall Semester |
|---|
FYS 120
|
First-Year Seminar ()
or Writing and Rhetoric |
1.00 |
| NORW 111 |
Beginning Norwegian I 1 |
1.00 |
|
1.00 |
|
1.00 |
| | Credits | 4 |
| January Term |
|---|
| NORW 112 |
Beginning Norwegian II () |
1.00 |
| | Credits | 1 |
| Spring Semester |
|---|
WRIT 120
|
Writing and Rhetoric ()
or First-Year Seminar |
1.00 |
| NORW 112 |
Beginning Norwegian II () |
1.00 |
|
1.00 |
|
1.00 |
| | Credits | 4 |
| Sophomore Year |
|---|
| Fall Semester |
|---|
| NORW 231 |
Intermediate Norwegian I |
1.00 |
|
1.00 |
|
1.00 |
|
1.00 |
| | Credits | 4 |
| January Term |
|---|
|
1.00 |
| | Credits | 1 |
| Spring Semester |
|---|
| NORW 232 |
Intermediate Norwegian II |
1.00 |
|
1.00 |
|
1.00 |
|
1.00 |
| | Credits | 4 |
| Junior Year |
|---|
| Fall Semester |
|---|
| NORW 260 |
Introduction to Germanic Linguistics (Taught in English) |
1.00 |
|
1.00 |
|
1.00 |
|
1.00 |
| | Credits | 4 |
| January Term |
|---|
|
1.00 |
| | Credits | 1 |
| Spring Semester |
|---|
|
1.00 |
|
1.00 |
|
1.00 |
|
1.00 |
| | Credits | 4 |
| Senior Year |
|---|
| Fall Semester |
|---|
|
1.00 |
|
1.00 |
|
1.00 |
|
1.00 |
| | Credits | 4 |
| Spring Semester |
|---|
|
1.00 |
|
1.00 |
|
1.00 |
|
1.00 |
| | Credits | 4 |
| | Total Credits | 35 |
Students must successfully complete the equivalent of 35 or more St. Olaf credits, through a combination of full-credit and fractional-credit courses, one major, and all other degree requirements to earn the Bachelor of Arts degree.
Visit the Nordic Studies department webpage for more information.
