Nordic Studies
Kim Foss, Tomson Hall 331
507-786-3230
foss1@stolaf.edu
wp.stolaf.edu/norwegian/nordic-studies-concentration/
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.
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.
Intended Learning Outcomes for the Concentration
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 Foreign Language Across the Curriculum (FLAC) program, collaborating with disciplinary professors to offer students the opportunity to use their foreign language skills in selected courses in other departments.
Requirements for the Major
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Foundational Courses (in Norwegian) | ||
| 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 |
| One (1) additional level II or level III course taught partially or fully in Norwegian (must total at least 0.5 credit) | 0.5-1.00 | |
| Islamic Communities in Scandinavia (FLAC .25 credit) | ||
| Nature in Nordic Literature and Culture (FLAC .25 credit) | ||
| The Sámi: Traditions in Transition (FLAC .25 credit) | ||
| Oslo, Norway Internship Reflection Seminar | ||
Off-campus study courses: grammar course, Nynorsk course (ISS) | ||
| Cultural and Historical Perspectives (in English) | ||
| One (1) course that critically examines questions of Nordic diversity, inequity, and social justice | 1.00 | |
| Topics in Environmental Studies | ||
| Nordic Explorations of Sexualities and Genders | ||
| Islamic Communities in Scandinavia | ||
| Topics in Contemporary Nordic Literature: A Window on Society | ||
| The Sámi: Traditions in Transition | ||
| Gender Equality in Norway (abroad) | ||
| One (1) course that examines the Nordic languages from a comparative perspective | 1.00 | |
| Introduction to Germanic Linguistics (additional courses coming soon) | ||
| Two (2) additional courses selected from those listed above; students may also select from the following: | 2.00 | |
| Germanic Fairy Tales (in English) | ||
| Vikings: Past and Present | ||
| In their own words: Literature by Immigrants in Minnesota | ||
MUSPF 118 Hardanger Fiddle | ||
| Transdisciplinary Topics in Nordic Studies | ||
| Nordic Film Directors | ||
| Directed Undergraduate Research | ||
| Independent Research (MUSPF 118 Hardanger Fiddle) | ||
| Introduction to Germanic Linguistics | ||
| Directed Undergraduate Research | ||
| Independent Research | ||
| Kierkegaard and Existentialism | ||
| Tolkien and Theology | ||
| Advanced Course (in English) | ||
| One (1) Level III Research Course | 1.00 | |
| 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 Major 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 off-campus study 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
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Foundational courses (in Norwegian): | 3 | |
| Beginning Norwegian I | ||
| Beginning Norwegian II | ||
| Intermediate Norwegian I | ||
| Intermediate Course (in Norwegian): | ||
| One (1) additional level II or level III course taught partially or fully in Norwegian (must total at least 0.5 credit): | 0.5-1.00 | |
| Intermediate Norwegian II | ||
| Oslo, Norway Internship Reflection Seminar | ||
| Nature in Nordic Literature and Culture (FLAC) | ||
| The Sámi: Traditions in Transition (FLAC ) | ||
| Islamic Communities in Scandinavia (FLAC) | ||
| Off-campus study courses: grammar course, Nynorsk course (ISS) | ||
| Cultural and Historical Perspectives (in English) | ||
| One (1) course that critically examines questions of Nordic diversity, inequity, and social justice: | 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 | ||
| Topics in Contemporary Nordic Literature: A Window on Society | ||
| The Sámi: Traditions in Transition (FLAC) | ||
| Gender Equality in Norway (abroad) | ||
| Three (3) additional courses selected from those listed above; students may also select from the following: | 3.00 | |
| Germanic Fairy Tales (in English) | ||
| Vikings: Past and Present | ||
| In their own words: Literature by Immigrants in Minnesota | ||
MUSPF 118 Hardanger Fiddle | ||
| Transdisciplinary Topics in Nordic Studies | ||
| Nordic Film Directors | ||
| Directed Undergraduate Research | ||
| Independent Research | ||
| Introduction to Germanic Linguistics | ||
| Directed Undergraduate Research | ||
| Independent Research | ||
| Kierkegaard and Existentialism | ||
| 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. 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. Note that RACE 252 cannot be used for the Norwegian major.
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Foundational courses | ||
| NORW 244 | The Sámi: Traditions in Transition | 1.00 |
| RACE 252 | Topical Seminar (Theories of Race, Ethnicity, and Indigeneity) | 1.00 |
| Elective courses (minimum of two) | 2.00 | |
| To count towards the emphasis, students must have a project/paper connected to Norwegian/Nordic colonialism. | ||
| Topics in Environmental Studies with ALS-L (Arctic Journeys: Literature of the North) | ||
| Nature in Nordic Literature and Culture | ||
| Topics in Norwegian Literature/Culture (taught in Norwegian; counts if topic is relevant) | ||
| Introduction to Musicology | ||
| Music and Social Justice | ||
| World Music | ||
| A Sociology of Colonialism and Postcolonialism | ||
Off-campus study courses from DIS-Copenhagen; Postcolonial Europe: Narrative, Nationalism, and Race; and Arctic Geopolitics | ||
| 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. Counts towards the Norwegian and Nordic Studies Majors and the Nordic Studies Concentration.
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.
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. Also counts toward Norwegian and gender and sexuality studies majors and gender and sexuality studies concentration.
Prerequisite: WRIT 120 or equivalent.
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. Also counts toward Norwegian major.
NORST 280: Nordic Film Directors
Numerous Nordic film directors have been celebrated around the world for their important contributions to the art of cinema. In this course students both survey Nordic cinema through chosen examples of such celebrated directors, while also scrutinizing the idea of the film author itself. It asks students to consider what it is about these particular filmmakers that make them special and different from both mainstream and non-Nordic ones. Offered periodically.
NORST 294: Academic Internship
NORST 298: Independent Study
NORST 394: Academic Internship
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 his/her 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
Examples of Courses from Outside the Norwegian Department
ENVST 283 Topics in Environmental Studies
GERM 247 Germanic Fairy Tales (in English)
HIST 211 Vikings: Past and Present
HIST 271 In their own words: Literature by Immigrants in Minnesota
NORST 219 Transdisciplinary Topics in Nordic Studies
NORST 264 Nordic Explorations of Sexualities and Genders
NORST 277 Islamic Communities in Scandinavia
NORW 205 Nature in Nordic Literature and Culture
NORW 224 Topics in Contemporary Nordic Literature: A Window on Society
NORW 244 The Sámi: Traditions in Transition
NORW 260 Introduction to Germanic Linguistics
NORW 373 Topics in Norwegian Literature/Culture
PHIL 233 Kierkegaard and Existentialism
PSYCH 232 Gender Equality in Norway (study abroad)
Director, 2022-2023
Jenna M. Coughlin
Assistant Professor of Norwegian
Norwegian language and culture; Nordic literature and media; ecocriticism; gender studies
Elisabeth G. Alderks
Visiting Assistant Professor of Norwegian
Kari Lie Dorer (On leave 2022-23)
Professor of Norwegian and Race, Ethnic, Gender and Sexuality Studies, King Olav V Chair in Scandinavian-American Studies
Norwegian language and culture; applied linguistics; Sami studies; Nordic film
Dana L. Gross
Professor of Psychology; Paul and Mildred Hardy Distinguished Professor of Science
developmental psychology; off-campus study
Björn Nordfjörd
Associate Professor of English
American cinema; world cinema; crime fiction; adaptation and narrative theory
Troy Wellington Smith
Visiting Instructor in Norwegian
Kierkegaard studies; the Danish Golden Age; book history; aesthetics
Tanya Thresher
Visiting Associate Professor of Norwegian
Norwegian language and culture; gender studies, Nordic theater and film, Ibsen, Nordic multiculturalism