Scandinavian

The four major Scandinavian languages (Swedish, Danish, Norwegian, Finnish) are the foundation of the requirements in the major. Students may emphasize one of the four according to their personal interest. Our courses offer many ways of supplementing other majors with a broad competency in the culture of Nordic countries (Denmark, Norway, Sweden, Finland, and Iceland). Courses in Viking history, saga literature, and mythology help students understand the shared cultural roots of modern Scandinavia; literature courses about influential authors and their works (such as H.C. Andersen, Henrik Ibsen, and August Strindberg) give students insight into modern Scandinavia's best-known literature. Survey courses in modern Scandinavian history, literature, film, and theater arts give students a broad cultural overview.

Although the Department of Scandinavian concentrates on the teaching of languages and literature, it tries to accommodate students with interests in such areas as history, social science (particularly as it bears on the welfare state experience), and art and architecture. Despite its relatively small size, Scandinavia has made important and extraordinary contributions to western cultural history, from the Viking Age through the scientific revolution of the 18th century, modernist and expressionist literature, and modern social and political thought. Study of Scandinavian gives students access not only to a language area but also to a distinctive tradition.

Lower Division Requirements for the Scandinavian Major

Danish emphasis

Scandinavian 4A-4B, or their equivalents

Finnish emphasis

Scandinavian 2A-2B, or their equivalents

Norwegian emphasis

Scandinavian 3A-3B, or their equivalents

Swedish emphasis

Scandinavian 1A-1B, or their equivalents

Departmental Contact

Kathi Brosnan
issaug@berkeley.edu
6303 Dwinelle Hall #2979
(510) 642-4661

College of Letters & Science

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