Course Catalog

Norwegian and Scandinavian Studies Catalog Information


An Interdisciplinary Program

– also see Global Studies
– also see International Business

Programs offered
• Major in Scandinavian Studies (36 credits)
• Minor in Scandinavian Studies (20 credits)
• Minor in Norwegian (20 credits)
• World Languages add-on endorsement for Elementary Education majors (see education) (24 credits)

Faculty
Jonathan Clark, department chair for Norwegian
Milda O. Halvorson, program director for Scandinavian studies
George B. Connell
Heidi A. Goldberg
Peter C. Hovde
Joy K. Lintelman
Lisa Sethre-Hofstad

The mission of the Norwegian and Scandinavian studies program is to promote a firm foundation of Norwegian language and culture, and the Nordic region at large. Students gain insight and responsibly engage in how Scandinavian countries make a difference in the political, economical, environmental and cultural arenas in the world.

The Norwegian and Scandinavian studies program provides learning experiences that prepare students to achieve the following outcomes:
• Communicate competently in Norwegian, in both the spoken and written language, within a cultural context.
• Demonstrate knowledge in at least two of the following areas: literature, history, culture, and society of the Nordic region.
• Demonstrate an understanding of the factors that unite and divide the nations and peoples of the Nordic region.
• Engage in thoughtful and informed dialogue about how the nations and peoples of the Nordic region influence the affairs of the world within the broader global context.

The interdisciplinary nature of the program allows students to choose the right track for them: a major or minor in Scandinavian studies, a minor in Norwegian, a major in global studies with a concentration in Scandinavian studies, a major combined with Scandinavian studies, or a major in elementary education with an add-on Norwegian language and culture endorsement license. The strength of the Norwegian and Scandinavian studies program is the ability to work with students individually in finding the best combination suited for their vocational interests in Norway and Scandinavia, be it language, science, politics, economics, social studies, nursing or art. No matter what program the students choose, they will fulfill a portion of their core requirements at Concordia College toward their liberal arts degree that prepares them to “become responsibly engaged in the world.”

Students have many opportunities to speak a Scandinavian language and expand their cultural knowledge of the Nordic countries outside of the classroom. In the summer, qualified students have the opportunity to use their Norwegian, Danish, Swedish or Finnish as staff at the Concordia Language Villages, located on Turtle River Lake near Bemidji, Minn. Additionally, each year, international students come to Concordia from the Scandinavian countries. Many of them interact with Americans in community language learning, formally and informally. Visiting Scandinavian scholars, speakers, authors and teachers come to the Concordia campus regularly to lecture, teach or serve as resource persons for students and faculty. On several occasions, Norwegian royalty and members of the Norwegian parliament and government have visited Concordia.

Study abroad options:
• Exploration Seminars (please consult the class schedule for each semester)
• SCAN 300 – May Seminar
• International Summer School at the University of Oslo, Norway
• A semester or year at the University of Tromsø, Norway
• A semester or year at Hedmark University College, Concordia’s sister school with campuses in Hamar, Elverum, Rena, Blæstad and Evenstad, Norway
• A semester or a year at Telemark University College, Norway

Liberal Arts Core Distribution
World Languages Requirement
Norwegian and other Scandinavian languages are considered less commonly taught languages because of small numbers of their speakers compared to other world languages. Currently, we are offering all levels of Norwegian, from the beginner courses to the advanced conversation and composition course. It is our goal to honor the Scandinavian heritage of the college and local community and to ensure the longevity of Norwegian because together with the language one gains understanding of the people, cultures and lifestyles.

The Norwegian program prepares students for the universal and specialized language application in their careers, ranging from business, education, nursing to translation, museums, libraries and international organizations.

Students may satisfy their world language requirement by taking the placement exam for Norwegian, or successful completion of NORW 112 – Beginning Norwegian II or a higher-numbered course. All students who have studied Norwegian or another Scandinavian language before coming to Concordia are expected to take a placement test to determine which course level is the most appropriate for each individual’s ability. If the student has not previously studied a Scandinavian language, the student is not required to take the placement test and qualifies to enroll in NORW 111 – Beginning Norwegian I.

BREW – Concordia’s Core Curriculum
The Norwegian and Scandinavian studies program is designed to implement the credo of the college known as BREW (becoming responsibly engaged in the world) by inviting students to learn and compare how Scandinavian countries make a difference in the political, economical, environmental and cultural arenas in the world. Our courses provide both specific knowledge about the region and a broad-spectrum knowledge about academic research in humanities and arts and insight into U.S. and global interconnectedness.

Students may complete the Arts (R) and Humanities (H) requirements, as well as the U.S. Cultural Diversity (U) and the International and Global (G) perspectives requirements, through the Scandinavian studies program course offerings. Scandinavian Studies 201 (H, G), 215 (R), 337 (H, G), 317 (H, U) and 367 (G) all fulfill Core Curriculum requirements for students. Indeed, students who complete their core requirements in the program WILL have a minor in Scandinavian Studies (see below for requirement details).

Major in Scandinavian Studies
The requirements for a major in Scandinavian studies are 36 credits selected from several academic departments. Language courses may be waived if students can demonstrate the equivalent proficiency level; similarly, demonstrating proficiency in Danish or Swedish will allow students to waive the comparable language courses.
• 20 credits of the following language courses:
– NORW 111 – Beginning Norwegian I, 4 credits
– NORW 112 – Beginning Norwegian II, 4 credits
– NORW 211 – Intermediate Norwegian I, 4 credits
– NORW 212 – Intermediate Norwegian II, 4 credits
– NORW 311 – Norwegian Conversation and Composition, 4 credits
• 16 credits chosen from the following courses:
– SCAN 201 – Scandinavia in the Global Age, 4 credits
– SCAN 215 – Scandinavian Fiction and Art, 4 credits
– SCAN 317, HIST 317 – Scandinavian Immigration and Settlement in America, 4 credits
– SCAN 337, HIST 337 – Reel Norden: Scandinavian History and Film, 4 credits
– SCAN 271 – Nordic Mythology and the Viking Age, 4 credits
– SCAN 272 – The Troll Within Us: Scandinavia Through Folklore, 4 credits
– SCAN 300 – May Seminar, 4 credits
– SCAN 338, PHIL 328 – Kierkegaard: Philosophy, Literature, Film, 4 credits
– SCAN 367, PSC 367 – Arctic Environmental Governance, 4 credits
– SCAN 380 – Special Topics
– SCAN 410 – Ibsen and His Age, 4 credits
– SCAN 390 – Cooperative Education (only 4 credits count toward the Scandinavian studies major)
– SCAN 480 – Independent Study, by approval of the program director

Some of these courses are offered on a rotating basis from the departments of English, history and philosophy. The student should consult the program director for information on current course offerings and opportunities for individualized programs.

Students are strongly encouraged to work at one of the Scandinavian Language Villages and/or take courses with one of Concordia’s study abroad programs in Norway and Scandinavia. All courses taken with Concordia’s study abroad programs are transferable.

Minor in Scandinavian Studies
The requirements for a minor in Scandinavian studies are 20 credits selected from several academic departments. Language courses may be waived if students can demonstrate the equivalent proficiency level; similarly, demonstrating proficiency in Danish or Swedish will allow students to waive the comparable language courses.

Required courses include:
• 8 credits of the following language courses:
– NORW 111 – Beginning Norwegian I, 4 credits
– NORW 112 – Beginning Norwegian II, 4 credits
• 12 credits from the following courses:
– SCAN 201 – Scandinavia in the Global Age, 4 credits
– SCAN 215 – Scandinavian Fiction and Art, 4 credits
– SCAN 317, HIST 317 – Scandinavian Immigration and Settlement in America, 4 credits
– SCAN 337, HIST 337 – Reel Norden: Scandinavian History and Film, 4 credits
– SCAN 271 – Nordic Mythology and the Viking Age, 4 credits
– SCAN 272 – The Troll Within Us: Scandinavia Through Folklore, 4 credits
– SCAN 300 – May Seminar, 4 credits
– SCAN 338, PHIL 328 – Kierkegaard: Philosophy, Literature, Film, 4 credits
– SCAN 380, PSC 367 – Arctic Environmental Governance, 4 credits
– SCAN 380 – Special Topics
– SCAN 410 – Ibsen and His Age, 4 credits
– SCAN 390 – Cooperative Education (only one course counts toward the Scandinavian studies major)
– SCAN 480 – Independent Study, by approval of the program director

Some of these courses are offered on a rotating basis from the departments of English, history and philosophy. The student should consult the program director for information on current course offerings and opportunities for individualized programs.

Students are strongly encouraged to work at one of the Scandinavian Language Villages and/or take courses with one of Concordia’s study abroad programs in Norway and Scandinavia. All courses taken with Concordia’s study abroad programs are transferable.

Minor in Norwegian
The requirements for a minor in Norwegian are 20 credits of the following language courses:
– NORW 111 – Beginning Norwegian I, 4 credits
– NORW 112 – Beginning Norwegian II, 4 credits
– NORW 211 – Intermediate Norwegian I, 4 credits
– NORW 212 – Intermediate Norwegian II, 4 credits
– NORW 311 – Norwegian Conversation and Composition, 4 credits
OR other courses by approval of program director:
– NORW 312 – Readings in Norwegian Literature with a Grammar Review, 4 credits
– NORW 380 – Special Topics, 4 credits
– NORW 480 – Independent Study, 4 credits
Students are strongly encouraged to work at one of the Scandinavian Language Villages and/or take courses with one of Concordia’s study abroad programs in Norway and Scandinavia. All courses taken with Concordia’s study abroad programs are transferable.

World Languages Add-on Endorsement for Elementary Education Majors
Students majoring in elementary education have the option of completing an add-on endorsement in one of the five world languages. Each add-on endorsement program prepares students to be recommended for licensure in that world language in grades K-8. Each add-on endorsement requires a separate application for licensure. All students (except those seeking licensure in Latin) must attain the intermediate-high level of oral proficiency as defined by the Minnesota Board of Teaching. Students demonstrate oral proficiency through an examination given by the respective language department. Students who do not attain the intermediate-high level will not be eligible to be recommended for this licensure. Concordia College offers this add-on endorsement in French, German, Latin, Norwegian and Spanish.

World Languages – Norwegian requires 24 credits:
• NORW 211 – Intermediate Norwegian I, 4 credits
• NORW 212 – Intermediate Norwegian II, 4 credits
• NORW 311 – Norwegian Conversation and Composition, 4 credits
• SCAN 201 – Scandinavia in the Global Age, 4 credits
• 4 credits from the following courses:
– SCAN 215 – Scandinavian Fiction and Art, 4 credits
– SCAN 271 – Nordic Mythology and the Viking Age, 4 credits
– SCAN 272 – Troll Within Us: Scandinavia Through Folklore, 4 credits
– SCAN 337 – Reel Norden: Scandinavian History and Film, 4 credits
– NORW 480 – Independent Study, 4 credits
– Other SCAN course upon approval from education department and Norwegian and Scandinavian studies program
• EDUC 363 – FLES Methods of Teaching, 4 credits



Norwegian and Scandinavian Studies Courses


NORW 111 – Beginning Norwegian I, 4 credits. E1. An introduction to contemporary Norwegian culture through proficiency in the language with primary emphasis on reading and listening comprehension and oral and written communication in Norwegian. Students use a mix of Internet resources, children’s books, films and magazines to expand their contact with and understanding of the language and culture.
NORW 112 W – Beginning Norwegian II, 4 credits. E2. Continuation of NORW 111 – Beginning Norwegian I
NORW 211 W – Intermediate Norwegian I, 4 credits. E1. Review and further development of skills in listening, speaking, reading and writing within the vital context of Norwegian society and culture. Prerequisite: NORW 112 – Beginning Norwegian II or equivalent
NORW 212 W – Intermediate Norwegian II, 4 credits. E2. Continuation of NORW 211 – Intermediate Norwegian I
NORW 311 W – Norwegian Conversation and Composition, 4 credits. E1. Practice in speaking and writing Norwegian on an intermediate-advanced level. Special attention is given to idiomatic usage in a contemporary social-cultural setting. Includes audio and videotapes and articles from newspapers and magazines as a basis for discussions and reports. Prerequisite: NORW 212 – Intermediate Norwegian II or equivalent
NORW 312 – Readings in Norwegian Literature with a Grammar Review, 4 credits. D. A survey of Norwegian literature. Reading and analyzing literary texts, the student is introduced to major periods and types of Norwegian literature. Selected authors are viewed in a historical-cultural context. Includes stylistic and grammatical analysis of texts. Prerequisite: NORW 212 – Intermediate Norwegian II or equivalent
NORW 380 – Special Topics, 4 credits. D. Courses covering various topics of interest in this particular discipline are offered regularly. Contact program director for more information.
NORW 390 – Cooperative Education, 1 to 8 credits. D.
NORW 395 – Cooperative Education at the Concordia Language Villages, 2 to 4 credits. D. This course is intended to provide students of modern languages with opportunities to teach and study the language of their choice at the Concordia Language Villages. Prerequisite for acceptance: at least two years of coursework or the equivalent in the language. The final decision on acceptance into this course is based on mutual agreement of both Concordia language department faculty and Concordia Language Villages faculty concerning both the student and the project. A total maximum equivalent of two full courses from 390 and 395 may be counted toward graduation.
NORW 480 – Independent Study, 1 to 4 credits. D. This course provides an opportunity for individual students to conduct in-depth research of a particular topic under the direct supervision of a faculty member. Contact the program director for more information.
NORW 490 – Practicum, 4 credits. D. A two-month living and learning experience in Norway or another Scandinavian country with opportunity to work with a business, an organization or educational institution. A family stay may be arranged. Registration by departmental permission

Scandinavian Studies Courses
SCAN 201 H, G – Scandinavia in the Global Age, 4 credits. E1. An introduction to Scandinavian society and culture. Includes the study of mythology, folklore, music, visual arts, religious movements, social and political conditions, immigration/emigration, creation of national identities and Scandinavia and the Third World. Taught in English.
SCAN 215 R – Scandinavian Fiction and Art, 4 credits. D. The course offers a selection of best Scandinavian fiction and artwork from the Viking Age to today. Students will be acquainted with prize-winning Scandinavian writers and artists, such as Henrik Ibsen, Knut Hamsun, August Strindberg and Edvard Munch, and their views on Scandinavian society and art. Different artistic styles that flourished in the Nordic region will be explored as well. Taught in English.
SCAN 250 – Pre-May Seminar, 2 credits. D. Preparation for the May Seminar Abroad. The course prepares the participants of the travel seminar on both practical and theoretical levels. Each Nordic country, which the Scandinavian May Seminar is traveling to, will be discussed in depth with a focus on environmental and peacemaking policies.
SCAN 271 H – Nordic Mythology and the Viking Age, 4 credits. D. An examination of Nordic mythology, including study of the basic tenets of the Vikings’ beliefs, their perceptions of life and views of life after death, and the role of these basic beliefs in establishing their society. Taught in English.
SCAN 272 H, G – Troll Within Us: Scandinavia Through Folklore, 4 credits. D. An introduction to the Scandinavian society, history and culture through beliefs, attitudes and practices of the common folk in the Nordic countries. Includes readings of tales, legends, ballads, songs and proverbs. Analysis of how Scandinavian artists and writers use folklore in their works and why this is relevant to us today. A special emphasis of this course will be on the connection between past and present and how centuries-old traditions and values intertwine with the contemporary issues of nationalism, racism and multiculturalism. Taught in English.
SCAN 300 – May Seminar, 4 credits. MS.
SCAN 317, HIST 317 H, U – Scandinavian Immigration and Settlement in America, 4 credits. A1 (2012-2013). A study of the social and cultural conditions of the 19th century that encouraged the “peopling of America” by Scandinavian immigrants. Major Scandinavian settlements in the United States and Canada are investigated. The influence of the immigration experience on the individual and the family, the immigrant churches, education, social and cultural organizations, and the immigrant press are also considered.
SCAN 337, HIST 337 H, G – Reel Norden: Scandinavian History and Film, 4 credits. A1 (2013-2014). A study of selected topics in the history of Norden – the Nordic countries of Norway, Sweden, Denmark, Finland and Iceland – in the 19th and 20th centuries and into the new millennium. Emphasis will be placed upon the ways in which the basis of modern Scandinavian societies were laid in the 19th century, and upon such 20th century themes as government reforms, social and economic development, and the role of the Nordic countries in world affairs. This historical study includes analysis of documentary sources, as well as viewing, discussing and writing about Nordic histories and cultures as they have been rendered on film.
SCAN 338, PHIL 328 R – Kierkegaard: Philosophy, Literature, Film, 4 credits. A1. A critical examination of key texts from Kierkegaard’s authorship (“Either/Or,” “Fear and Trembling,” “Philosophical Fragments,” and “The Sickness Unto Death”) that emphasizes Kierkegaard’s use of literary art to convey philosophical and theological ideas. In keeping with Kierkegaard’s emphasis on artistic imagination as a resource for philosophical understanding, we will view one or more films in connection with each of Kierkegaard’s texts. The course closes with a reading of Walker Percy’s “The Moviegoer,” a novel that transposes Kierkegaard’s characters and ideas into a 20th century American context.
SCAN 367, PSC 367, ENVR 367 G, S – Arctic Environmental Governance, 4 credits. D. Discussion of environmental challenges through the perspective of the nations of the Arctic: the Nordic countries, the U.S. and Canada, the Russian Federation and the five circumpolar Arctic indigenous nations (e.g., the Saami, the Inuit). Students will look at the nations themselves and examine environmental policymaking within the nations encircling the Arctic in the structural and cultural context of each country. Students will have the opportunity to play a variety of real life roles, from scientist to diplomat, from activist to analyst.
SCAN 380 – Special Topics, 2 to 4 credits. D. Courses covering various topics of interest in this particular discipline are offered regularly. Contact department or program chair for more information.
SCAN 390 – Cooperative Education, 1 to 8 credits. D.
SCAN 400 – Senior Thesis, 4 credits. E. A directed independent study of a topic or an issue chosen by the student who will do original research, write a major paper, and present it in a seminar setting for critique and discussion. Registration by permission of program director
SCAN 410 – Ibsen and His Age, 4 credits. D. A study of Henrik Ibsen’s major plays within their historical, social and cultural context. Attention is also paid to literary and religious trends and to Ibsen’s legacy to our own time. Taught in English.
SCAN 480 – Independent Study, 1 to 4 credits. D. This course provides an opportunity for individual students to conduct in-depth research of a particular topic under the direct supervision of a faculty member. Contact the department or program chair for more information.