Scandinavian Area Studies
253.535.7314
www.plu.edu/~scan
scan@plu.edu
Faculty: Storfjell, Chair and Program Director; Berguson Grosvenor, Reiman, Rønning, Rowe, Young.
Click here to view Scandinavian Studies (SCAN) courses
Click here to view Norwegian (NORW) courses
Scandinavian Area Studies at PLU is an interdisciplinary program that develops a critical, comparative understanding of the societies and cultures of Scandinavia. The major presents a broader and deeper exploration of Scandinavia than heritage and tradition, encouraging serious academic study of the dynamic and internationally engaged societies of the Nordic region of today. Together, required courses in language, cultural history, and literature, and electives in disciplines such as political science, religion, and history equip students with analytical and linguistic skills, global knowledge and cross-cultural flexibility required for work, study and life beyond PLU. Study in Scandinavia for a J-Term or semester is encouraged. the major (40 semester hours) is easily combined with a major in another discipline.
Students enrolled in the Scandinavian Area Studies program are expected to demonstrate the equivalent of:
- Two years of Norwegian, Swedish or Danish language instruction (16 semester hours)
- Eight semester hours in Scandinavian cultural history
- Four semester hours in Scandinavian literature
Majors
40 semester hours in total
Students will choose from an approved list of additional Scandinavian and cross-disciplinary courses in accordance with personal interests and goals and in consultation with the program director.
- Eight semester hours as follows:
- Cross-disciplinary course (four semester hours)
- Elective course (four semester hours)
- Senior Project (four semester hours)
With the approval of the Scandinavian Studies director, selected January-term, summer, experimental courses and an internship may be included in the major program.
No more than eight semester hours may be offered to meet both the Scandinavian Area Studies major and general university requirements or requirements for a second major. Such cross-application of courses must be approved by the Scandinavian Studies director.
The cross-disciplinary courses listed below offer an opportunity to view the Scandinavian countries in comparison with other world regions. They are regular departmental offerings in which students enrolled in the Scandinavian Area Studies major focus their reading and work assignments to a significant extent on the Nordic region. Students must consult with the program director concerning registration for these courses.
Students are encouraged, though not required, to study in Scandinavia as part of their program.
Financial aid applies to PLU’s partnership program, “Contemporary Global Issues: The Norwegian Approach,” that takes place each fall semester at Hedmark University College in Norway. Study is also available at Telemark University College either fall or spring semester. This program is ideally suited for language majors. Study opportunities are also available at a variety of other institutions in Norway, Sweden and Denmark. Appropriate coursework completed abroad should be submitted to the Scandinavian Studies director for approval toward the major.
Students interested specifically in Norwegian language and literature study are referred to the description of the Norwegian major listed under the Department of Languages and Literatures. All core Scandinavian courses are taught within this department.
Scandinavian Courses
Languages
- NORW 101, 102: Elementary (4, 4)
- NORW 201, 202: Intermediate – C (4, 4)
- NORW 301: Conversation and Composition – C (4)
- NORW 302: Advanced Conversation and Composition (4)
Cultural History
(All courses taught in English)
- SCAN 150 Introduction to Scandinavia (4)
- SCAN 321: Topics in Scandinavian Culture and Society - S1 (4)
- SCAN/POLS 322: Scandinavia and World Issues (4)
- SCAN 327: The Vikings (4)
Literature
(All courses taught in English)
- SCAN 241: Scandinavian Folklore – LT (4)
- SCAN 341: Topics in Scandinavian Literature - LT (4)
- SCAN 422: Modernity and Its Discontents- LT (4)
Cross-disciplinary Courses Sometimes Applicable to the Scandinavian Area Studies Major
Consult with the program director to determine applicability.
- ECON 335: European Economics Integration (4)
- ENGL 334: Special Topics in Children’s Literature (4)
- HIST 325: Reformation – S1 (4)
- MUSI 106: Music of Scandinavia – AR, C (4)
- POLS 331: International Relations – S1 (4)
- POLS 380: Politics of Global Development – S1 (4)
- POLS 384: Scandinavian Government and Politics – S1 (4)
- RELI 361: Church History Studies – R2 (4)
Major in Norwegian
A minimum of 36 semester hours, including:
NORW 101–102, 201–202, 301–302, and SCAN 341 or 422.