Culture, Language, and Identity in Scandinavia
Course Description:
The Course: The course explores language as an integral part of the formation and preservation of identity in the small countries of Iceland and Norway. These two Scandinavian nations offer ideal settings in which to explore the importance of language as a political, cultural and multicultural expression of the self. The dynamics of language history, creation, policy and use in contemporary society will be studied in the capital cities of Reykjavik and Oslo and the rural birthplace of Norway's "New Norwegian" language at Ørsta. This course is taught in English.
Highlights:
- Visits to sites of language heritage.
- On-site discussions of language policy and contemporary debate.
- Contrasts of Icelandic and Norwegian linguistic and natural landscapes.
- Exposure to urban and rural lifestyles.
- Free travel weekend.
Program Description: 2008 has been declared the UN and UNESCO International Year of Languages. The Director-General of UNESCO declares, "Languages are indeed essential to the identity of groups and individuals and to their peaceful coexistence." This course explores the unique role of languages in Iceland and Norway in the creation and preservation of identity. As small and relatively young countries that achieved independence in the first half of the 1900s, Iceland and Norway have recognized language as the source of expression of the cultural and national self. Globalization and the influence of English present issues for the preservation of the native language of Iceland. Equality between Norway's two official languages, bokmål and nynorsk, the the dynamics of a multicultural society spark debate on language rights and equality. Students will be introduced to Nordic narratives that serve as icons of the heritage of language and assertions of identity, meet with scholars who study and live in the tensions between minority and majority languages, and discuss language policy as it regulates language use in schools, the media and the arts. Debates of language as a boundary or bridge between cultures will also be explored. The course is conducted in English. Students of Norwegian language are encouraged to gain familiarity with the "other" of the two official Norwegian languages, New Norwegian.
Course requirements include three mandatory meetings in the fall of 2008 with required readings and discussions, required reading during Christmas Break 2008, first week class meetings on campus in January 2009, daily site visits and required meetings on-site in Scandinavia, and a final paper due in early February 2009.
Course Objectives:
- Identify specific ways in which language is integral to cultural and national identity in Iceland and Norway.
- Demonstrate a contextualized understanding of language policy and debate in contemporary Icelandic and Norwegian societies.
- Begin to understand language as both a boundary and bridge between cultures in multicultural Scandinavia.
Course Credit:
SCAN 231/331 (4 credits), Language and literatures, Scandinavian Studies Program Department credit.
Program Fee:
$5,295. Includes airfare, lodging, program related transportation, and entrance fees. Meals are not included.
Application Deadline:
April 18, 2008. A non-refundable deposit of $50.00 is due within 10 days of notification of acceptance required with the application. A $250 non-refundable program payment to confirm your participation in the course. Maximum of 18 students.
Faculty Leader:
Dr. Claudia Berguson, Assistant Professor of Languages and Literatures
253-535-7512 or berguscj@plu.edu