Fall 2022

Norwegian 111: Beginning Norwegian I
Section A – Prof. Tanya Thresher, MWF 9:05-10:00
Section B – Prof. Michael Knudson, MWF 11:50-12:45

Proficiency in a second language opens the door to another culture and another way of viewing the world. This course starts students on the road to achieving such a proficiency. Students begin learning to speak, understand, read, and write Norwegian and learn about Norwegian culture through the language. Offered annually in the fall semester.

Norwegian 231: Intermediate Norwegian I
GE: FOL-N; Core: WLC
Section A – Prof. Michael Knudson, MWF 10:45-11:40
Section B – Prof. Jenna Coughlin, MWF 11:50-12:45

Students improve proficiency in listening, speaking, reading, and writing, with an emphasis on communication as well as improved grammatical accuracy. Reading and discussion of authentic literary and cultural texts allow students to expand their vocabulary and knowledge of the Norwegian way of life. Offered annually in the fall semester.
Prerequisite: NORW 112 or by placement test.

In this course students work to develop competence in Norwegian culture, history and society through a survey of the state and politics and the Norwegian population. Through these topics, students learn about important moments in Norwegian history. They explore some of the most important debates that are taking place in Norway now, and learn to formulate themselves in several oral and written contexts, including informative presentations and discussion and argumentative texts.
Prerequisite: NORW 232 or by placement test.

Nordic Studies 219: Ethics of Print
GE: EIN, WRI; Core: ERC
Prof. Troy Wellington Smith, T 11:45-1:10 / Th 12:45-2:05

Students gain insight into Norwegian identity and culture, expand vocabulary, and improve fluency and grammatical accuracy by reading a variety of texts and writing essays. Speaking assignments help students understand readings and become more effective speakers. Offered annually in the fall semester. Also counts toward management studies concentration.

Nordic Studies 277: Islamic Communities in Scandinavia
GE: EIN; Core: ERC
Prof. Tanya Thresher, MWF 12:55-1:50

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.

History 211: Viking and Medieval Scandinavia
GE: HWC; Core: GHS
Prof. Michael Knudson, MWF 9:05-10:00

This course begins by offering a historical survey of the Viking expansion with a particular emphasis on primary written sources, including Eddaic poetry, Sagas of Icelanders and King’s sagas (including material on St. Olaf). The second half conversely is focused on contemporary accounts (including literature, comic books and films), both Nordic and English/American, that rework this historical heritage in the present day. Offered annually. Counts toward medieval studies major and Nordic studies concentration.

FYS 120L: Nordic Romantic Science
GE: FYS
Prof. Troy Wellington-Smith, T 8:00-9:25 / Th 8:00-9:20

This course emphasizes critical thinking, conversation, collaboration, and academic habits for the liberal arts. Students learn key skills like locating and evaluating academic sources, as well as reading, reflecting, and responding to texts. Students cultivate their own curiosity while also learning how to engage in community, better understanding their responsibilities to each other. This course is open to first-year students and a limited number of sophomores.
Prerequisite: first-year student status.

WRI 120I: Wellness and Disability in the Nordic Region
GE: FYW, WRR
Prof. Tanya Thresher, MWF 2:00-2:55

Many people consider the Nordic welfare models exemplary for their promises of equality and well-being for all, but history shows that Nordic countries have not always treated people with disabilities well. This course examines experiences of and responses to disability in the Nordic region and how disability intersects with other markers of diversity such as race, gender, age, and class. We will ask how we might reimagine the different experiences of people with disabilities as an element of a diverse, equitable society by exploring the representations of people with disabilities in literature, film, art, journalism, and popular culture. Through reading, discussion, writing, and research, we will question how our concepts of bodymind normalcy shape our own understanding of ability and disability.
Prerequisite: first-year student status.