Scandinavian Studies

Undergraduate Programs

Description

The Scandinavian Studies Program is an interdisciplinary program that combines acquisition of a Scandinavian language with study of the diversity and richness of the greater Nordic cultural region of Norway, Sweden, Denmark, Finland, and Iceland. With a major or minor in Scandinavian Studies, students become familiar with the heritage of Scandinavia from the Vikings to the modern day and learn more about the role of the Nordic nations in communications technology, environmental awareness, social equality, and international peace initiatives in the contemporary world. A Scandinavian Studies minor can enhance a traditional major and serve to provide a global focus to students’ education, whether in engineering or health sciences, international relations or international business, art or literature. It is recommended that students combine a Scandinavian Studies major or minor with studies in fields such as art, history, international business, international relations, World Languages & Cultures, political science, engineering or social work. 

The Scandinavian Studies Program involves a variety of Minnesota State Mankato departments and programs. Minnesota State Mankato also has study abroad options in Norway, Sweden, and Finland for Scandinavian Studies majors and minors. Additional courses, particularly for majors, may also be completed in language, literature, history, and peace studies at Gustavus Adolphus College in nearby St. Peter, Minnesota. Minnesota State Mankato students carrying 12 semester credits may pay Minnesota State Mankato tuition to take a course at Gustavus Adolphus College that is not offered at Minnesota State Mankato.

Majors

 Program Locations Major / Total Credits
Scandinavian Studies BA BA - Bachelor of Arts
  • Mankato
 32 / 120

Minors

 Program Locations Total Credits
Scandinavian Studies Minor
  • Mankato
 20

Policies & Faculty

Policies

GPA Policy. A grade of “C-” or better must be earned for major or minor credit.

P/N Grading Policy. Work done for a minor or major must be done for a letter grade.

SCAN 101, SCAN 102, SCAN 111, and SCAN 112 meet General Education requirements for Goal Area 8: Global Perspectives.

SCAN 250, SCAN 299, SCAN 450, SCAN 460 and SCAN 499 may be repeated with different topics.

Contact Information

College of Arts and Humanities
Department of World Languages & Cultures
227 Armstrong Hall
507-389-2917
FAX: 507-389-5887
www.mnsu.edu/languages

Faculty

Coordinator
  • Rennesa Jessup, Ph.D.

100 Level

Credits: 4

An introduction to the basic skills of listening, speaking, reading, and writing coupled with culture.

Prerequisites: none

Goal Areas: GE-08

Credits: 4

An introduction to the basic skills of listening, speaking, reading, and writing coupled with culture.

Prerequisites: SCAN 101 

Goal Areas: GE-08

Credits: 4

An introduction to the basic skills of listening, speaking, reading, and writing, coupled with cultural notes.

Prerequisites: none

Goal Areas: GE-08

Credits: 4

An introduction to the basic skills of listening, speaking, reading, and writing, coupled with cultural notes.

Prerequisites: SCAN 111 

Goal Areas: GE-08

Credits: 4

This course offers an interdisciplinary introduction to the Nordic countries (Norway, Sweden, Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Greenland, Faroe Islands); it will provide an overview of their geography, history, culture, society, and current political situation in comparison to the U.S.

Prerequisites: none

Goal Areas: GE-06, GE-08

Diverse Cultures: Purple

200 Level

Credits: 1-4

Special topics courses in Scandinavian Studies will deal with a variety of topics regarding the history, literature, art, and culture of the Nordic countries. SCAN 250 courses are planned with the interests and needs of beginning students in mind; they offer broad introductions to the most important artefacts and/discourses in the respective field. Writing assignments offer opportunities to learn to discuss adequately and critically central issues and theories. The course may be repeated for credit.

Prerequisites: none

Credits: 4

In this course, students will learn about the indigenous population of Scandinavia, the Sami. Students will investigate Sami traditions and cultural production along with the historical and contemporary sociopolitical standing of the Sami within the majority cultures of Scandinavia.

Prerequisites: none

Goal Areas: GE-06, GE-08

Diverse Cultures: Purple

Credits: 1-4

Development of reading and listening skills, oral and writing practice within a cultural context. To be arranged with instructor prior to registration. Prereq: SCAN 102 or equivalent

Prerequisites: SCAN 102 or equivalent. 

Credits: 1-4

Development of reading and listening skills, oral and writing practice within a cultural context. To be arranged with instructor prior to registration. Prereq: SCAN 102 or equivalent

Prerequisites: SCAN 102 or equivalent

Credits: 1-4

Development of reading and listening skills, oral and writing practice within a cultural context. To be arranged with instructor prior to registration. Prereq: SCAN 112 or equivalent

Prerequisites: SCAN 112 or equivalent 

Credits: 1-4

Development of reading and listening skills, oral and writing practice within a cultural context. To be arranged with instructor prior to registration. Prereq: SCAN 112 or equivalent

Prerequisites: SCAN 112 or equivalent 

Credits: 1-4

.

Prerequisites: none

300 Level

Credits: 4

This course is designed to provide an overview of the Viking Age and Norse mythology. Students will begin by learning about the sources that provide scholars with information about the Vikings, such as archeological finds, Icelandic sagas, place names, historical annals, and other written texts. Students will then explore the daily lives of the Vikings in their homelands, their religious beliefs, their expansion to other lands, and what led to the end of the Viking Age.

Prerequisites: none

400 Level

Credits: 1-4

Special topics courses in Scandinavian Studies will deal with a variety of topics regarding the history, literature, art, and culture of the Nordic countries. SCAN 450 courses are planned with the interests and needs of more advanced students in mind; they build on and expand upon clearly defined methods and critical approaches which the students will explore both in class discussions and writing assignments. The course may be repeated for credit.

Prerequisites: none

Credits: 4

In this course, students will read about crime and deviance in Scandinavia and will develop an understanding of how a culture conceptualizes its ethico-political struggles through literature.

Prerequisites: none

Diverse Cultures: Purple

Credits: 4

Revolving topics in Scandinavian Film. Students will explore issues of cultural and historical importance as presented through the medium of film. Written assignments and exams allow students to practice and display analytical and interpretive techniques. May be repeated for credit.

Prerequisites: none

Credits: 3

Individual project demonstrating ability to synthesize experience in interdisciplinary major, drawing together different areas of study focusing on specific topic, problem or concern and demonstrating ability to use a Scandinavian language. Approval of Scandinavian Studies program director required. Prereq: Admission to college as Scandinavian Studies Major.

Prerequisites: Admission to college as Scandinavian Studies Major. 

Credits: 1

Individual project demonstrating ability to synthesize experience in interdisciplinary minor, drawing together different areas of study focusing on specific topic, problem or concern. Approval of the Scandinavian Studies program director required.

Prerequisites: none

Credits: 1-4

Advanced study of works by selected Swedish or Norwegian authors. Prereq: SCAN 299-03 or 299-05

Prerequisites: SCAN 299 or SCAN 299