Norwegian

Overview

The study of Norwegian opens the door to another culture and another way of viewing the world and develops skills in communication, research, analytical thinking, and writing that are essential in a wide range of careers. Former students report time and again that a knowledge of Norwegian is a rare and appealing skill that gives them an edge over other graduates. Some of the world's best literature awaits discovery by students of Norwegian: works by authors like Ibsen, Hamsun, and Undset, as well as by writers who have not been translated into English. Norwegian also enables many students to explore their cultural heritage, and encourages contact with relatives and friends in Norway.

General Education Credit

Comprehensive Credit

Prerequisites

Interdisciplinary Concentration in Nordic Studies

Special Programs

Requirements for the Major

courses

Language Courses

111 Beginning Norwegian I

Proficiency in a second language opens the door to another culture and another way of viewing the world. This course will start you on the road to achieving such a proficiency. You will begin learning to speak, understand, read, and write Norwegian and will learn about Norwegian culture through the language.

112 Beginning Norwegian II

Students continue developing proficiency in spoken and written Norwegian, increasing their vocabulary, improving grammatical accuracy, and gaining experience reading and listening to authentic materials. Prerequisite: Norwegian 111, or the equivalent.

231 Intermediate Norwegian I

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. Review of grammatical structures. Prerequisite: Norwegian 112, or equivalent.

232 Intermediate Norwegian II

A continuation of the approach of Norwegian 231, in which authentic cultural and literary texts provide the basis for writing and discussion on topics including health, work, Norwegian history, society, politics, environmental issues, and minorities in Norway. Prerequisite: Norwegian 231, or equivalent. Spring Semester only.

253 Advanced Conversation and Composition

Students improve conversation and composition skills through study of Norwegian society from a historical perspective. Art, music, literature, government, and social problems are all examined as reflections of Norwegian identity. Newspaper and magazine articles, video and audio tapes and history texts are the basis for class discussion and composition topics. Readings in nynorsk included. Prerequisite: Norwegian 232, or equivalent. Fall Semester only.

298 Independent Study

371 Norsk litteratur fra sagaene til 1890 (Norwegian Literature from the Saga Period to 1890)

A study of Norwegian literature from the Saga period through Ibsen, this chronological overview examines literary developments in the context of historical, cultural, and linguistic change. Prerequisite: Norwegian 253, or equivalent. Lectures, essays, and class discussion are in Norwegian.

372 Norsk litteratur fra 1890 til i dag (Norwegian Literature from 1890 to the Present)

A study of Norwegian literature from 1890 to the present, this chronological overview places contemporary Norwegian literature in the context of historical, cultural, and linguistic change and relates developments in Norwegian literature to international trends. Prerequisite: Norwegian 253 or equivalent. Lectures, essays, and class discussion are in Norwegian.

Scandinavian Literature and Culture (in English translation)

233 Scandinavian Literature to 1890

Selected readings in English translation, spanning Scandinavian literature from Nordic mythology and the Saga age to the great writers of the 19th century, including Hamsun, Ibsen and Strindberg. Students explore some of the great works in Scandinavian literature, such as Norwegian folktales, Swedish drama, the tales of the Danish writer Hans Christian Andersen, and novels by 19th century women writers. The focus is on literary development in its historical and cultural context. Reading, discussion, lectures and written assignments. Taught in English.

248 Masterpieces of Scandinavian Drama

Students read selected works in translation by three major dramatists -- Holberg, Ibsen, and Strindberg -- as well as representative contemporary Scandinavian drama. We will study the forms and functions of the genre of drama in human life and culture with an emphasis on drama within a changing cultural context and on the distinction between drama as text and as performance. Lecture, discussion and written assignments; taught in English.

History 224: Modern Scandinavia

The Scandinavian social-democratic welfare state developed fully in the decades after World War II. It became, for many, a model of social progress. Others assailed its goal of income redistribution, its permissive and liberal attitudes, and found it fraught with "sex, suicide, and socialism." Today the welfare state is in crisis, due mainly to insufficient resources. Through a survey of social, economic, and political developments from about 1800 to the present, students will trace the Scandinavian roots of the welfare state and the historical forces that permitted the laboring classes to assume political control and gain an international perspective on the role of small nations in a world community.

294 Internship

298 Independent Study

386 Topics in Norwegian Culture

Intensive study of selected topics in Norwegian culture offered once, or on a rotating basis. Students may register for the course more than once provided a different topic is studied. Specific topics will be announced each spring.

Not offered in 1996-97

394 Internship

398 Independent Research

399 Seminar

Odd S. Lovoll
King Olav V Chair in Scandinavian-
American Studies, Professor of
Norwegian and History, 1971-
M.A., North Dakota; Ph.D., Minnesota
Immigration and Scandinavian history

Margaret Hayford O'Leary
Associate Professor of Norwegian, 1977-
B.A., Concordia (Moorhead); M.A., Ph.D., Wisconsin (Madison)
Norwegian literature and language