UW Scandinavian Studies

The Department of Scandinavian Studies seeks to discover, preserve, and transmit fundamental knowledge about the languages, literature, history, politics, and cultures of the Scandinavian/Nordic countries (Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway, Sweden) and the Baltic countries (Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania). Focusing on interdisciplinary study in comparative and cross-cultural contexts, language study is the vital core of the Department. Additionally, the Department seeks to provide background training and knowledge of the entire Nordic region to students, scholars, and the broader community. The Department of Scandinavian Studies seeks to prepare students for productive careers in an increasingly diverse, multi-cultural and global society through a firm dedication to providing excellent undergraduate and graduate education, while facilitating contacts and understanding between Americans and the peoples of the Scandinavian and Baltic countries. As a Department with several disciplines represented, the Department of Scandinavian Studies is a kind of "mini-liberal arts college" that seeks to train future scholars, citizens, and policy makers while also contributing to the establishment of an overall sense of community. In this way, students will be encouraged to learn to think creatively, rationally, and critically, while communicating cogently, correctly, and persuasively. Our alumni enter the workforce prepared with knowledge from world leaders in welfare, business, and gender equity. Along with proficiency in a new language, they graduate with an enhanced perspective of the world and a skillset that prepares them for the diverse demands of 21st century careers.