The department provides the opportunity to learn a Scandinavian language or Finnish (modern Icelandic only occasionally). The literature, folklore, and culture of the Nordic countries are taught both in the original languages and in English translation. Partly in cooperation with other departments, courses in Scandinavian area studies are offered (history, social institutions, geography, art, archaeology). Students who major in the field may continue graduate studies toward an M.A. in Scandinavian philology, literature, or area studies, and toward a Ph.D. in Scandinavian literature.

The department strongly encourages a junior-year abroad in a Nordic country; several exchange programs are available. Students who transfer to this university after a year abroad should contact the undergraduate adviser as early as possible to schedule a placement test.

Note: Scand St 301 and 302 (Intensive Finnish I and II) each count as 2 units of foreign language for the purpose of meeting the College of Letters and Science foreign language requirement.

Majors should see the adviser during the semester before their last semester. Prospective majors are urged to consult the undergraduate adviser about their program at the first possible opportunity.

Registration information. In some large literature courses taught in translation, a number of openings are retained for freshmen.

Undergraduate adviser in the major: Visiting Assistant Professor Nete Schmidt, 1368 Van Hise Hall, 262-2128, aschmidt2@wisc.edu

See also faculty and courses.