The department provides the opportunity to learn a Scandinavian language (Danish, Finnish, Norwegian, Sami, Swedish and occasionally modern Icelandic ). 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 Areas Studies are offered (history, social institutions, geography, art, archaeology). Students who major in the field may continue graduate studies toward a Masters Degree in Scandinavian Philology, Literature, or Area Studies and toward a Ph.D. in Scandinavian Literature or philology.

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. Currently the undergraduate adviser is Nete Schmidt, whose email is aschmidt2@wisc.edu and can be found at 1368 Van Hise 262-2128. See also honors.

Requirements for the Major

1. 5 semesters of Swedish, Norwegian, Danish, or 2 semesters of Intensive and one semster advanced Finnish;
   
2. 18 credits at 400 level or higher;
   15 of the 18 credits must be in residence;
   
3. 3-4 credits in each of a-c below:
   a. Medieval Studies/Philology,
   b. Area Studies,
   c. Modern Scandinavian Literature.

All students are required to fulfill the L&S requirement of at least 15 credits of upper-level work in the major completed in residence. All courses numbered 400 or above count toward this requirement.

Note: Three years of a Scandinavian language is required of all students entering the graduate program, and both Scandinavian Linguistics and Old Norse are required courses in that program.