Scandinavian Studies (B.A) (two subjects)

The subject of Scandinavian Studies covers the languages, literatures, cultures and history of Northern Europe from the early Middle Ages to the present day.

Course of study in the core area

The core curriculum of the Scandinavian Studies programme is designed to enable students to acquire comprehensive specialist knowledge in addition to proficiency in Northern European languages. Students choose one of four languages – Danish, Finnish, Norwegian or Swedish – as their main language. Language acquisition accounts for more than a third of the workload in the core curriculum. Basic modules introduce two sub-areas of Scandinavian Studies, each of which teaches specific subjects and methods that are then explored in greater depth in advanced modules: Old Norse and medieval literature, and modern Northern European literature and cultures. The programme concludes with a bachelor's thesis on a topic of the student's choice, the exchange of theories and methods in colloquia, and the ‘Free Studies’ module. Here, students demonstrate that they can analyse their subject independently and independently develop and communicate theoretically sound knowledge and the context and state of research on a topic.

Types of courses

In addition to language classes, Scandinavian Studies students attend seminars, lectures, tutorials and colloquia. The most common type of course, the seminar, consists of discussions, individual contributions, group work and project work. Lectures serve to impart overview knowledge and introduce larger areas of research, while exercises focus on language training and practical work with scientific methods, cultural artefacts or phenomena. In colloquia, final theses are supervised and presented, and literary and cultural theories are discussed.

Subject combinations

Other language, literature and regional studies subjects, such as German studies, English philology or general linguistics, are suitable combinations. A combination with history and cultural studies subjects such as prehistory and early history, history, art history, cultural anthropology/European Other language, literature and regional studies subjects, such as German studies, English philology or general linguistics, are also suitable as subject combinations. A combination with history and cultural studies subjects such as prehistory and early history, history, art history, cultural anthropology/European

Specialist scientific and professional qualification supplement
The ‘Specialised Academic Studies’ profile is primarily aimed at students who intend to continue their studies in Scandinavian Studies at Master's level and write a research-oriented Bachelor's thesis in Scandinavian Studies. Depending on their intended career path, Scandinavian Studies students are recommended to acquire additional foreign language skills or other qualifications offered in the area of key competencies. Scandinavian Studies offers modules on language acquisition and an introduction to Scandinavian Studies for students of other subjects in this profile.

Languages of instruction and stays abroad

Students have the opportunity to complete part of their studies abroad, either as part of a semester abroad or a language course (summer school) in Northern Europe. Language courses, literature and regional studies courses are held in the target language, while specialist courses are usually held in German, supplemented by English.

The courses offered at the Scandinavian Seminar cover the literature and cultures of Northern Europe from the Middle Ages to the present day. In the field of Old Norse literature and culture, the focus is on medieval literature from Iceland and Norway. Most other courses cover the period from the 19th century to the present day, taking into account literature, visual arts, theatre and film, cultural phenomena, political events and public debates.

Scandinavian Studies at Göttingen University is characterised by a particular focus on the cultural diversity of the region and its supraregional interconnections, as well as the application of current cultural theories. Special attention is given to Northern European colonial history and its traces into the present day, self-governing territories, minorities and indigenous populations: In addition to Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway and Sweden, we also deal with the Faroe Islands, Greenland, Åland and Sápmi, as well as the former colonies in Africa and the Caribbean. We draw inspiration from postcolonial and decolonial theory, gender and queer theories, and ecocritical and posthumanist approaches.

Students choose one of four languages – Danish, Finnish, Norwegian or Swedish – as their main language and acquire oral and written skills during their studies with the aim of using the language fluently, correctly and appropriately in different situations. If Finnish is chosen as the main language, an additional Scandinavian language must be taken; Swedish is recommended. Passive knowledge of the other two Scandinavian languages is acquired and expected.

The BA in Scandinavian Studies prepares students for a wide range of activities in the field of language, literature and culture teaching and, depending on the combination of subjects chosen, for careers in museums and collections, commercial enterprises and political and social institutions, especially those with links to Northern Europe. During your studies, you can supplement and sharpen your profile through internships, stays abroad, certificates and events in the area of key competencies.