Scandinavian Studies
As a liberal arts college founded by Norwegian settlers and located in a community with a distinctly Norwegian flavor, Luther has a vital interest in European cultures and languages.
Luther's strong ties to Norway have fostered a keen awareness of Scandinavian culture, history, and economics among both the faculty and the student body. As a result, students majoring in Scandinavian studies have a strong base on which to build.
The Scandinavian studies major is one of four language programs offered at Luther. The modern languages department also offers majors in French, German, and Spanish, and a minor in Russian studies. Greek, Latin, and classics majors are offered by the classics department. Introductory courses in Hebrew and Italian are taught regularly.
Seven courses form the core of the Scandinavian studies major. Students seeking a major complete at least two semesters of intermediate Norwegian, as well as the composition and conversation course. The remaining classes involve some coursework in Ibsen and modern Norwegian literature, as well as Scandinavian immigration, history, folk art, and folklore.
The goals of the course sequence are to equip Luther students with the language skills necessary to understand and appreciate the culture and literature of Scandinavia and to use the language in a variety of professions or in graduate school.
The Wigeland Scholarship
Every year individuals studying Norwegian have the opportunity to compete for the Wigeland Scholarship, which helps defray the cost of study in Scandinavia.