The interdisciplinary program in Scandinavian Studies acquaints students with different aspects of Nordic culture and society. In addition to a four-year curriculum in the Swedish language, the program offers courses, taught in English, dealing with Nordic history, masterworks of Scandinavian literature and film, Finnish and Sami culture, and the sagas of the Viking Age. Other courses feature Danish, Norwegian, and Swedish culture as well as units on Scandinavian-American immigration.
Emphasis is placed on modern life and the influence of the New Europe in present-day Scandinavia.
While students can complete a major on campus, the Scandinavian Studies department encourages students to study abroad in one of the Nordic countries. Nearly all Scandinavian Studies majors will spend one or two semesters at a Nordic university or college. Study abroad in the Nordic countries is also easily arranged for other qualified students who have a general interest in Scandinavia. Travel courses in Scandinavia are common during January term. Gustavus has two exchange programs in Sweden, with the University of Uppsala and with Mora Folk High School.