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Introduction to Nordic Studies 1 is the first of two core modules in Scandinavian Studies. These modules are intended to introduce students to significant historical, political, cultural, and linguistic events and topics in the Nordic region, to introduce students to analytical methods, tools and critical perspectives derived from a range of disciplines in the Humanities and Social Sciences, and to practice academic skills for independent research, presentation, and essay writing.

In the first part of Introduction to Nordic Studies 1, students will be introduced to the political and cultural history of the Nordic region, covering the Middle Ages, the Early Modern period, and the Modern Era. The events discussed may include the following: Viking era expansionism; Christianisation and the medieval Scandinavian kingdoms; absolutism and wars in the Early Modern period; industrialisation and modernisation in the 19th century; and democratisation and the welfare state in the 20th century. Furthermore, students will be taught skills in various aspects of historical analysis, as well as essay writing and presentation.

In the second part of the module, students will be introduced to the study of different forms of narratives. Drawing from a rich history of Nordic storytelling, narratives – that may include Nordic folktales, fairy tales (such as those by Hans Christian Andersen), Disney films (such as The Little Mermaid and Frozen) and realist dramas – will be analysed for their formal features and discussed in their local and transnational contexts with concepts and theories drawn from, for instance, genre-, gender-, monster-, translation- and adaptation studies.

No pre-requisites (apart from an interest in the Nordic region) are needed for taking this module and we welcome students from outside of Scandinavian Studies.

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