University of Oulu
INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS
Scandinavian Studies Programme

Contents

 

1. Orientation to Scandinavian Studies
A. Orientation in Oulu
B. Survival Finnish, 2 ECTS, 1 US cr

Orientation offers an overview of studying at the University of Oulu, Finnish Educational System etc.

Introductory course of Finnish for students helping them to cope in everyday situations. Everyday phrases, some general features of the vocabulary and grammar and main aspects of the pronunciation of Finnish.


2. Geo-Politics and Societies in Scandinavia, 6 ECTS, 3 US cr
A. Music in Scandinavia 
B. Comparative Nordic Politics
C. Architecture

Music in Scandinavia -classes focuses on aspects of Scandinavian classical, folk and pop music, and also individual composers (e.g., Sibelius, Nielsen, Grieg, Lindberg) and works (e.g., Peer Gynt, Kalevala).

A survey of the political and social systems in Finland and Scandinavia. Outlines the social and political history of the Scandinavian countries, contemporary political institutions.

The arhitecture course will describe the urban development of Oulu, Helsinki and Stockholm. Srudents will be able to identify the most important monuments of these cities and their stylistic characteristics, and to connect them to their historical contexts. A short study trip is included to the course.


3. Indigenous Cultures of the Polar Region, 6 ECTS, 3 US cr
A. Saami Culture
B. Study trip to Lapland

An examination of the cultures of the Polar people with special emphasis on the Saami (Lappish) people, their traditional culture, literature, arts, and music, as well as contemporary Saami society. Some attention will be paid to other minority and Fourth World Nations perspectives as well.

This course includes a study trip to the areas of the Saami people in the Finnish Lapland and to the northern parts of Norway.

 

4. Cultural Heritage in Scandinavia: History and Culture,
6 ECTS, 3 US cr
A. The Viking Age and the Middle Ages in Scandinavia and Finland                              
B. Introduction to Finnish History and Culture, History of Oulu                            

A survey of Finnish history from the Viking Age to the Middle Ages. How cities and towns are reflecting the Finnish cultural development and understanding of built environment.     

An outline of Finnish history from the Middle Ages to the present. How Finland and Finns have seen themselves as a part of the Scandinavian Culture.


5. Finnish and Scandinavian Literature in Translation, 6 ECTS,3 US cr
A. Discussion groups
B. Lectures

An examination of the 19th and 20th century Scandinavian literature; prominent authors, their personal history and works will be discussed in student presentations. The students may choose their presentation topics themselves. Authors such as Ibsen, Strindberg, Blixen, Kivi, Waltari, Kallas and others will be examined.


6. Nordic Nature and Environment, 6 ECTS, 3 US cr
A. Human Conditions in the Circumpolar North
B. Introductory Lectures
C. Field Course at the Oulanka Research Station

A survey of the flora and fauna of Scandinavia and an examination of different ecosystems such as forests, mires and lakes. Ecological questions, issues on the renewable resources of the northern nature, the relationship of a man and the nature, and other environmental issues will be discussed.

This course is primarily conducted during a five-day study trip to one of the university's research stations in Northern Finland. The station provides excellent facilities for environmental studies in its modern, well-equipped classrooms in the middle of the Arctic wilderness.

 

NB! The programme runs only in the Fall semester, from September to December.

 

Updated September 19th, 2011.

 

international.office (at) oulu.fi

International Services
PO BOX 8000
90014 University of Oulu
Finland

tel. +358 294 48 4045
fax +358-8-553 4041

Internal address:
8 KOPA (Administration)
Student 2 (Student Center)


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