An “Epic” Deal to Explore the Kalevala with Dr. Virtanen

We know you won’t want to miss out on this “epic” deal to read and analyze the Kalevala, with Assistant Professor, Dr. Hilary-Joy Virtanen.

For the first time ever, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Dr. Virtanen will offer her spring 2021 Kalevala class online, opening the door to anyone in the world who is interested in taking the course, either as an audit student or for-credit. Dr. Virtanen joined Finlandia Fridays host, Olivia Myers, this week to discuss the course, why people are interested in the Finnish national epic poem and how to sign up as an audit student. Although she has never taught the class remotely, Dr. Virtanen is excited about the opportunity

“I thought this would be a good opportunity for me to offer it in a way that people don’t live in the area can take it as well,” said Dr. Virtanen. “It seems a good opportunity to test the waters for expanding Finnish Studies’ reach across communities.” 

The class, which will meet virtually on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 1:10-2:30 p.m. EST during the Spring 2021 semester, is a lecture and discussion class that explores the themes of the epic and how its impacted all aspects of Finnish social life and culture. Dr. Virtanen said her course is different from other university classes that study the Kalevala because her students read the entire poem. It’s such an accomplishment that she creates a special completion certificate for all her students.

Applying to become an audit student is fairly easy and inexpensive, Dr. Virtanen said. Those interested need to reach out to admissions at admissions@finlandia.edu or 906-487-7263, fill out a short application – no test scores, counseling, or transcripts required – and then pay the audit fee, which is $75/credit hour. For the 3-credit hour Kalevala class, the total cost is $225.

Not interested in the Kalevala? Almost any Finlandia course can be audited. For a complete listing of available Spring 2021 classes, visit finlandia.edu/courses.

LINKS

• Finlandia Admissions
• Dr. Hilary-Joy Virtanen
• The Kalevala available at North Wind Books

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