Finnish & Nordic Studies program expands online offerings to public

Finlandia University’s Finnish & Nordic Studies program is happy to announce an expansion of its Spring 2023 course offerings to auditing students. The development will increase the available spots for auditors in two classes, FNS 360 Kalevala and FNS 221 History and Culture of Finland.

In partnership with the Finnish American Folk School at Finlandia University, Associate Professor and Chair of FinnU’s Finnish & Nordic Studies program, Dr. Hilary-Joy Virtanen, will lead the classes starting the week of January 16, 2023. Kalevala (3 credits) will take place on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 1:10 – 2:30 p.m. Eastern Time, over Zoom, with synchronous meetings and the option to watch lectures online later if a person can’t make it to class.  

“I am thrilled to be able to share my online classes with auditors because it allows people from many walks of life to study things that many find difficult to even begin to approach on their own,” Virtanen said. “History and Culture of Finland and Kalevala provide a chance to take a guided exploration of topics of interest to lifelong learners with all the resources of a university course and are designed to suit the individual interests and needs of both the for-credit and auditing student.”

FNS 221 History and Culture of Finland is another fully-online option for individuals seeking to explore the country of Finland and its many aspects. Topics include significant historical periods of Finland, lifestyle, culture and mentality, education, politics and society, nature, and population.

The registration process for auditors is incredibly easy. To begin, email admissions@finlandia.edu and share your interest in auditing a particular class. The audit fee is $75 per credit hour or $225 for a 3-credit course, textbooks not included.

Course Descriptions:

FNS 360 KALEVALA (3 credits)

Cross-listed with ENG 360. Immortalized as Finland’s national epic, the Kalevala encapsulates ancient Finnish folk traditions. This course will detail the historical development of the Kalevala poetry tradition, its development and structure as a literary work, its use as an anthropological text, and its use as a political and cultural icon of Finnish identity. Spring semester, odd years.

FNS 221 HISTORY AND CULTURE OF FINLAND (3 credits)

Explores the country of Finland and its many aspects. Students gain an understanding of Finland as a modern nation. Topics include major historical periods of Finland, lifestyle, culture and mentality, education, politics and society, nature, and population. Fall and spring semesters.