The Minor Medieval Scandinavian Studies is comprised of 60 ECTS in total, which are distributed across courses covering 6 semesters. The courses in the Basic Module Old Norse are only on offer every other semester but must be taken in the first year of study. Beginner courses in the modern Scandinavian languages are always offered in the winter semester.
First year of study
Semester
Module
Course
ECTS
1
Basic Module Scandinavian Language
Language course 1 (Swedish, Norwegian, or Danish)
6
Basic Module Old Norse
Introduction the Old Norse Language (winter semester)
6
2
Basic Module Scandinavian Language
Language course 2 (Swedish, Norwegian, or Danish)
6
Basic Module Old Norse
Introduction to Old Norse Literatures (summer semester)
3
The language courses are 4 hours per week (taught across two 2-hour blocks), while academic courses are 2 hours. During the course of study in the first year, students automatically receive the orientation exam (Orientierungsprüfung). To receive this, all courses need to be passed. Note: this exam must be completed by the end of the third semester at the latest.
As both introductory courses of the Basic Module (i.e., Introduction to Old Norse Language and Introduction to Old Norse Literatures) are only taught in the winter and summer semester respectively, one should bear this in mind when signing up for courses.
Second year of study
Semester
Module
Course
ECTS
3
Intermediate Module Scandinavian Language
Language course 3 (Swedish, Norwegian, or Danish)
6
Intermediate Module Old Norse Literature
Intermediate seminar on Old Norse Literature
6
4
Intermediate Module Scandinavian Language
Language course 4 (Swedish, Norwegian, or Danish)
6
Intermediate Module Old Norse Literature
Practical
3
For the Intermediate Module Old Norse Literature all intermediate seminars (Proseminare) can be taken, either as a seminar (with a graded component – usually a term paper) or as a practical (without a graded component).
Third year of study
By successfully completing both Intermediate Modules (Old Norse Literature and Cultural History) students automatically receive the intermediate exam (Zwischenprüfung). Note: the modules must be completed by the end of the fifth semester at the latest.
Semester
Module
Course
ECTS
5
Intermediate Module Cultural History
Intermediate seminar on Cultural History.
6
Intermediate Module Cultural History
Practical
3
6
Advanced Module Old Norse Literature
OR
Advanced Module Cultural History
Advanced seminar on Old Norse Literature
OR
Advanced seminar on Cultural History
6
Advanced Module Old Norse Literature
OR
Advanced Module Cultural History
Practical
3
No language courses are taken during the last year of study, as the focus is now on Old Norse-Icelandic studies exclusively. For the Advanced Module Cultural History, all offered intermediate seminars (Proseminare) can be taken, as was the case with the Intermediate Module Old Norse Literature.
In the last semester students opt for an Advanced Module, either Old Norse Literature or Cultural History. To complete the module, two courses, a seminar (with a graded component) and a practical (without a graded component), must be taken. Both courses can be selected from amongst the offered advanced seminars (Hauptseminare).
Note for the second and third year
For the practicals, the reading group as well as interdisciplinary courses, such as those offered by Prof.Dr. Maier, can be taken, as well as the seminars. It is encouraged to do the reading group frequently to retain Old Norse language skills, but it can only be taken for credit once.
A stay abroad through ERASMUS is possible any time after the second semester. For more information on this, please get in touch with our Erasmus Coordinator, Verena Bertram.
