Department of Scandinavian Studies The University of Wisconsin-Madison Scandinavian Studies Department Newsletter

SPRING 2008 VOLUME X, ISSUE II A Message from the Chair, Kirsten Wolf

Our late spring newsletter is this year an early summer newsletter, for this spring semester has been an extraordinarily busy one for faculty, staff, and students. Several undergraduates completed their majors, two students at the master's level (Randolph Ford and Micaelen Freeman) completed their M.A. degrees, three doctoral students (Natalie Van Deusen, Susanne Fahn, and Todd Michel- son-Ambelang), took their preliminary exams and are now dissertators, and one doctoral student (Kari Synnøve Morset) completed her dissertation.

In addition to teaching, course work, and examinations, conference travels, con- ference presentations, and not least conference organization have kept members Inside this issue: of the Department occupied. In early May, the Department hosted the at the Monona Terrace Community and Convention Center the 99th annual meeting Department hosted 2 of the Society for the Advancement of Scandinavian Studies. Nearly 300 hun- dred people arrived to participate in the conference, where independent schol- 99th meeting of SASS ars, graduate students, university staff, and professors presented more than 250 Madison Torske 3 papers on a wide range of topics within the field of Scandinavian Studies. Klubben In these perilous economic times, the Department is enormously grateful for AASSC 4 the support of so many foundations and individuals. These gifts are vital to Department hosts 4 helping the Department take advantage of special opportunities. The recent establishment of an annual scholarship by Torske Klubben for a US under- Beaver Creek Retreat graduate or graduate student to conduct research in Norway is much appreci- 5 ated. For more information about this generous donation and about the Depart- Interview with Emeri- ment's many activities, we invite you to read the following pages, which also tus Professor Dick include an account of the Beaver Creek Retreat and an interview with Emeritus Ringler Professor Richard (Dick) Ringler. Borge Centennial 6 Hamsun 6 FLAC Section on Scandinavian Heritage in the US Sesquicentennial This spring semester the Department of Scandinavian Studies received fund- Nordic Storyteller pays 7 ing from the Center for European Studies to offer a 1-credit FLAC (Foreign Homage to Ingwersen Languages Across the Curriculum) discussion section to complement Pro- fessor Julie Allen’s course Scandinavian Heritage in America. The FLAC Danish Undergrads tell 8 section was led in Swedish by PhD Candidate Kjerstin Moody and was open their Stories to intermediate- and advanced-level students studying Swedish, Norwegian, and Danish. Course material for the section chronologically traced the Scan- Recent Graduates 9 dinavian-American emigrant/immigrant experience by focusing on excerpts Departmental 10 from classic works of literature, including Vilhelm Moberg’s Utvandrarna (1949) and O. E. Rølvaag’s I de dage (1924). Additionally, students read short Happenings accounts from other Scandinavian-American settlers and settlements, includ- ing an excerpt from Per Kalm’s En resa till Norra Amerika (1763–1761), a chapter from Einar Haugen and Camilla Cai’s book on Olav Hauge’s at- tempt to create the Norwegian-American utopian settlement of Oleana in Pennsylvania, and a selection of letters exchanged between a Danish Mor- mon husband and wife—he in Denmark, she in America with their children. These Scandinavian-language readings helped shed light on the reasons why Scandinavians came to America and what their life in the New World looked (Continued on page 7) Page 2 VOLUME X, ISSUE II

Department of Scandinavian Studies held 99th meeting of SASS On March 22, 1911, a committee states that the “annual dues shall around the globe. It intends, fur- of six scholars – George T. Flom, be one dollar” and “any member thermore, to promote the field of Julius E. Olson, A. A. Stomberg, may become a life member by a Scandinavian studies and its instruc- Chester N. Gould, A. Louis Elm- single payment of 15 dollars,” tion in America, and encourages quist, and A. M. Sturtevant – sent while “corresponding members research with regards to Scandina- out an invitation to Scandinavian shall be non-paying.” vian languages, literatures, history, scholars in the United States “for The minutes from the following culture, and society. the purpose of organizing a Scan- meetings show that the society SASS offers its members a close dinavian Philological Society or a grew quickly. While only about network and the possibility to pre- Society for the Advancement of twenty people were present during sent research at the annual meetings Scandinavian Study.” They sug- the first two meetings, the number or to publish it in the society’s jour- gested meeting in Chicago on May jumped to fifty-two during the nal Scandinavian Studies. In addition, 26 and 27. In addition to organiz- third meeting and seventy during grants that SASS awards, such as the ing the society, they “planned to the forth. Birgit Baldwin Fellowship, allow have a program of eight or nine For its 99th meeting SASS is ex- emerging scholars to conduct re- papers” and in the evening they pecting more than 140 papers to search in archives and libraries in suggested to “very pleasantly” be presented – a significant in- the Nordic countries. The society have “an informal supper and crease compared to the “eight or stays true to its goal to encourage smoker, together with a talk, per- nine papers” from 1911. Member- original research and to promote haps, upon The National Songs of ship has also increased considera- Scandinavian study in the US and the Scandinavian Countries.” bly to 643 in 2008 and, under- abroad. The invitation also included a standably, also the membership fee The 99th annual meeting was held blank application for membership, has risen since 1911. April 30-May 2 at the Monona Ter- and according to the first volume Yet, the annual meetings still in- race and Convention Center. The of Scandinavian Studies – then pub- clude an evening banquet and na- conference opened with a welcome lished under the title Publications of tional songs of Scandinavian coun- from the SASS president, Susan the Society for the Advancement of Scan- tries may still be sung late at night. Brantly, and a speech by former US dinavian Study – seventy-one appli- The goals of the society have also ambassador to Norway, Tom cations “from Harvard to Wash- basically stayed the same: To fos- Lofthus. Norwegian film director, ington State” were received prior ter closer relations between indi- Nils Gaup, delivered the opening to the first meeting. viduals interested in Scandinavian lecture on his experiences of film- During this first meeting it was studies in North America and making in both Norway and the US. decided by referendum that the Celebrating the growing interest in name of the society should indeed indigenous peoples, a Sami precon- be Society for the Advancement of Scan- ference was held in association with dinavian Study. Julius E. Olson was Wunk Sheek, the University of Wis- appointed as president, Jules Mau- consin’s Native American Student ritzon as vice-president, George T. Association. The preconference Flom as secretary-treasurer and brought together local Native further scholars as members of an American Scholars and national and Advisory Committee. The society international Sami scholars. also elected corresponding mem- This year saw an expansion not only bers in Denmark, Norway, Swe- in the number of papers given, but den, Iceland, and Finland. The in the diversity of topics covered. first constitution of the society (Continued on page 3) Page 3 VOLUME X, ISSUE II

Madison’s Torske Klubben SASS Cont. Norwegian-Americans have long ryone singing the Norwegian national (Continued from page 2) been known for their fondness of anthem “Ja Vi Elsker Dette Landet” For the first time, there were two ethnic fraternal organizations. De- and an MC is responsible for intro- panels discussing Colonialism and signed specifically to celebrate ducing any guests that might be in Cosmopolitism in Literature. American ties to Norwegian heri- attendance. Club rules state that Other topics included Librarianship tage, culture and literature, national guests are not allowed to talk during partnering in Nordic Studies, Scan- groups like the Sons of Norway and their introduction and violations of dinavian-American Music Culture, the Daughters of Norway as well as this rule result in the guest’s host be- Scandinavian Translation Theory, various literary societies such as ing charged a fine of $100, which they Scandinavian Immigration Law, Symra in Decorah, Iowa and Ygdra- contribute to the Torske Klubben Film Studies, Language Teaching, sil in Madison are all representative Foundation. An informal lecture on Danish Art and Design and Histori- of this penchant for social organiza- topics as far ranging as Scandinavian cal Politics. tions among Norwegian Americans. wood carving, Ibsen’s women, the In addition to the scholarly papers None of these groups, however, Norwegian economy and bad sports- presented by faculty members and combines Norwegian-Americans’ manship in the Viking age. Each graduate students from North love for traditional Norwegian food, meeting is concluded by singing the America and Europe, conference- drink, and terrible jokes quite so American national anthem. elegantly as the Torske Klubben. Madison’s Torske Klubben is not goers enjoyed a variety of additional Originally established in Minneapo- only a vehicle to enjoy good aquavit talks and events over the course of lis, Minnesota in 1933, the Torske and fish dinners. Several years ago the the weekend. Nils Gaup’s latest Klubben (The Cod Club) is an or- Torske Klubben Foundation of Madi- film, Kautokeino Rebellion, was ganization of men of Norwegian son was established to benefit various screened at the Opheum Theater ancestry who gather on a monthly clubs and organizations upholding and was followed by a lively discus- basis to enjoy fellowship, a cod din- ties between Norway and the US. sion with the director. Along with ner, a few nips of Linie Aquavit, Earlier this year the Scandinavian representatives from the Nordic and, from my understanding, a Studies Department announced that governments, the conference was plethora of bad jokes. The club in the Foundation established an annual attended by officers from the Minneapolis experienced such $2,000 scholarship, to benefit a stu- American Scandinavian Organiza- popularity that Norwegian Ameri- dent at the University of Wisconsin tion and from the Nordic Heritage cans in Chicago (1960) and Madison researching an aspect of Norway, Museum in Seattle, who outlined established sister organizations to such as linguistics, literature, Norwe- their current efforts to expand the continue their tradition of bringing gian-American studies and culture, museum. Several presses that pub- men of Norwegian ancestry together folklore. This scholarship is a won- lish books on Nordic culture, in- to enjoy these monthly programs. derful opportunity for UW students cluding the University of Wisconsin The Madison chapter was founded and the department is most grateful Press, displayed their offerings. by Roland B. Day, Eugene J. Nordby, to the Torske Klubben Foundation of Carl R. Loper, Jr., Byron C. Ostby, El- Madison for its generous support. For The Department and the Society dred M. Swingen, Gerhard B. Naeseth further information about Torske would like to thank everyone who and Ralph E. Thorp, Jr., in 1978. Klubben and the Foundation, please helped to make the conference a Boasting around 80 members, Madi- visit: son’s Torske Klubben meets each success, most specifically William month at the Madison Club on East http:// Banks for his hard work and good Wilson Street where their Saturday www.madisontorskeklubben.com/ humor. afternoon programs follow roughly index.html the same series of events. The pro- gram is preceded by a reception that transitions into a sit-down dinner of cod, potatoes and a vegetable side dish. The gathering begins with eve- Page 4 VOLUME X, ISSUE II

AASSC Department Hosts Beaver Creek Retreat The AASSC is the Association The retreat at Beaver Creek Re- for the Advancement of Scandi- serve in the Eau Claire County navian Studies in Canada and the Youth Camp found 15 miles from “sister” organization to SASS. Eau Claire was initiated by Carol Established in 1981, it held its “Orange” Schoeder in 1973. She twenty-eighth annual meeting at had the idea of getting students Carleton University, Ottawa, from May 23 - May 26, 2009 in conjunction with the meetings of the Canadian Federation for the Humanities and Social Sciences. The general Congress theme for Olaf College, University of Chi- 2009 is Capital Connections: nation, cago, University of Minnesota- terroir, territoire. This theme in- Twin Cities, and University of Wis- vites an exploration of identity, consin-River Falls. and it raises questions about our Over the years, scholars have come understanding of the relationship and faculty together for an infor- from as far as the Viking Ship Mu- between place and who we are. mal weekend to discuss issues seum, in Norway, and have talked This four members of the de- about the Nordic countries away on issues like flint knapping, chain partment presented at the Con- from the formal classroom. The mail production, and modern Sami gress. first retreat was attended by about culture. The AASSC publishes Scandina- 70-80 people. The first year of the This year, the retreat took place vian-Canadian Studies, a journal retreat was so successful that it February 13-15. About 80 students which expresses in concrete— was continued the following year and faculty from six institutions and more recently virtual—form and has now been in existence for around the Midwest attended this the Association’s conviction that 36 years. Over the years, the insti- year. The department was re- there is much to be learned from tutions that have participated be- sponsible for organizing the pro- peoples of Scandinavia, not least sides the University of Wisconsin- gram of events this year. Tom by Canadians, who share a com- Madison, include the University of parable geopolitical situation, not W i s c o n s i n - to mention social and cultural Eau Claire values. Articles deal with a wide (which had a range of subjects, such as transla- Scandinavian tion studies, mermaids, multicul- Program at turalism, the films of Bergman, that time), Ibsen and other writers, Scandi- Augsburg Col- navian immigration to Canada, lege Minne- Icelandic sagas. The first volume sota, Augus- was published in 1983. tana College, DuBois, Professor of Finnish For more information, refer to: C o n c o r d i a started the weekend by teaching a http://www.ualberta.ca/~cins College, Gustavus Adolphus, Lu- Sami song to everyone. The pro- /aassc.htm ther College, Minnesota State at gram also included informal talks Mankato, Minnesota State at about Nordic folktales, the Sagas Moorhead, North Park College, St. of Olaf Trygvasson and St. Olaf, (Continued on page 6) Page 5 VOLUME X, ISSUE II

Interview with Emeritus Professor Dick Ringler In our series of inter- 2002—I rejoiced in the double title Other fond memories center around views with emeritus “Professor of English and Scandina- the Department’s celebrated Martini faculty, we caught up vian Studies.” Tours. Harald Naess, Niels Ingwersen with Dick Ringler I have many fond memories of the and I, with the invaluable assistance who reflected on his Scandinavian Department, its person- and support of Howard Martin of journey into Scandi- nel and programs, many of these hav- UW-Extension, dreamed up the idea navian Studies and ing to do with semi-academic or even of a series of day-long presentations his memories of the extracurricular activities. For instance around the state in communities with department, and told in the summer of 1970 Harald Naess a large number of citizens of Scandi- us of his present and I, under the auspices of UW- navian origin. We took our dog-and- exploits. Extension, developed and presented a pony show to places like Baraboo, I came to UW-Madison in 1961 as week-long program called “The Eau Claire and Rice Lake. Usually an Instructor in the Department of World of the Vikings.” Our venue Harald would speak about Ibsen, English and my formal association was the splendid Thordarson Boat- Niels about H. C. Andersen, and with the Department of Scandina- house in Rock Island State Park; a yours truly about the Vikings. Once vian Studies began four years later in large number of people from all in a while Kim Nilsson would come 1965. My work in graduate school around the state participated in this along to say something about Scandi- had centered largely on 16th-century event, including many students and navian linguistics. We called these English literature and my Ph.D. dis- faculty from Madison. The program expeditions “martini tours” because sertation was written on the poet concluded with a lavish Viking ban- often, en route home after the hard- Edmund Spenser's Faerie Queene. quet, whole legs of lamb roasting on ships of a grueling day behind the lec- When I arrived in Madison, I was spits in the boathouse’s massive fire- tern, we would all (except of course set to teaching Shakespeare (which place, drinking horns, chants to for Howard, who functioned as our was what I had anticipated) and Old Óðinn, etc. The highlight of the ban- designated driver) stop off at a bar and English / Beowulf (which was not). quet was the sacrifice (à la Ibn Fad- have a grateful martini or two. Once, In the course of the next three lan) of a Viking maiden (one of the alas, on our way back from an engage- years, partly because of this unex- Department’s female undergraduates), ment in Janesville, we stopped at a bar pected teaching assignment and who was prodded off a balcony with in the neighborhood of Edgerton and partly because of a change in phi- spears by berserk warriors and never enjoyed ourselves so much that. . . but losophical perspective, my interests seen again—at least for half an hour let us ring down the curtain on this gradually shifted from the Renais- or so—once the icy waters of Green unedifying scene. sance ("Man is the measure of all Bay had closed over her head. “The In more recent years I have enjoyed things") to the Dark Ages ("What is World of the Vikings” garnered a the series of Fall retreats for faculty man, that Thou art mindful of good deal of publicity around the and graduate students that were held him?"). state, including a lavish illustrated by the Department at Lost Lake Camp I spent 1964-65 at the University of spread in The Milwaukee Journal (which in remote Florence County. These Iceland in Reykjavík studying Ice- sent a staff photographer and writer retreats were memorable for good landic language and literature, and to cover the event). This program food (thank you, Susan Brantly!) and when I returned to Madison in the was given at the height of the Viet- good company—and who will ever Fall of 1965, I was offered the nam War and the protests against it, forget the many evenings of innocent chance to teach Old Norse- and all participants—faculty, staff, merriment in front of the fireplace in Icelandic (the distinguished Einar students, interested local citizens— the lodge, listening to Jim Leary’s Ole Haugen—for many years the Scan- welcomed a brief respite from the and Lena tales and Scott Mellor’s dia- dinavian Department's chief orna- oppressive political events of those lect jokes! ment—having recently pulled up days. (The program was so successful Since retiring from regular teaching I stakes and decamped to Harvard). that Dick Vowles followed it the next have had a number of irons in the fire. My association with both Depart- year, in the same place, with a well- I am the Honorary Consul of Iceland ments continued for almost forty received seminar on contemporary in Madison (which mostly involves years, and—until my retirement in Scandinavian film.) (Continued on page 7) Page 6 VOLUME X, ISSUE II

Borge Centennial Hamsun Sesquicentennial Retreat cont.

This year, the This year marks 150 years since the birth (Continued from page 4) great Danish of Knut Hamsun (1859-1952) considered Scandinavian-American food cul- musician and by some as the greatest novelist Norway C o m e d i a n , has ever produced and remembered by tures and the Kautokeino Rebel- Victor Borge, others as a traitor during the Second lion of 1852. In addition, students would have World War. Awarded the Nobel Prize in turned 100. 1920 for Growth of the Soil, Hamsun was a An important writer interested in “the poetry of the a m ba s sa d or nerves, the fractions of thought and the for Denmark, vague mimosas of feelings.” In Norway his name im- the life and work of the pioneer of mod- mediately conveys impressions of un- ernism is being commemorated with four predictable, intelligent wit and humor. national events taking place in municipali- His legacy is laughter, and this year he is ties closely associated with Hamsun and once again being celebrated in various each linked to a central work by him. locations in the US and Denmark. Lom/Vågå, Hamsun’s birthplace, is using Victor Borge was born Børge Growth of the Soil as the background for enjoyed kick-sled racing, axe Rosenbaum in Copenhagen, January 3, celebrations there, and Hamarøy, the throwing, weaving and carving, 1909, to a musician in the Royal Danish place in which folk dancing, Nordic movies and Chapel. He was educated at the Royal Hamsun grew d e l i c i o u s Danish Academy of Music, and at his up and lived piano debut in 1926 at "Odd Fellow for a period as N o r d i c Palæet" in Copenhagen he was recog- an adult, is food. The nized as a very talented musician. Dur- referring to relaxed in- ing the 1930's, Borge became one of Wayfarers. In tercollegiate Denmark's most popular artists. He Oslo, the cen- s c h o l a r l y started his career as a classical pianist, tral work will but his talent for making the audience be Hunger, and e n v i r o n - laugh was soon clear, and lead him to in Grimstad, ment fosters develop his unique blend of humor and events will fo- a rich ex- music. He had his revue debut in 1933 cus on On Over- change of and his film debut in 1937. In 1940, he grown Paths, the knowledge was forced to leave Denmark and went p s e u d o - Hamsun in Lillehammer, 1895. to New York. Although he didn't speak bi og r a p hi c a l Taken by Alvilde Torps. Picture and contin- owned by the National Library of English he soon managed to "translate" novel written at Norway. u e s t o his humor, and he performed for the H a m s u n ’ s strengthen the strong ties between first time on Bing Crosby's radio show home, Norhølm, just outside the city. Midwesterners interested in Nordic in 1941. In 1942, the American press August 4 2009, the 150 anniversary itself, studies just as had been envisioned dubbed him "the best new radio per- will see the inauguration of The Knut former of the year", and his radio and Hamsun Center in Hamarøy. 36 years ago. TV shows became extremely popular. In Madison we might remember that He became an American citizen in Hamsun visited Rasmus B. Anderson 1948, and had his own show, "Comedy during his first trip to the US in 1882- in Music", at The Golden Theatre, New 1884, but that the young author’s inten- York that ran from 1953-56. He per- tions to work at the university were flatly formed as a soloist and a conductor refused by our founding father. It might with leading orchestras and opera com- be interesting to imagine exactly what panies starting in the 1950s. He contin- kind of professor the young author might ued performing well into his 80s, and have made. received numerous honorable awards More information on the Norwegian and honors. Victor Borge died peace- events celebrating the author can be fully, December 23, 2000. found at www.hamsun.no Page 7 VOLUME X, ISSUE II

Nordic Storyteller pays Homage to Ingwersen Ringler Interview cont. Susan Brantly and Tom DuBois recently edited a festschrift (Continued from page 5) in appreciation of Emeritus Professor Niels Ingwersen and superintending absentee voting by Icelanders living in this the work he did in both Scandinavian Literary and Folkloric area, as well as accepting speaking invitations from other Ice- Studies. The volume, Nordic Story- landic consuls—most recently in Portland, Oregon). More teller, comprises three sections: important, I have spent a lot of time in recent years refurbish- “Songs and Tales in Oral Tradition,” ing my musical education, and this has led me to become a “From Oral Tradition to Literature,” fixture, every summer, at the Lufthansa Festival of Baroque and “Tales in Literary Form.” Music in London and—more recently—at the Bachfest in The core of the collection is essays Leipzig. It has even led me—four times---to offer a course on originally presented at the Nordic Bach’s cantatas for my old friend UW- Storyteller conference held in Madi- Extension. son in 2004 in honor of Niels by Anything else? My book on the 19th-century Tom DuBois, Barbro Klein, Jim Icelandic poet Jónas Hallgrímsson, originally Leary, John Kindow, John Niles, published hardbound by the UW Press in Mary Kay Norseng, Tracey Sands, 2002, will soon be reissued in paperback by Kathleen Stokker, Larry Syndergaard the leading Icelandic press Forlagið, in time and Kirsten Thisted. In addition, the book also contains for it to feature prominently in 2011 at the contributions from colleagues and former students. Among Frankfurt International Book Fair, where the nineteen contributors: Susan Brantly, Tom DuBois, Jim Iceland (and its publishing industry) will be Leary, Scott Mellor, Nete Schmidt, Tanya Thresher, Kirsten the guest of honor. Wolf were colleagues at the Department here at UW- Madison; Julie Allen was the professor chosen to replace FLAC Article cont. him. Three of the contributors: Kathleen Stokker (Luther (Continued from page 1) College), Larry Syndergaard (Emeritus, Michigan State Kala- like. Snippets of films, including NRK’s documentary Ja, de mazoo), and Mary Kay Norseng (UCLA) were students of elsker (2005), brought to life contemporary reflections of Scan- Niels. dinavian-American culture. During the final three weeks of The topics in the volume span from medieval times to the class students gave presentations on ways in which Scandina- past century, and cover the US, Greenland and Nova Scotia vian-America is still alive a century after the peak of Scandina- Scotland, Scandinavia and beyond, and as such, are a fitting vian emigration to the United States by discussing Scandina- example of the scope and importance of Niels’ career. vian-American food traditions, material culture, museums, organizations, communities, and annual festivals across the country. The pan-Scandinavian language discussions and readings not only taught students how Scandinavian-Americans have influ- enced life in the United States but also allowed students to improve their language skills and, in particular, better under- stand the two Scandinavian languages in which they were not originally trained. This course is the second such course of- fered by the department, the first being one on Kierkegaard, offered last fall and taught by Danish PhD Candidate William Banks. Because these classes offer students the opportunity to interact with texts in the original Scandinavian languages, they are particularly attractive to advanced undergraduate lan- guage learners. The department hopes that with the support of The Center for European Studies, we may continue to of- fer such innovative foreign-language-learning opportunities, and we wish to express our gratitude to the Center for their support to the department this year. Page 8 VOLUME X, ISSUE II

Undergraduate Majors Studying Danish Tell their Stories The Danish program in the Department has been growing in popular- Lauren Nielsen: ity over the past few years. Some current undergraduates explain their reasons for studying the language and culture of Denmark, their ex- I began studying Danish on a whim as a freshman here in periences of the country and people, and how Danish has added to Madison, and my experience was positive. Joining the Scan- their undergraduate experiences. dinavian Studies department has made a big university much smaller, and I have found a unique niche full of friends and genuinely considerate faculty. I am fascinated by all things Danish and Scandinavian, and I look forward to focusing on my Danish language studies when I study abroad in Copen- hagen in the fall. I also hope to learn all I can about the simi- Kirsten Moller: larities and differences between the United States and Danish Ever since I was a little girl, I have traveled to Den- education system, as it relates to my other focus of study, mark to visit relatives. My father was born and raised curriculum instruction. in Århus, so all of our summers have been spent en- joying the rich culture that Denmark has to offer. I learned of the Scandinavian Department here at the University of Wisconsin-Madison at SOAR and de- cided to take Danish, so as to improve my fluency and writing. Little did I know, I would soon decide to major in Scandinavian Studies, due to the extraor- dinary teaching staff the department provides as well as the excellent classes it has to offer. The Scandina- vian program here at the University is outstanding.

Hillary Thompson: Last semester I participated in the Semester at Sea study abroad program. We studied onboard the MV Rundetårn, University of Copenhagen Explorer and traveled around the world. One of the most important things that I learned while abroad is how important it is to learn about the different cul- Karl Locher: tures of the world. Although we did not make it to I spent last spring and summer studying in the Danish capital any Scandinavian countries, I continued practicing of Copenhagen. I was fortunate enough to study at the Danish while on the ship. Majoring in Scandinavian Søren Kierkegaard Research Centre, where I was able to Studies is important to me because it gives me the work with some of some of the world’s foremost Kierke- chance in my everyday life to learn about life in other gaard Scholars. Living in central Copenhagen was an im- countries. mensely enjoyable experience, not only for the academic op- portunities, but also for the wonderful people, music, and art of the city.

Katrina Peterson : When I think of Skovsøen (Concordia Language Villages) I think of bonfires, canoe races through pouring rain. I think of friendships that last throughout the year for those precious few weeks. I think of volleyball on the beach, sand

Aarhus University (Continued on page 9) VOLUME X, ISSUE II Page 9 The Department of Scandinavian Danish Undergraduate Students cont. Studies takes pride in its students’ (Continued from page 8) achievements and would like to con- scorching my bare feet. I think of plastering Danish flags over the Swedish camp at 3am and international day with gratulate the following graduates on sweaty bodies and beaming smiles representing hundreds of their achievements and wish them countries. I think of running through the forest at top speed every success in their in pursuit of a witch, her cat sidekicks on my tail. Most of all I think of Skovsøen på dansk though, showing the power a future endeavors. living a language. Congratulations Students!

Janelle Peifer: I was very interested in languages in high school and took German for several years. One of the teachers who worked BA: closely with my German teacher was a Dane teaching history. December 2008: Some friends and I convinced him to teach a night class twice a week in Danish. We were able to learn a decent amount of Nora MacLaren Danish and have lots of fun, so when I came to UW, I jumped straight into second year Danish. My main motiva- tion, and the key to my success, is my love of languages. I am May 2009: able to tie Danish in with my German and I can pick out many words without looking them up and have a deeper un- Julianna Carlson derstanding of the grammar. I enjoy contrasting the lan- guages and hope to continue following my passions and ex- Naomi Crocker pand to Dutch, Swedish, and Norwegian. Liz Denter Emily Erbs Joshua Paul Ross Snover Brandon Storlie Grace Thornton The department would like to MA: congratulate Julianne Haahr, Randolph Ford MA-1992, for her recent hire as Micaelen Freeman Western European History and Social Sciences Librarian at PhD Memorial Library. Kari Synnøve Morset Congratulations and Welcome Back! Department of Scandinavian Studies The University of Wisconsin-Madison

Dept. of Scandinavian Studies University of Wisconsin-Madison 1306 Van Hise Hall 1220 Linden Drive Madison, WI 53706

Phone: 608-262-2090 Fax: 608-262-9417 E-mail: [email protected] www.scandinavian.wisc.edu

Departmental Happenings  The Department's fall pic- Visiting Fulbright Professor Modern Icelandic to be taught in Kirsten Thisted will be joining nic will be held on 12 Septem- Department ber at 4:00 p.m. in Westmore- the department for fall 2009. land Park, Madison. She will be here from the Uni- The Department of Scandina- versity of Copenhagen’s De- vian Studies is pleased to an-  Tanya Thresher and Jim partment of Cross-Cultural nounce that PhD Candidate, Leary will be on sabbatical and Regional Studies, where Susanne Fahn has been hired during the academic year 2009- she is Associate Professor, as lecturer in Icelandic for the 2010. specializing in Greenlandic department. We are excited  Check the Departmental and Inuit History and Culture that we will be offering Mod- calendar for the Swedish, Nor- and Colonialism. During her ern Icelandic next fall. wegian, Danish and Finnish stay, she will be teaching a Language Tables, as they start course entitled Greenland, Past, up again in the fall of 2009. Present and Future, which is currently filled to capacity.

Editors: Kirsten Wolf, Nete Schmidt, Tanya Thresher, Sanna Fahn, Kjerstin Moody, Anna Rue, Jason Schroeder & Todd Michelson-Ambelang