Situated on the periphery of the European continent, the Scandinavian countries have long provided examples of alternative social systems. From the stateless commonwealth in medieval Iceland to the ''third-way'' model of the modern welfare state, the countries of the north offer us examples that both speak to and elaborate upon what we commonly regard as the norm. As a result of this positioning, Scandinavians being both European and on the border of Europe, the study of the culture and literature of this region allows the student an opportunity to explore a unique set of perspectives. This uniqueness is abundantly expressed in the rich literary traditions of the region. As a faculty, we strive to place these traditions and their transgressions in conversation with the rest of the world. The Scandinavian section offers courses in language, culture and literature. We offer both a German major with a Scandinavian Focus and a Scandinavian minor. Our language instruction currently includes classes in Swedish. Our culture courses cover the developments from the medieval period to the modern welfare state. Our literature offerings provide the student with a richly conceptualized course of study ranging widely in both subject matter and chronological breath. Examples of this range include literature courses addressing gender, philosophy and fiction, autobiography, the short story, masks, madness, medieval sagas, and drama. We offer regular film courses as well. All literature and culture courses are conducted in English.