Icelandic Studies for Foreign Students
Icelandic Studies for Foreign Students comprises two main sections: a language component, where students receive instruction and training in writing, speaking and understanding modern Icelandic, and a cultural component which treats the language, literature and history of Iceland. In this latter component, students will read both Norse and modern Icelandic literature and receive instruction in ancient and modern history as well as study the morphology, syntax and phonetics of modern Icelandic. Together, the language and the cultural components form a whole in which students will see how they have interacted historically as well what influence they continue to bear on one another.
Icelandic Studies for Foreign Students will be useful to linguistics students. Modern Icelandic has preserved certain linguistic features that no longer obtain in other Germanic languages. However, since the language has undergone relatively little change since the 13th century, students with a knowledge of modern Icelandic will be able to read older texts with little extra effort.
Icelandic Studies for Foreign Students will appeal to future literary scholars. Icelanders have a rich literary tradition, including the renowned sagas and Eddic and Scaldic poetry. Icelanders are also deeply interested in modern literature and have a flourishing publishing industry.
Icelandic Studies for Foreign Students will appeal to future historians. Norse literature comprises a unique perspective on the period of the Icelandic Commonwealth (930-1262 AD) and the history of the last century provides an excellent example of a nation that rose from poverty to prosperity in just a few decades and which now boasts one of the highest standards of living in the world.
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