Why German, Nordic, Slavic & Dutch?

The Department of German, Nordic, Slavic & Dutch (GNSD) is a community engaged in transnational cultural studies focusing on the languages, literatures, and cultures of Central Europe, Scandinavia, and Russia. Our geographic range includes Germany, Austria, Switzerland, Russia, the Low Countries, and the Nordic countries from Iceland in the west to Finland in the east. We are a place where the study of language, humanities values, and interdisciplinary perspectives intersects with the challenges of the globalized 21st century.

Our faculty is known nationally and internationally for their research and teaching in the medieval and pre-modern studies to intellectual history, Jewish studies, Scandinavian studies, environmental humanities, and cinema and media studies. Collaboration with research centers and other departments on campus creates opportunities for faculty and graduate students to engage in field-shaping work that crosses disciplinary boundaries.

GNSD’s outstanding teachers are responsible for undergraduate programs that inspire students to explore, German, Dutch, Finnish Norwegian, Russian and Swedish from multiple perspectives. These programs offer students the opportunity to pursue study abroad and experiential learning that open doors to future careers. Part of a land-grant institution, we build connections with the wider community through College in the Schools, public events, and diverse outreach programs.