Courses and programmes
The department offers courses in Slavic and Baltic studies, Finnish, Dutch and German. We also offer a four year PhD programme in Slavic and Baltic languages, Finnish and German.
Search among our courses and programmes
Baltic Languages
The focus of instruction is placed not only on language and language history, but also on Baltic history, the history of literature, and cultural history. During the course of your studies, you will be provided with extensive knowledge about one of the European Union's most dynamic regions.
Courses at bachelor's level
Latvian
Studies in Latvian at Stockholm University require no prior knowledge of the language. You can apply to Latvian I if you want to study Latvian full-time. If you’re interested in separate courses worth 7,5 credits each you can choose between courses in linguistics and language proficiency or courses in culture, history and society:
Latvian Language Proficiency I
Baltic Linguistics – Latvian
Baltic History of Literature and Cultural History – Latvia
Baltic History, Culture and Society - Latvia
Lithuanian
Studies in Lithuanian at Stockholm University require no prior knowledge of the language. You can apply to Lithuanian I if you want to study Lithuanian full-time. If you’re interested in separate courses worth 7,5 credits each you can choose between courses in linguistics and language proficiency or courses in culture, history and society:
Lithuanian Language Proficiency I
Baltic Linguistics – Lithuanian
Baltic History of Literature and Cultural History I - Lithuania
Baltic History, Culture and Society - Lithuania
Courses and programmes at master's level
Baltic Studies is a specialisation in one Master’s programme. We offer several courses at Master's level.
Courses given during the Fall term (August - January)
Baltic Languages in Contact
Language Situation and Language Policy in the Baltic Countries
Courses given during the Spring term (January - June)
Baltic Linguistics
Baltic History of Literature and Cultural History
Dutch
The Netherlands and Belgian Flanders are well-known for being strong trade nations, and for having world-famous art and beautiful historical towns. Dutch is the offcial language of the Netherlands and Belgian Flanders. Dutch is spoken by approximately 23 million people in these two countries. Stockholm University is the only university in Sweden offering courses in Dutch and in Dutch literature, culture and history.
Dutch courses for incoming exchange students
First cycle
Dutch I (NL1100)
(This course is taken by 1st year students.)
- Conversation, 4.0 credits (mid-semester)
In this module, you practise speaking Dutch and understanding spoken Dutch. - Modern Dutch language literature, 6.0 credits (runs the last part of the semester)
This course covers modern Dutch-language literary texts that provide insight into important aspects of Dutch-language literature, culture and its social context. Relevant Dutch fixed expressions and idioms are practised. We read texts within the following themes: children's and youth literature, war literature, (post)colonial literature, multicultural literature, modern literature of recent years.
Dutch II (NL2200)
- Oral Proficiency, 4.0 credits (mostly first part/mid-semester)
The module provides practice in speaking Dutch and understanding spoken Dutch through presentations, reports and discussions based on a theme. - Dutch and Flemish Literature and History of Literature, 10.0 credits (runs all semester with classes every fortnight)
This course covers Dutch-language literary history from the Middle Ages to the present. The course consists of reading and oral presentation of relevant literary works from different periods as well as written papers. Among other, we read Bredero, Spaansche Brabander (c. 1617); Hermans, Willem Frederik, Nooit meer slapen (1966 or later edition); De Wit, Augusta, Orpheus in de dessa (1903); Hildebrand, Een onaangenaam mensch in de Harlemmerhout (from Camera Obscura, 1839); Mariken van Nieumeghen (c. 1515) and Minco, Marga, Het bittere kruid (1957). - Contrastive Linguistics Dutch - Swedish, 8.0 credits (runs the whole semester with classes every 2 weeks)
The course includes an introduction to modern language desciption in Dutch in contrast to Swedish. Differences and similarities between Dutch and Swedish with regard to language-specific features are addressed with the help of corpora. The course has both theoretical and practical content whre students' language skills in Dutch are deepened. It also includes repetition of grammatical terminology. Only for students with knowledge of Swedish.
Dutch - Bachelor's Course (NL3001)
- Dutch Literature, 6.0 credits (runs often mid- to late-semester)
The course covers Dutch-language literature from different periods by analysing individual works in their historical context and from a social-critical perspective. Here we read, among other, Bordewijk, Blokken (1931); Bosboom-Toussaint, Majoor Frans (1875); Couperus, Eline Vere (c. 1888); Elsschot, Kaas (1933); Multatuli (Douwes Dekker), Max Havelaar of de koffieveiling der Nederlandse Handelsmaatschappij (1859) and Wolff& Dekken, De historie van mejuffrouw Sara Burgerhart (1782). We apply postcolonial and gender-critical perspectives here, among others. - Dutch Linguistics, 6.0 credits (runs almost the whole semester with classes every fortnight)
The course covers the language structure of Dutch from semantic and translation-theoretical perspectives in relation to current research. We also cover language variation in Dutch, grammaticalisation and corpus linguistics. - Scientific Writing, 3.0 credits (at the end of the semester)
The course covers written language skills in Dutch with a focus on scientific writing. It is a preparatory course for writing a thesis in which students learn to reflect on objective and research background of a thesis topic.
Courses and programmes at master's level
We offer several courses at Master's level. You can select courses and build your own degree. Please see current courses at the bottom of this page.
More information:
Finnish
Finnish is a part of everyday life in Sweden as a national minority language and as a neighbouring language. You can learn a linguistically interesting language or develop your language skills, and delve into Finnish and Sweden-Finnish literature and culture.
Courses and programmes at master's level
Finnish is a specialisation in one Master’s Programme. We also offer several courses at Master's level with Finnish as the language of instruction. Please see current courses at the bottom of this page.
Master’s Programme in Literature with a Specialization in Finnish Literature
The Master’s programme presents a broad outlook over Finnish literature and literary studies today. In addition to courses on the theory of interpretation and narrative, the programme offers you in depth studies of selected literary classics and their reception history, critical perspectives on the relationship between literature and society, as well as insights into a number of current theoretical approaches in literary studies.
Master’s Programme in Literature with a Specialization in Finnish Literature
German
German is one of the most important languages of Europe, and it is the native language of over 100 million people. For centuries, Germany and Austria have influenced Swedish culture in areas such as music, art and literature. Teaching within the German section is oriented toward the study of the German language, German literatures and cultures.
German courses for incoming exchange students
All courses are taught in German, if nothing else is indicated. The links for the first cycle courses lead to course pages in Swedish.
First cycle
German Beginners course I, 15 ects (50% study pace, requires Swedish)
German Beginners course II, 15 ects (50% study pace, A2-level)
Culture in the German speaking countries (including oral proficiency), 7,5 ects (25 % study pace, B1-level)
German literature, 7,5 ects (25 % study pace, B1-level)
German Grammar and Linguistics, 7,5 ects (25 % study pace, B1/B2-level)
Culture in the German speaking countries II (including oral proficiency), 7,5 ects (25 % study pace, B1/B2-level)
Written proficiency and academic writing, 7,5 ects (25 % study pace, B1/B2-level)
German literature 1871-1945, 7,5 ects (25 % study pace, B1/B2-level)
Second cycle
German, theme courses, 7,5 ects
If you follow the link above, you will find several alternatives, for example:
German, literature theme course, 7,5 ects (50 % study pace, B2/C1-level)
German, linguistic theme course, 7,5 ects (50 % study pace, B2/C1-level)
Courses and programmes at master's level
German is a specialisation in one Master’s Programme. We also offer several courses at Master's level. You can also select courses and build your own degree. Please see current courses at the bottom of this page.
Master’s Programme in Literature with a Specialization in German-language Literature
The Master’s programme presents a broad outlook over German-language literature and literary studies today. In addition to courses on the theory of interpretation and narrative, the programme offers you in depth studies of selected literary classics and their reception history, critical perspectives on the relationship between literature and society, as well as insights into a number of current theoretical approaches in literary studies.
Master’s Programme in Literature with a Specialization in German-language Literature
Slavic Studies
Czech
The region today identified as the Czech Republic has often been considered a cultural bridge between the Western and Eastern parts of the continent. Czech is spoken by approximately 11 million people. After the so-called Velvet Revolution in 1989, the country has developed into a democracy with a growing economy, where many travel to study or work.
Polish
The Polish language is spoken by approximately 50 million people, 38 million of whom live in Poland. By learning Polish, you will gain access to an entirely new culture and acquire knowledge with bearing on many disciplines. Sometimes called “the heart of Europe”, Poland has been the scene of many dramatic historical events. No other European country has seen its borders shifted so often.
Russian
Russia is a great cultural nation with a vast number of writers, artists and composers who have had considerable influence all over the world, and continue to affect us today. Russian is one of the world’s largest languages. It is the native tongue of approximately 170 million people, but it is spoken by many more. With knowledge of Russian you also gain insight in a fascinating culture that is both foreign and tightly connected with our own.
Slavic Languages
We offer a large selection of independent courses about Poland, Russia, Ukraine and the Czech Republic, which serve to expand and deepen your knowledge of politics, history and culture. Knowledge of the languages, societies and histories of these countries is an asset to anyone who wishes to deepen their understanding of the modern world.
Courses and programmes
Czech, Polish and Russian are specialisations in two Master’s Programmes. We also offer courses at Master's level. Please see current courses at the bottom of this page.
Master’s Programme in Literature
The Master’s programme presents a broad outlook over literature in the chosen language and literary studies today. In addition to courses on the theory of interpretation and narrative, the programme offers you in depth studies of selected literary classics and their reception history, critical perspectives on the relationship between literature and society, as well as insights into a number of current theoretical approaches in literary studies.
Master’s Programme in Literature with a Specialization in Czech Literature
Master’s Programme in Literature with a Specialization in Polish Literature
Master’s Programme in Literature with a Specialization in Russian Literature
Doctoral (PhD) studies
We offer a four year PhD programme in Slavic and Baltic languages, Finnish and German.