Some
Frequently Asked Questions About the Swedish Program at Columbia University
What kind of a language is Swedish?
Swedish is a Germanic language related to German and English. Swedish
and Danish are considered eastern Scandinavian languages, closely related
to their western cousins Icelandic, and Norwegian.
Who speaks Swedish?
About 8.9 million people in Sweden speak Swedish and some 350,000 in
Finland. Also, Swedish is spoken by many people in North America, Australia,
and elsewhere in the world. If you learn Swedish, you will also gain
access to Danish and Norwegian, which are spoken by about 9 million
people. So learning Swedish will help you communicate with about 18
million people, who live in some of the world's most developed nations.
Every year Columbia offers Elementary Swedish I and II and Intermediate Swedish I and II. In addition, there is a course each semester in Swedish and/or Scandinavian literature, film, or culture. See our course listings for further details. Or speak with the instructor.
Definitely. Just like German, French, Spanish, or any of the other foreign languages taught at Columbia, Swedish is a legitimate choice to meet your obligations concerning the language requirement.
Yes. Recent changes in university regulations now make it possible to enroll in certain courses, including Swedish and many Scandinavian culture courses, as an auditor. For further information, telephone (212) 854-2820 the Division of Special Programs in Continuing Education at Columbia University.
Columbia Swedish courses are four-credit academic language courses that fulfill the requirements of the university. They involve regular attendance and homework assignments plus quizzes as well as midterm and final examinations. Each course involves four hours of classroom instruction per week, and the semester runs for fourteen weeks.
Tuition increases from time to time. Call Student Financial Services at Columbia (212) 854-4206 to find the current cost per credit. Courses in Elementary and Intermediate Swedish are four-credit courses. For information about auditor's status, phone (212) 854-2820.
No. In some respects Swedish is easy for Americans although it may take a little time to get used to the "different" sort of lilt. Many students who study Swedish find it is great fun and become fascinated by the culture.
Classes in the Swedish Program are relatively small, so course planning can be a bit more flexible. Efforts are made to adapt the curriculum to student needs. If you have a schedule conflict, speak with the instructor.
A number of students have successfully created their own programs with an emphasis in Swedish and Nordic studies. By completing the basic language courses and enrolling regularly in Scandinavian culture courses (both in the Swedish Program and through other programs in the university or at institutions abroad in Scandinavia) it is possible to achieve this result. If you are interested, talk with your instructor and adviser.
Sweden and other Nordic countries are highly developed industrial economies with many investments and thriving subsidiaries in North America, and Americans often do business in Scandinavia. People in Sweden and Denmark, Finland, Iceland, and Norway are also recognized internationally for their achievements in government, the arts, science, and education. Many students have gone on to use their knowledge of Scandinavia in the U.S. or in Europe. Others have cultivated lifelong interests in Scandinavian culture.
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