Gustavus Adolphus College

Assistant Professor
Scandinavian Studies

B.A., M.A., M.Ed. Lunds Universitet, Sweden; Ph.D. University of Minnesota

I grew up in Storebro, a little town by a lake in southern Sweden. Having lived for many years away from Scandinavia, I am now very interested in how Scandinavia contributes to the diversity of the world's cultures. I have become especially aware of an interesting contradiction at the heart of contemporary Scandinavian identity; on the one hand, these countries stand out as relatively successful experiments of equality and social justice, on the other, they are struggling to define themselves as multicultural countries.

I like to ask questions surrounding multiculturalism and cultural identity. What does it mean to truly learn something from another culture? Are there limits to cross-cultural understanding? How diverse are we within cultures? What cultural forms and ideas emerge from cultural borderlands? How do our class, gender, and ethnic identity affect the way we understand ourselves and others?

Fascinated with the growing cultural diversity of Europe, as a graduate student, I examined literary texts written by recent immigrants to Scandinavia and Germany. These immigrant voices, interchangeably very serious and very humorous about their identity, allowed me many glimpses into an increasingly multicultural Scandinavia. I am thankful for the opportunity I have at Gustavus to teach my mother-tongue Swedish and share the diverse aspects of Scandinavian life and culture with American students.

Areas of Expertise

• Swedish Language

Interests

• Multiculturalism
• Immigration to Scandinavia
• Scandinavian Film
• Languages (presently learning Spanish)
• Cross-country skiing
• Salsa-dancing (Cuban style)

Helena Karlsson Schedule

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