Education

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

Interests

Swedish Language, Multiculturalism, Immigration to Scandinavia, Scandinavian Film, Languages (presently learning Spanish), Cross-country skiing, Yoga, Running, and Salsa-dancing (Cuban style)

Helena Karlsson

Scandinavian Studies

I grew up in Storebro, a little town by a lake in southern Sweden. Having lived for many years away from Scandinavia, and learned English, German and a little Spanish, 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 national 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 European society. At Gustavus, I teach my mother-tongue Swedish and various courses in Scandinavian literature, film and culture.

For January 2011, I have planned a Swedish-German travel course that will take students to Stockholm and Berlin, and focus on the life and culture of the northern European metropolis.

Contact Information

Scandinavian Studies
Gustavus Adolphus College
800 West College Avenue
Saint Peter, MN 56082

Phone: 507-933-7422
E-mail: hkarlsso@gustavus.edu

Courses Taught

• Conver & Comp
• Interm Swedish II
• Scand Multiculturalism
• Swedish I
• Swedish II

Helena Karlsson's Schedule