Summer Course for Teachers |
American Studies Institute for Scandinavian-Nordic Educators |
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Note: Due to circumstances beyond our control, the Scandinavian Institute for the summer 2013 has been cancelled. We hope to offer the program again in 2014.
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The Summer Institute |
 The Institute provides participants with an increased understanding of the diversity and complexity of the United States. It emphasizes challenges, obstacles, and opportunities in contemporary American life and attempts to portray the nation and its people objectively-the successes and the failures, the problems and the potential.
Course participants may use the modern language laboratory to work on their English skills. The college computer facilities and software are also available to participants. There are usually several lectures on computer use in language education, and sessions on other educational computer uses can be arranged depending upon interest and availability of instructors.
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Participants |
 The course is designed primarily for teachers and school administrators from Denmark, Finland, Greenland, Iceland, Norway, Sweden. Annually, up to 40 selected participants attend; they represent all levels of education and all types of schools, both public and private. The only requirements are an adequate speaking knowledge of English and an interest in gaining a better understanding of the U.S. and its people. Students who have recently completed their teacher training are also welcome to apply.
Spouses, partners, and participant children who are at least 12 years old are welcome to accompany program participants. They are eligible to participate in all field trips plus social and cultural activities but not program lectures.
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Excursions |
 The course starts with a visit to Chicago, Illinois. Here the participants can get over their jetlag, get to know each other, and do some sightseeing in this quintessential American city.
During the stay in Decorah, there are excursions and cultural events. Visits are made to sites of historic interest nearby, such as the Mississippi, a typical prairie homestead, the Norwegian museum Vesterheim, visits to Amish farms, native American reservations, schools, and churches.
Optionally, participants can go to Madison, WI or New York City at the conclusion of the course, or travel on their own.
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Luther College |
 Luther College is a fully-accredited university-level institution, offering the baccalaureate degree. The four year school has an enrollment of 2,400 students. Students and faculty represent a who are variety of religious, ethnic, and racial groups.
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The Lectures |
Lectures are presented by faculty members from Luther College (most of whom have Ph.D. degrees) and by professionals and leaders. Lecture topics include:
Native American Indians
Aspects of American Literature
American Jazz
The U.S. Education System
Sports in America
The Social Welfare System
State and Local Government
Renewable Energy Options
The U.S. Political System
The Black Church in America
The Amish in America
American Foreign Policy
U.S. Science and Technology
Religion in American Society
Modern U.S. Art and Architecture
U.S. Second Language Teaching
Immigration and Cultural Diversity
Social Welfare System |
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