Credits: 3
After the course the student should have a general idea of the history of Finland and the development of the Finnish society and culture from the stone ages to the end of the Swedish rule (1810). The topics discussed in the course include:
-The roots of Finns.
-The settlement of Finland.
-The folk culture: religion before Christianity, folklore, etc.
-The Christian religion in Finland.
-Finland's location in the middle of the Western and Eastern European cultures.
-Main political events in Finland before 1910.
-The status of the Finnish language.
Requirements: The course has no final examination but the students must write three papers (ten
to fiftenn pages each). The students must also prepare a 20 minute talk for the class of each
paper.
Readings:
Jutikkala, E. & Pirinen, K., A History of Finland. Fourth edition Espoo, Finland: Weilin+Göös. 1984. (Earlier editions published by Praeger, New York 1962, 1974, and 1978.)
Klinge, M.: A Brief History of Finland. Helsinki: Otava. 1981. (7th edition 1989.) p.. 7-50.
Additional readings TBA.
Prerequisites: No knowledge of Finnish is required.
Grading: Papers and talks 70%. Class participation 30%.
Days and Time: Arranged.