SCAND 200: Scandinavia Today
Welcome to the course: with Dr. Elise Rainer
Fall 2026 | University of Washington
Instructor: Dr. Elise Rainer Office: Raitt Hall 305 N Office Hours: By appointment Email: eacr@uw.edu Class Meetings: Tuesdays & Thursdays Location:
Course Description
This course examines the distinctive policies, laws and social norms of Scandinavian countries. Students will explore the Nordic model of democratic governance, social welfare policies, and contemporary political cultures of Scandinavian society. We will examine innovative policies from this region regarding gender equality, LGBTI rights and human rights standards that impact the world. The course situates Scandinavian countries within the global system, emphasizing the unique aspects of small state diplomacy and international development assistance from these small high-income countries. Students will discuss NATO, Greenland, and changing security strategies in Europe and transatlantic relations.
SCAND 200 Weekly Deliverables
|
Week |
Topic |
Deliverable |
|
Week 1 |
Nordic Welfare State |
Oral introductions in week 1 – no assignment or canvas post |
|
Week 2 |
Democracy, Governance & Parliamentary Systems |
Canvas post (Week 1-2 Nordic democracy) |
|
Week 3 |
Human Rights in Scandinavia |
In class writing prompt |
|
Week 4 |
Gender Equality in Nordic Politics |
Canvas post |
|
Week 5 |
Civil Society & State Relations |
In class writing prompt |
|
Week 6 |
Nordic Peace & Diplomacy |
Midterm class debate + midterm paper |
|
Week 7 |
Scandinavia, the EU & International Institutions |
Canvas post (EU/UN reflection) |
|
Week 8 |
Immigration, Borders & Foreign Relations |
In class writing prompt |
|
Week 9 |
Sweden & Finland NATO Membership |
Prepare for final class debate – no assignment or canvas post |
|
Week 10 |
Greenland, Denmark, NATO & Arctic Geopolitics |
Final class debate + final paper due |