Undergraduate studies
BA in Modern Studies with Icelandic as a second language
4 Years study, 240 ECTS credits
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Markus Meckl serves in the position of Professor and is Head of the Faculty of Social Sciences
The University of Akureyri is the only university in Iceland that offers courses in Modern Studies. The programme emphasises learning critically about different aspects of modern society. Many elective courses are available and there are good opportunities for exchange studies, both domestically and abroad. In addition to Modern Studies, the programme offers Icelandic as a Second Language, providing students with a solid foundation in Icelandic grammar, vocabulary, and syntax, as well as an understanding of Icelandic society and culture.
Is the programme for you?
- Do you enjoy talking about pressing issues?
- Do you want to become a conscious citizen?
- Do you want to understand why Icelandic culture is the way it is?
- Do you want to deepen your understanding of European societies?
- Are you interested in sharing content?
- Are you passionate about Icelandic social issues?
- Do you want to improve your Icelandic to be able to pursue studies in this language?
Areas of emphasis in Icelandic as second language
The focus on Icelandic as a second language is designed to provide you with a comprehensive understanding and proficiency in the Icelandic language. The programme covers various aspects of the language, including grammar, vocabulary, listening, speaking, reading, and writing skills. You can expect to develop strong oral and written communication skills in Icelandic, along with a solid foundation in grammar, vocabulary, and syntax. The programme focuses on improving speaking abilities and reading comprehension skills, enabling you to engage confidently in discussions and enhancing your understanding of a wide range of Icelandic texts.
Students need to attend to electronically four mornings or afternoons each week for 2 hours.
You can view the organisation of the programme further down the page and in Ugla, the university's teaching website.
Areas of emphasis in Modern Studies
The programme is a combination of philosophy, ethics, history, social studies and Icelandic. A picture of modern society is drawn; that is, the form of society that began to gain ground in Europe in the 18th century. The factors affecting this are discussed and various issues raised. You will be trained in scientific methods and, among other things, critical thinking is emphasised. The programme is designed to include knowledge of Icelandic so that you can learn the relevant vocabulary required to discuss modern issues in Icelandic.
Students complete a total of 240 ECTS. In addition, there are many elective courses and you can also choose between three focus areas: historiography, philosophy and Icelandic.
You can view the organisation of the programme further down the page and in Ugla, the university's teaching website.
Opportunities after graduations
After completing your studies, you will have extensive knowledge of the structure and development of modern society. Those qualities are in demand among companies, associations, municipalities and institutions. For example, our students have found jobs in the fields of culture, teaching, media and information sharing. The programme also prepares you for graduate studies in different fields of the humanities and social sciences, for example in anthropology, ethics and history.
The knowledge acquired in Icelandic during the programme will help you to improve your chances of finding adequate employment in the labour market.
Social life
Social life is an important part of university education and the social life of students at HA is lively and robust.
All students at the university are members of the Student Association of the University of Akureyri (SHA), but each department also has its own student organization. Kumpáni is an association of social science students; you may wish to consult Facebook for further details on this.
Admission requirements
The general requirement is that applicants have completed a matriculation examination or equivalent, a final examination from a secondary school at the third qualification level, an equivalent foreign examination or 60 ECTS credits from a recognized university – or, alternatively, other academic prerequisites the Faculty of Social Sciences deems satisfactory.
All applicants must also pass a special entrance examination in Icelandic on June 12th at 13:00. The Icelandic test can be taken at test centres located around Iceland (at the cost of 4000 ISK), at the University of Akureyri or the University of Iceland. Proficiency in basic Icelandic is assessed through reading comprehension and listening skills. Here you can find sample examination tasks:
All applicants whose native language is not English, are required to provide proof of English proficiency. The minimum score for English proficiency is TOEFL 79, IELTS 6.5 or PTE academic 58.
Prioritisation of applications due to number restrictions
We would like to point out that if the number of applicants who meet the general admission requirements exceeds the number criteria, applications will be prioritised as follows:
- Meet general admission requirements, 100 points
- Number of units completed, 0-80 points
- Applicant´s letter of motivation, 0-10 points
- Gender ratio in the department, 10 points
- Result of the Icelandic test, 10 points
Applicants will then be ranked according to the sum of these factors and admitted in that order.
Exemptions
Applications that do not meet the general admission requirements are evaluated independently. It is important, therefore, that applicants submit a letter of introduction together with information relating to previous studies.
Flexible learning
All undergraduate programmes at the Faculty of Social Sciences of the University of Akureyri are flexible; that is, the department takes equal care of both those students who want to study in real time and be part of the university community, and those who prefer more pliable arrangements. All students adhere to the same curriculum and performance requirements.
However, you have to keep in mind that the Icelandic course will be taught online but in real time, and therefore requires your presence online while the lectures are being delivered.
Students who attend in real time on site or via interactive teleconferencing equipment can participate in teacher-student discussions in the classroom. In individual courses, all students participate in presentations and discussions in real time. Most traditional lectures are recorded and posted on a teaching website. Thus, you can watch lectures when it suits you and as often as you wish.
All distance learning students visit Akureyri several times throughout the school year for short study periods where the main focus is on project work and discussions. Here, you will have the opportunity to meet teachers, fellow students and other university staff and connect even better with your university community.
- Here you can read more about the flexible learning and note the dates of the local study phases
Exchange studies
All students have the option to take part of their studies at a foreign partner university. You will receive a waiver of the tuition fees of the guest school and pay only the enrolment fee in HA. An international representative assists you in applying for the program, accommodation and student grant.
How to apply?
Applications are submitted electronically our online application portal, with an electronic ID and will be open from beginning of March until June 5th.
Supporting document
- Secondary school matriculation examination (school leaving examination after three years of secondary school or equivalent)
- CV
- Statement of perspective of the studies, 1–2 pages written in English or Icelandic, including:
- Your motivation for joining the programme
- Your knowledge or experience relevant to the programme objectives
- Proof of English proficiency
- Any other considerations you would like to be taken into account
- Evidence of basic Icelandic competence, as you need to have basic Icelandic knowledge for joining the programme
Comment/Review
In the Modern Studies programme I received a good training in critical thinking and disciplined practice. The programme opened up new opportunities and proved to be a good preparation for my postgraduate studies in cultural management and the work I have done, for example as a cultural officer of Eyþing and the director of the centenary of Iceland’s sovereignty.
Ragnheiður Jóna Ingimarsdóttir
Mayor of Þingeyjarsveit Municipal Council
Program structure
- Fall
- Reading and Language Usage I
- Speaking and listening I
- Icelandic for Research Methods in Humanities and Social Sciences
- Research Methods in Humanities & Social Science
- Spring
- Speaking and listening II
- Practical Skills in Humanities and Social Sciences
- Reading and Language Usage II
- Option - Elective
Reading and Language Usage I
In this course, the main focus is on reading and writing skills. Students build their vocabulary and practice their reading comprehension by reading a selection of newspaper articles, literary texts and academic papers. A set of language usage and grammar elements will be covered. Syntax, style, register and text structure will be considered. The aforementioned elements will be practiced in writing assignments during class and as homework.
Active participation and preparation on the part of the student is required.
Speaking and listening I
The emphasis is on listening comprehension, pronunciation and speaking exercises. The Icelandic sound system is introduced and practiced as well as pronunciation stress and intonation. Comprehension of spoken language is trained with listening and conversation exercises. Students will practice speaking about their daily life and give short presentations on familiar topics. The course is taught alongside Reading and language usage I and material and vocabulary from that course will also be used. Active participation and preparation on the part of the student is required.
Icelandic for Research Methods in Humanities and Social Sciences
The course aims to prepare students whose mother tongue is not Icelandic to participate in the course Research Methods in the Humanities and Social Sciences, which is taught in Icelandic. Emphasis is on students acquiring the vocabulary they need to learn about basic research methods, research formats, data collection methods, samples, and other methodological concepts. In addition, the goal of the course is to provide students with the opportunity to improve their vocabulary and skills in Icelandic in general. The course is also intended for those who want to strengthen their skills in using Icelandic in academic situations, especially in the humanities and social sciences.
Research Methods in Humanities & Social Science
The course will examine the basics of research methodology in the humanities and social sciences. At the end of the course, students should be able to explain the main research methods, research formats, data collection methods, sampling and other methodology concepts. The strengths and limitations of different approaches in the humanities and social sciences are discussed, taking into account the various goals of the research. Part of the teaching takes place so that visiting and current teachers present their research to students. The emphasis of these sessions is research methodologies.
Speaking and listening II
This course is a direct continuation of Speaking and listening I. The emphasis is on listening comprehension, pronunciation and speaking exercises. Phonetics, pronunciation, stress and intonation will be exercised further. Students receive training in speech comprehension and the recognition of certain phonetic elements. Furthermore, students will practice discussing familiar topics and expressing their opinions thereof, for instance by delivering talks on specific subjects. The course is taught alongside Reading and language usage II and material and vocabulary from that course will also be used. Active participation and preparation on the part of the student is required.
Practical Skills in Humanities and Social Sciences
The Practical Skills in Humanities and Social Sciences course is designed to equip students with the essential skills and knowledge necessary to excel in their academic pursuits. It focuses on enhancing students' academic writing abilities, cultivating critical thinking skills, and promoting ethical conduct and integrity in academic work. Great emphasis is placed on how to structure and write essays, reports and articles and on scholarly writing practices in general.
Course Objectives:
- Develop Effective Writing Skills: Students will learn the fundamentals of academic writing, including proper grammar, sentence structure, and paragraph organisation. They will also explore various writing styles and techniques to communicate their ideas clearly and coherently.
- Enhance Research Skills: The course will provide students with strategies for conducting comprehensive research, evaluating sources, and integrating information effectively into their writing. They will learn how to use academic databases, libraries, and online resources efficiently.
- Foster Critical Thinking: Students will be encouraged to think critically and analyse information from multiple perspectives. They will learn how to evaluate arguments, identify logical fallacies, and develop well-reasoned opinions based on evidence.
- Promote Academic Integrity: The course will emphasise the importance of academic honesty and integrity. Students will learn about proper citation and referencing methods to avoid plagiarism, and understand the consequences of academic misconduct. They will also explore ethical considerations in research and writing.
Reading and Language Usage II
This course is a direct continuation of Reading and language usage I. The main focus will be on continuing to build vocabulary by reading and writing. Participants will read a selection of newspaper articles, literary texts and academic papers connected to their studies. Those texts will also be used to practice language usage, vocabulary and grammar. Syntax, style, register and text structure will be considered. The composition of formal texts will be trained. Active participation and preparation on the part of the student is required.
Elective
Students will, with the agreement of advisers, select one elective course.
- Fall
- Modern Studies Seminar II
- Nation, race and nationalism
- Introduction to Mass Communication
- Introduction to social science
- Academic Icelandic I
- Spring
- Option - Elective
- Ideology and History of Modern Times
- Introduction to philosophy
- Modern Studies Seminar I
- Academic Icelandic II
Modern Studies Seminar II
The seminar focuses on a specific topic, or a series of topics, relevant to modern ideology, social structures and ways of life. Instruction is in seminar form.
The Social Contract – Introduction to Political Philosophy
Political philosophy deals with fundamental questions concerning a person’s relationship to society, including the acceptable limits of state action, the basis of political obligation, the virtues of citizenship, and the nature of social justice. How can state power be justified, and what conditions does a state have to fulfill in order to count as legitimate? What is justice, and how can we distinguish between just and unjust law? Should law always be obeyed? What does it mean to be a citizen? What is freedom and how can it be reconciled with the obligations of citizenship?
The seminar introduces and explores these questions through engagement with important works in the history of political philosophy, especially in the modern period. Authors include Plato, Machiavelli, Hobbes, Locke, Rousseau, Rawls and Nozick. The guiding theme is the idea of the social contract as a source of explanation and/or justification of the modern state.
Nation, race and nationalism
The course addresses various issues concerning race, nation, and nationalism, both in theory and practice. The history of the nation states will be explored, as well as ideological preconditions of nationalism and racism, theoretical disputes about their nature, and the role of the nation state in the age of globalization. These key issues will be discussed from various points of view, using research methods practiced in the different fields of the humanities.
Introduction to Mass Communication
This course offers a general overview of the mass media industry and its history from the days of Gutenberg’s printing press to today’s social media like Facebook. Moreover, we will discuss what role the various media play in our lives and focus briefly on some of the most prominent theories of media effects.
Introduction to social science
This course outlines the history of the study of society and briefly reviews major topics of inquiry in this field. Major theoretical perspectives in sociology, anthropology and political science are discussed along with the recognized methods for pursuing knowledge within these disciplines. Special attention is given to the effects of social change on the direction and approach of such studies of society.
Academic Icelandic I
This course is for students who have finished Reading and language usage I and II as well as Speaking and listening I and II. Students receive training in the four main skills; reading, writing, listening and speaking. Different registers of speech and text will be introduced. Students will read and listen to a selection of texts to build their academic vocabulary and practice the vocabulary by writing short essays and giving presentations. Active participation and preparation on the part of the student is required.
Elective
Students will, with the agreement of advisers, select one elective course.
Ideology and History of Modern Times
This course examines (a) key events in the history of the 20th and 21st century, with special reference to Western Europe and North America; (b) the fundamental economic, social, and political theories that influenced these events; (c) the main economic trends ; (d) specific individuals and groups that played important roles; (e) fundamental issues of value implied by the events studied; and (f) image-making and its influence. Readings and films serve to highlight significant moments in, and relevant features of, the history of the 20th and 21st century. They are intended to show the complexity of the events considered as well as the universal lessons that can be derived from such events.
Introduction to philosophy
In this course the students will approach and explore some of the main topics, problems and areas of philosophy, historical trends, and representative key-thinkers. They will do so by reading, reflecting upon and working with important texts, or selections thereof, by classical and contemporary thinkers. A brief introduction to the aims and methods of philosophy opens the course, which then engages with the selection of philosophical topics and texts. The exact composition of this selection varies with the teacher(s) of the course and its integration with the other courses offered during the same academic year.
Modern Studies Seminar I
The seminar focuses on a specific topic, or a series of topics, relevant to modern ideology, social structures and ways of life. Instruction is in seminar form. Topics vary from year to year and are announced in the spring each year for the upcoming academic year in the Course Catalog.
Academic Icelandic II
This course is a direct continuation of Academic Icelandic I. Students will continue practicing their reading, writing, listening and speaking skills with the aim of being able to participate in an Icelandic academic setting. Students will work on various assignments concerning their studies at the University of Akureyri. Emphasis will be placed on the students’ ability to pursue their Icelandic studies in an autonomous manner. Active participation and preparation on the part of the student is required.
- Fall
- Critical thinking
- Icelandic Literature
- Industrialization and globalization
- Nation, race and nationalism
- Modern Studies Seminar IV
- Spring
- Option - Elective
- Modern Studies Seminar III
- From the Roman Empire to the French Revolution
- Ethics and Moral Controversy
- Option - Elective
Critical thinking
Students are trained in the critical evaluation of information, especially from the media and common discourse. Topics covered include: Basic concepts of logic; the difference between good arguments and fallacies/rhetoric; psychological and social influences on individual judgment and belief; the origin, use, and value of statistical information.
Icelandic Literature
This course delves into Icelandic literature, both historical and contemporary, and its pedagogy. It explores the interplay between literature and society, illustrating how literature offers insights into different societies and time periods. Students are trained in analysis, interpretation, and commentary, empowering them to become independent readers. The course emphasizes the multifaceted value of literature both for individual growth and within educational settings. Strategies to foster students' interest in reading are discussed. Additionally, the core curriculum is thoroughly examined, and various approaches to teaching literature are presented.
Industrialization and globalization
The course focuses on the material transformation of the Western world, especially from the 18th century to the present. In particular, the course explores the history of key structural changes, including industrialization, colonization, decolonization and globalization, and the interrelations of these processes. Emphasis is placed upon this transformation in Iceland during the 19th and 20th century, and how it correlates with similar changes in other parts of the world.
Nation, race and nationalism
The course addresses various issues concerning race, nation, and nationalism, both in theory and practice. The history of the nation states will be explored, as well as ideological preconditions of nationalism and racism, theoretical disputes about their nature, and the role of the nation state in the age of globalization. These key issues will be discussed from various points of view, using research methods practiced in the different fields of the humanities.
Modern Studies Seminar IV
The seminar focuses on a specific topic, or a series of topics, relevant to modern ideology, social structures and ways of life. Instruction is in seminar form.
The Social Contract – Introduction to Political Philosophy
Political philosophy deals with fundamental questions concerning a person’s relationship to society, including the acceptable limits of state action, the basis of political obligation, the virtues of citizenship, and the nature of social justice. How can state power be justified, and what conditions does a state have to fulfill in order to count as legitimate? What is justice, and how can we distinguish between just and unjust law? Should law always be obeyed? What does it mean to be a citizen? What is freedom and how can it be reconciled with the obligations of citizenship?
The seminar introduces and explores these questions through engagement with important works in the history of political philosophy, especially in the modern period. Authors include Plato, Machiavelli, Hobbes, Locke, Rousseau, Rawls and Nozick. The guiding theme is the idea of the social contract as a source of explanation and/or justification of the modern state.
Elective
Optional course, should be directed to the supervisor of dissertation within elective field of study, for a final decision.
Modern Studies Seminar III
The seminar focuses on a specific topic, or a series of topics, relevant to modern ideology, social structures and ways of life. Instruction is in seminar form. Topics vary from year to year, and are announced in the spring each year for the upcoming academic year in the Course Catalog.
From the Roman Empire to the French Revolution
The course will focus on the historic development in Europe from the end of the Roman Empire towards the French Revolution. Some key components will be discussed including religious movements in the Middle Ages, the Renaissance, the Reformation, the European exploration of the world, and the path towards Enlightenment and the French Revolution.
Ethics and Moral Controversy
The course introduces the concepts, questions, and approaches of philosophical ethics, including whether morality is relative or universal, subjective or objective. Major moral theories, such as utilitarianism, Kantianism and virtue ethics, are surveyed, and selected contemporary moral issues are discussed in detail.
Elective
Optional course, should be directed to the supervisor of dissertation within elective field of study, for a final decision.
- Fall
- Option - Elective
- Option - Elective
- The concept of modernity
- Gender Studies
- Spring
- Option - Elective
- Option - Elective
- B.A. Thesis in Modern Studies
Elective
Optional course, should be directed to the supervisor of dissertation within elective field of study, for a final decision.
Elective
Optional course, should be directed to the supervisor of dissertation within elective field of study, for a final decision.
The concept of modernity
The course focuses on the concept of modernity, when it was introduced to Western thought and how it has been defined though the ages up to our time. In particular, the course will examine how modernity was examined in the works of 19th and 20th century thinkers and writers, and discuss the difference between modernism and postmodernism. The origin of the term „modernization“ in the West will be explored as well, and its ideological manifestations in social processes, including secularization, industrialization, democratization, and individualism. All these aspects will be discussed from religious, economic, political, and social points of view.
Gender Studies
The course focuses on the situation of men and women, and views towards them, from asociological perspective. The main fields of gender studies are introduced, as well as two fundamental concepts, sex and gender. Topics explored in the course, include androcentrism, masculinities, the labor market, reproductive heatlh, and the struggle for gender equality. . In the course students will be urged to make connections across institutional contexts (work, family, media, healthcare) and strive to see the world through the lens of intersectionality.
Elective
Optional course, should be directed to the supervisor of dissertation within elective field of study, for a final decision.
Elective
Optional course, should be directed to the supervisor of dissertation within elective field of study, for a final decision.
B.A. Thesis in Modern Studies
The student chooses a topic in consultation with the coordinator of the theses in Modern Studies, and writes a dissertation on that topic under the guidance of an advisor. The dissertation should evince (a) a solid command of language and written expression, (b) independent treatment of the topic chosen, and (c) in-depth knowledge of that topic. The thesis project requires formal approval and is subject to the rules of the Faculty.
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