In autumn of 1994, the University of Washington Scandinavian Department, with support from the Center for Russian, East European and Central Asian Studies, began teaching the languages of the three Baltic States, Estonian, Latvian, and Lithuanian at multiple levels. Language instruction is at the core of the growing Program in Baltic Studies. This program is also developing in other areas. Estonian, Latvian, and Lithuanian materials are included in numerous courses. Prominent speakers on Baltic topics are regularly brought to the University for guest lectures and consultation with faculty and students. Outstanding students receive financial support for exchanges to Baltic universities.
During academic year 2018-19 we will be offering beginning level 5-credit Latvian, Lithuanian, and Estonian language classes. We will also offer beginning 3 credit Latvian, Lithuanian, and Estonian language courses. Interested parties who are not University of Washington students, can register and pay for these courses through the non-degree program.
Read more about the history of the UW Baltic Studies Program.
Baltic Studies Minor
Requirements: 15 credits of 1st year Estonian/Latvian/Lithuanian and 20 credits of SCAND course work, including at least one Baltic Studies course (SCAND 344, 345, 454 or 455)
Baltic Language Courses
Language courses are offered annually, in a series taught over three academic quarters (Autumn, Winter and Spring):
- Estonian: ESTO 101, 102, 103; ESTO 111,112, 113 (3 credit); ESTO 201, 202, 203
- Latvian: LATV 101, 102, 103; LATV 111, 112, 113 (3 credit); LATV 201, 202, 203; LATV 310
- Lithuanian: LITH 101, 102, 103; LITH 111, 112, 113 (3 credit); LITH 201, 202, 203, 301, 310
- Language instruction continues with Supervised Readings in Estonian (ESTO 490), Supervised Readings in Latvian (LATV 490), and Supervised Readings in Lithuanian (LITH 490). LATV 310, "Topics in Latvian Literature and Culture," may be taken twice, for a total of ten credits.
Baltic Courses Taught in English
- Baltic courses taught in English:
- SCAND 152- Latvian Literary and Cultural History,
- SCAND 153 - Introduction to Lithuanian Cultural and Literary History,
- SCAND 154 - Estonian Literature and Culture
- Baltic States and Scandinavia (SCAND 344/ EURO 344): History of Baltic region since the Viking Age
- Baltic Cultures (SCAND 345 / EURO 345): Surveys masterpieces of literature, art and music
- Baltic History (SCAND 454 /HSTEU 454): Survey focusing on 20th century history
- Baltic States since 1991 (SCAND 455/SISRE 465): Interdisciplinary survey of the contemporary Baltic countries
- Topics in Scandinavian Studies (SCAND 490): "The Singing Revolution", "Baltic Thinkers", "Current Issues in Baltic Studies"
Philanthropic Support
The Baltic Program Fund was established in December of 1994 to supplement the new program's budget. Fundraising is underway to build the Endowment for the Baltic Program, which will finance future Baltic course offerings and ensure a permanent program in Baltic Studies at the University of Washington.