Nordic Spirit Symposium: After the Vikings – Before the Reformation: Scandinavia in Transition

This symposium offers a sampling of life in the Nordic region after the Viking Age, with illustrated presentations on Nordic culture and religion by authorities from the U.S. and Europe. The public is invited to join in the spirit of a symposium, which blends music, dining and the free exchange of ideas to enhance the pleasure of learning.
The 2012 symposium will focus on the Nordic countries in the post-Viking era up to the eve of the Reformation, and will address aspects of life, religion, culture, politics and art during this period of Scandinavian history.

One of the speakers will be Tracey Sands, who will speak on saints and politics during the Kalmar Union, which united all the Nordic kingdoms under the rule of a single monarch from the end of the 14th century into the 1520s. The former Ventura County resident now resides in Colorado, and holds a part-time appointment with the University of Copenhagen. She believes an understanding of the cult of saints can shed light on late medieval Swedish political thought.

Stephen Mitchell, professor of Scandinavian and folklore at Harvard University, will also speak. His research centers on popular traditions, mythology and legends in the late medieval and early modern periods. Recently his research resulted in a book-length study of witchcraft and magic throughout medieval Scandinavia.

For variety, the program will include an illustrated presentation by a clothing historian, Michelle Nordtorp-Madsen of the University of St. Thomas in Minnesota.
 
For information and early registration fees, call (805) 778-0162 or email seeallan@hotmail.com. The Nordic Spirit Symposium is sponsored by the Scandinavian American Cultural and Historical Foundation and California Lutheran University, and is made possible by generous grants from the Barbro Osher Pro Suecia Foundation, the Royal Norwegian Consulate General in San Francisco, the Norway House Foundation and the Consulate General of Finland in Los Angeles.

Reception will take place Friday at 5:30 p.m. at the Scandinavian Center, 26 Faculty St. Reservations requested. Admission $10.

Presentations will take place Friday at 7 p.m. in the Preus-Brandt Forum at California Lutheran University. Admission is $20; free for students, CLU faculty and staff.

Presentations will continue through Saturday, Feb. 11 at 9:00 a.m. in the Preus-Brandt Forum. Admission is $40; free for students, CLU faculty and staff.

Dinner and Entertainment will take place Saturday at 7 p.m. in the Lundring Events Center. Reservations required. Admission is $30.