Students of Scandinavian Studies investigate the diverse cultures of the north from the early Middle Ages to the present. The main emphasis of the course of study is on the Scandinavian languages and literatures. Beginning students are not required to possess skills in a Scandinavian language; they have the option of learning Danish, Icelandic, Norwegian, and Swedish during the course of study. Students also receive training in historical forms of the Scandinavian languages, like Old Norse, and in the history of the Scandinavian languages and cultures.