The Nordic Countries (Best of OLLI)

The Nordic Countries (Best of OLLI)

Darren Zook
Monday, Feb. 10, 2025, 12:00 AM – 11:59 PM (PT)
Price: $75.00
45 slots available
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Row of houses in Norway

The Nordic lands have always followed something of a separate path from the rest of Europe, but aside from a few general reference points — the Vikings, Abba, and the much-vaunted but largely misunderstood “Nordic model” welfare state — much of what makes the Nordic lands unique remains a mystery. This course will explore what links all of the Nordic lands — Finland, Norway, Sweden, Iceland, Denmark, the Faroe Islands, and Greenland — and what makes each distinctive.

Faculty Bio

Darren Zook teaches in political science and global studies at UC Berkeley. His areas of interest include comparative politics, human rights, international law, and cybersecurity. He has received numerous teaching awards for his creativity in the classroom, and most recently was named as one of the “Top Ten Most Inspiring Professors at UC Berkeley” by the popular online journal College Magazine. He has lectured all around the world and has traveled extensively in the course of his professional work. Zook has published six books, and is currently at work on a research project involving the politics of ice in the era of climate change.

This is a Best of OLLI Course

  • Best of OLLI subscription courses are popular courses recorded a previous term
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  • Current Annual and Premium members can upgrade to Annual Plus or Premium Plus for an additional $10

Member Praise for Darren Zook

Dr. Zook is one of the best teachers I've ever had and I'm 80!

Darren Zook is an amazing teacher. He's a well-organized, extremely knowledgeable, and always engaging.

I have taken several classes with Darren Zook and will take several more. His scope and depth of knowledge is extraordinary. And he is able to communicate it effectively and effortlessly. 

Faculty Q&A