Saami Literature

SP181L

Students will receive a general introduction to Saami literature. They will become acquainted with folklore, especially older Saami folklore. In addition they will learn about specific narrative traditions, with an emphasis on early Lule Saami oral traditions. This includes myths, epic joik poetry, legends, fairy tales and sayings/proverbs.

Higher Education Entrance Qualification and English language proficiency

Candidates must hold a minimum competence of Saami as secondary language from upper secondary school or have successfully passed the University`s Lule Saami introduction course levels 1 and 2.

See admission requirements in the program description

Knowledge

The student will

have knowledge of older Saami literature
have knowledge of folklore more generally
have knowledge of Saami folklore and storytelling traditions

Skills

The student will

have an overview of special features in older Saami literature
be able to apply knowledge of Saami folklore in teaching situations

General competence

The student will

have insight into Saami narrative traditions and folklore
be able to communicate an understanding of Saami folklore

No costs beyond semester registration fees. Students must cover the costs associated with literature/books, as well as travel and lodging in connection with study-gatherings.

Obligatory

This course is largely conducted in Lule Saami, and the students must be able to understand and use Lule Saami. Some of the theoretical parts of the material will be presented and discussed in the form of lectures at course gatherings and via online lectures. That said, this is to a large extent a self-study course, and students are expected to do a good deal of independent work.

The study program is evaluated annually by the students through subject surveys. Evaluation is part of the university's quality assurance system.

The course has a composite assessment (SV) consisting of:

Required work (AK) - up to 3 mandatory assignments. These are evaluated as pass/fail. They count for 0/100 of the total grade for the course.
Home exam (HJ) - evaluated based on letter grades A-F, where A is the best and F is a failing grade. It counts for 100/100 of the total grade for the course.
Both AK and HJ must be passed for the entire course to be considered passed.

Credits

Ájluokta, Drag

Teaching semesters

Autumn 2026

Responsible faculty

The Faculty of Education and Arts

Course coordinator

Assistant Professor

Sandra Maria Nystø Rahka

sandra.m.rahka@nord.no