The Introduction of Swedish Language and Culture Studies at the Faculty of Philosophy, University of Sarajevo

A promotional event for the course “Basic Swedish Language and Culture” was held in the Dean's Hall of the University of Sarajevo - Faculty of Philosophy. The event was attended by Doz. Dr. Minka Džanko, Vice-Dean for Research, International Cooperation, and Publishing, who introduced the educational and scientific activities of the Faculty of Philosophy in the field of foreign languages, as well as the international activities of this institution. H. E. Helena Lagerlöf, the Ambassador of Sweden to Bosnia and Herzegovina, expressed her gratitude for the initiative to introduce Swedish language studies at the Faculty of Philosophy, highlighting the social and economic ties between Sweden and Bosnia and Herzegovina, and expressing her hope for a European future for Bosnia and Herzegovina.

Mrs. Amela Fifić, a consultant at the Swedish International Development Agency and a partner of the Swedish Institute, presented in her presentation the global activities of the Swedish Institute, the main sponsor of this project, as well as the program for the spring course. Prof. Dr. Vahidin Preljević, from the Department of German Studies at the University of Sarajevo - Faculty of Philosophy, who initiated the introduction of Swedish language studies at this institution, moderated the event, presented the history of the project, highlighted the significance of Swedish culture (including literature and film) in European cultural history, and drew attention to the great potential for Bosnian-Herzegovinian-Swedish cultural ties.

Great credit for the successful realization of this initiative goes to H.E. Bojan Šošić, Ambassador of Bosnia and Herzegovina to Sweden, and Dr. Adnan Mahmutović, full professor at Stockholm University.

This marks the official launch of Swedish language and culture studies at the University of Sarajevo within the Department of German Studies. This enhances the educational offer at the Faculty of Philosophy and creates a foundation for possible development of Scandinavian studies at this institution.

In addition, the Faculty of Philosophy contributes to strengthening cultural and academic ties between Bosnia and Herzegovina and Sweden, which is also of great importance due to the significant Bosnian-Herzegovinian diaspora in this country.

The project for the Swedish language and culture course is being implemented in cooperation with the Department of German Studies at the University of Sarajevo - Faculty of Philosophy and the Swedish Institute. The course will be open to all students at UNSA, teaching staff, as well as to all those interested in learning Swedish language and culture. The exact dates for the course in the summer semester 2025 will be announced in due time.