Teaching North American Studies in Finland: Searching for Crossdisciplinary Perspectives

In “Teaching North American Studies in Finland,” the authors examine the historical roots of Finnish interest in North America, which can be traced back to early Finnish immigration and a broader fascination with Indigenous cultures. Over the past several decades, this interest has grown within academic circles, leading to the creation of several cross-disciplinary North American studies programs in Finland. There is a long tradition of research in fields such as Indigenous studies, immigration history, ethnic minorities, media studies, and environmental issues. While these areas remain central, new scholarship—focused on settler colonialism, decolonizing research, and transnational American studies—has added depth and new perspectives to the field in recent years. This article primarily highlights the North American studies program at the University of Helsinki, but it also touches on research and teaching at the University of Turku.