Culture Class: Nordic Nation Branding

Dec 5, 2026

11:00 am - 12:30 pm

Members: $35
General Admission: $40

2655 NW Market Street, Seattle, WA 98107

206.789.5707

Who invented the North?

In this Culture Class, you'll learn about political Scandinavism, Nordic exceptionalism, and the evolution of a pan-national Nordic identity since World War II.

What is a culture class?

These individual classes, in partnership with the Scandinavian Language Institute, provide deep dives into particular Nordic niches! From folklore to modern national branding techniques, these classes will delve into the history and context of specific cultural subjects throughout the Nordic region.

Speakers

David Whitlock, PhD

After living in Oslo, Tromsø, and Trondheim, David Wayne Whitlock is now a PhD candidate in Scandinavian Languages and Literature at the University of Washington.
Bio

David Whitlock, PhD

After living in Oslo, Tromsø, and Trondheim, David Wayne Whitlock is now a PhD candidate in Scandinavian Languages and Literature at the University of Washington.

A self-proclaimed language and etymology nerd, he speaks Norwegian, Swedish, and Latvian, and can read Danish and even a bit of Old Norse. A former Fulbright English teacher, David has years of experience teaching Norwegian to both university students and private clients, working with learners of all ages. He's also a member of the Norwegian Historical Association, and loves diving into conversations about Scandinavian history and politics. Outside of academics, he's played in several Seattle-area rock bands, all of them thoroughly obscure.