The Center for Northwest European Language and Area Studies was established in 1965 with support from the U.S. Office of Education. Its purpose was to further research and instruction concerning the countries of Northwestern Europe, including Scandinavia and Finland. The Scandinavian Department oversaw the Center. Courses were drawn from various departments, including literature, linguistics, history, political science, geography and art history as well as languages.
Alrik Gustafson was the Center's first director from 1965-1969. Other directors included Nils Hasselmo (1970-1973), Robert Kvavik (1975-1981) and Michael Metcalf (1982-1984).
In 1988 the Center for Northwest European Language and Area Studies was absorbed by the Center for Nordic Studies, focusing on Nordic and Scandinavian studies. The Center for Nordic Studies closed in 1994 due to budget constraints.
From the guide to the Center for Northwest European Language and Area Studies records, 1960s-1980s, (University of Minnesota Libraries. University of Minnesota Archives [uarc])
