Non-Degree / Dates: 12 - 30 January 2026
As Estonia is one of the Uralic nations, it is the best place to get to know Finno-Ugric cultures! A 6-lecture series on Finno-Ugric Studies provides an overview of the Finno-Ugric nations’ history, culture, and modern developments.
As scientists found out, the Finno-Ugric peoples have inhabited the European continent for around ten thousand years. Mainly, they live in the territory of Estonia, Russia, Finland, and Hungary. How are these countries connected? During the lecture series, we will study how the Hungarians, Finns, Estonians, Sami, Komi, Mansi, and many other Finno-Ugric nations are related to each other, how they settled so far from each other, and what the roots of their origin are. The topics covered by the course include not only the history of the Uralic peoples but also contemporary politics, modern forms of cooperation, and cultural trends. We will have a chance to learn the basics of some Finno-Ugric languages and talk to representatives of organizations working with Finno-Ugric issues (for example, NPO Fenno-Ugria, NGO Komi Cultural Society).
Why take this course?
Teacher(s)
Anna Kuznetsova is a MA in History and a PhD researcher working on the research on ethnopolitical institutions in Finno-Ugric regions. Anna was also the Head of the Estonian NGO Hõimulõimed and the Board member of the NGO Fenno-Ugria, dealing with developing and promoting Finno-Ugric cultures and cooperation.
Timetable
The course can be taken as an “after-class” course in addition to other courses.
Schedule:
13 January at 14:30 – 16:00– Lecture: Origin and history of the Finno-Ugric peoples. Socio-economic situations and modern political developments in Russian Finno-Ugric regions
15 January at 17:00 – 18:30– Lecture: Estonian and other European Finno-Ugric peoples: definition, self-identity, history, culture
20 January at 14:30 – 16:00– Seminar on Finno-Ugric traditional and modern culture
22 January at 17:00 – 18:30 – Study visit to an exhibition OR a guest lecture (a subject to change)
27 January at 14:30 – 16:00– Seminar on Komi culture and language
29 January at 17:00 – 18:30– Study visit to an exhibition OR a guest lecture (a subject to change)
Participants
The course is open to everyone interested in the topic.
Credit points
Optional: Students will be awarded 1 ECTS for full participation and satisfactory completion of a 2000 word written assignment
Course fee
120 EUR
NB! Accommodation, cultural programme and meals are not included in the price.
Contact
Ester, Guatemala
Introduction to Estonia and Finno-Ugric Cultures and Nations course (Online edition)
