THOUSAND OAKS, CA - The 2011 Nordic Spirit Symposium at California Lutheran University will explore life in the post-Viking era, from architecture to magic to politics.

“After the Vikings - Before the Reformation: Scandinavia in Transition” will be held Feb. 10 and 11 on the Thousand Oaks campus. The public is invited to join in the spirit of a symposium, which blends music, dining and the free exchange of ideas to enhance the pleasure of learning.

Several authorities from the United States and Europe will discuss Nordic culture and religion on Feb. 10 and 11 in the Preus-Brandt Forum.

On Feb. 10, Tracey Sands, a former Ventura County resident who now works for the Centre for the Study of the Cultural Heritage of Medieval Rituals at the University of Copenhagen, and clothing historian Michelle Nordtorp-Madsen of the University of St. Thomas in Minnesota will give presentations. Sands will speak about how saints were called upon in support of various political causes during the contentious period of the Kalmar Union. Nordtorp-Madsen will share images of Scandinavian garments and accessories.

On Feb. 11, Harvard University professor Stephen Mitchell will discuss word magic and its role as a survival tool for those living in early northern Europe.
Other presentations will cover wooden statues, the development of Christian kingdoms from pagan Viking principalities, and the evolution of the construction of Christian churches.

A reception will kick off the event at 5:30 p.m. Feb. 10 in the Scandinavian Center. The symposium will conclude with dinner and a performance of bassoon, accordion and piano music at 7 p.m. Feb. 11 in Lundring Events Center.

CLU and the Scandinavian American Cultural and Historical Foundation are sponsoring the symposium. Barbro Osher Pro Suecia Foundation, the Royal Norwegian Consulate General in San Francisco, the Norway House Foundation and the Consulate General of Finland in Los Angeles provided grants.

For prices, schedules and registration, call 805-778-0162 or email seeallan@hotmail.com. Discounts are available until Jan. 19.