Course content

In a globalized world foreign policy concerns us all, but what do we really understand by foreign policy? This course will analyze the most central features of Norwegian foreign and security policy from 1905 until today.

The course looks at the foreign and security policy challenges Norway has faced, how Norwegian foreign and security policy has been shaped and influenced by both internal and external conditions, and how Norway's geographical position has defined the policy. Furthermore, the course will provide knowledge about - and the ability to analyze - what has been seen as Norwegian foreign policy interests, values ​​and means of action.

Learning outcome

A candidate who passes this course is expected to have the following learning outcome according to the course curriculum, defined as knowledge and skills:

Knowledge

The candidate has

• in-depth knowledge of Norwegian foreign and security policy, including what has been defined as Norwegian foreign policy interests, values ​​and instruments
• in-depth knowledge of the foreign and security policy challenges that Norway has faced after 1905 (especially special conditions related to the First World War, the Interwar Period, the Second World War, the Cold War and the end of the Cold War)
• knowledge of how Norwegian foreign policy has been shaped and influenced by both internal and external conditions
• ability to recognize and analyze academic issues based on the most important historiographical debates in the period

Skills

The candidate should

• be able to assess and analyze Norwegian foreign policy interests, values ​​and instruments
• be able to explain how Norwegian foreign policy has been shaped and influenced by both internal and external conditions
• be able to say something about the conditions that apply to Norwegian foreign policy, in order to thereby be able to formulate research questions and identify sources and terms that are relevant for answering them
• be able to summarize, evaluate and communicate a complex topic both orally and in writing to a wider audience

Learning methods and activities

The course is taught digitally, where lectures, podcasts and other teaching material are made available through a digital platform. This platform will constitute a digital classroom where digital meeting points are established for teaching, student active learning, follow-up, guidance, etc.

In addition to the digital "core", two physical gatherings will be held during the semester, each lasting 2-3 days.

The compulsory activity in the course is a term paper (book review) which must be approved for the students to present themselves for assessment in the course.

Compulsory assignments

• Term paper

Recommended previous knowledge

None

Required previous knowledge

BA in military studies, history, political science or equivalent.

Course materials

Curriculum, compendium, and other material will be published on a digital platform at the beginning of the semester.

Credit reductions