course-details-portlet

KULT2208

Gender and Norwegian Culture: Questions of Equality 2

Assessments and mandatory activities may be changed until September 20th.

Credits 15
Level Intermediate course, level II
Course start Spring 2026
Duration 1 semester
Language of instruction English
Location Trondheim
Examination arrangement Aggregate score

About

About the course

Course content

Norway is considered a model of gender equality. Norway tops international gender equality rankings, particularly when it comes to working life, work-family balance, and education, and for womens’ institutional, societal and political participation. The Norwegian welfare state is often framed as a key enabler of gender equality. Equality in general - including, but not limited to, gender equality - has historically been and still is a central societal and political value in Norway. This course scratches below the surface of Norway's image (and self-image) as highly gender-equal and asks how such an image is produced in society, and the extent to which this image has been challenged and is changing. Taking Norwegian recent history and contemporary society as its focus, we will explore:

  • The meaning of gender "equality": "sameness feminism", "difference feminism" and the different understandings of "equality" that underpin the intellectual and political traditions that have influenced culture, society and policy making in Norway.
  • The meaning of societal "equality" beyond gender, "intersectionality theory" and the complex interplay between gender and other intersecting identities (such as class, ability and migrant status).
  • Some arenas in which different understandings of gender "equality" play out in Norway, such as working life, family life, reproduction and migration. Throughout this course, we will investigate this passion for equality associated with Norwegian culture and politics, but also the challenges which these egalitarian ideals bring to play.

The course is open to both international exchange students and Norwegian students. The lectures are in English. KULT2207 and KULT2208 are the same course, but with a different number of lectures and a different form of assessment.

Learning outcome

Candidates who have completed this course, will have knowledge of:

  • the different understandings of gender "equality" in different intellectual and political traditions
  • the concept of "equality" in its historical and contemporary Norwegian context
  • the meanings of gender that underpin gender equality in institutional and everyday contexts
  • gendered perspectives on the themes of working life, family, reproduction and sexuality in Norway

Candidates who have completed this course, have the skills to:

  • identify social, cultural and political constructions of gender equality
  • identify paradoxical aspects of the Norwegian equality policies and practices

Learning methods and activities

Teaching is in the form of lectures, discussions, and group work.

One mandatory task. The exam is in assignment form: It consists of one shorter exam assignment (constituting 20% of the total grade) and one longer exam assignment due towards the end of the semester (constituting 80% of the total grade). To qualify to sit the final exam, the mandatory course assignment must be approved. Assignments and exam can be delivered in English or in any Nordic language.

Compulsory assignments

  • One mandatory task
  • Oral presentation
  • Written assignment

Further on evaluation

The course has two exams: one written assignment that counts for 20% of the final grade and a longer final exam that counts for 80% the grade. To pass the course, both exams must be passed.

In case of illness or a grade of F on the shorter assignment, a resit exam will be organized before the final exam.

The student cannot appeal the grade before the total grade for both exams is announced.

Students who have completed the mandatory activity will have the opportunity to repeat or resit the exam whether or not the course is taught that semester. In a semester when the course is taught, both exams must be passed. In a semester when the course is not taught, there will only be one exam which will count for 100% of the grade.

Required previous knowledge

None

Course materials

Will be given at the start of the course.

Credit reductions

Course code Reduction From
KULT2207 7.5 sp Autumn 2011
This course has academic overlap with the course in the table above. If you take overlapping courses, you will receive a credit reduction in the course where you have the lowest grade. If the grades are the same, the reduction will be applied to the course completed most recently.

Subject areas

  • Interdisciplinary Studies of Culture
  • Science and Technology Studies
  • Gender Research
  • Media and Communication Studies
  • Social Studies
  • Sociology

Contact information

Course coordinator

Department with academic responsibility

Department of Interdisciplinary Studies of Culture

Examination

Examination

Grade: Letter grades

Examination arrangement: Home examination

Re-sit examination - Autumn 2025

Home examination
Weighting 100/100 Examination aids Code A Duration 1 weeks Exam system Inspera Assessment

Examination arrangement: Aggregate score

Ordinary examination - Spring 2026

Home examination
Weighting 80/100 Duration 1 weeks Exam system Inspera Assessment
Assignment
Weighting 20/100 Exam system Inspera Assessment