Course - Gender and Norwegian Culture: Questions of Equality 2 - KULT2208
Gender and Norwegian Culture: Questions of Equality 2
Assessments and mandatory activities may be changed until September 20th.
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.
Recommended previous knowledge
None
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 |
Subject areas
- Interdisciplinary Studies of Culture
- Science and Technology Studies
- Gender Research
- Media and Communication Studies
- Social Studies
- Sociology