Course content

This course offers an introduction to political theory. The class on Political Theory surveys political thinkers from Plato to Habermas, looking at their ideas about the politics, morality, rights and duties, and the place of religion in political life. In political behaviour, the students are offered an introduction to important theories and empirical research on the topics of political participation, electoral behaviour, and opinion formation in Norway and other democracies.

Learning outcome

Learning Objectives:
Knowledge – the student shall:
- have an overview of western political thinking.
- have knowledge of the central concepts in political theory, both from a classical perspective and from newer thinking.
- have knowledge of the key concepts and the most central models in the study of political behavior.
- have a fundamental understanding of the Norwegian electoral system.
Skills - the student shall demonstrate the ability to:
- situate political science works within the context of a specific academic history and perspective.
- account for the central theoretical contributions in political thinking, both in a written and oral manner, and be able to use them in the light of contemporary conditions.
- apply core concepts and basic models in political behavior in one’s own analysis and to critically evaluate which approaches are best suited for one’s research issue.
- demonstrate independence in the preparation of a semester assignment which fulfills the criteria for scientific writing.

Learning methods and activities

4 hours of lectures per week throughout the semester, 2 hours of group discussion and term paper supervision. A term paper of 4000 words (10 pages) has to be approved. The term paper may be a joint project of up to 3 students. A list of possible topics will be presented. The lectures are partly held in Norwegian and partly in English.

Compulsory assignments

• Term paper

Recommended previous knowledge

None.

Required previous knowledge

None.

Course materials

To be decided at the start of the course.

Credit reductions