course-details-portlet

POL3001

Theories of Democracy

Credits 15
Level Second degree level
Course start Autumn 2025
Duration 1 semester
Language of instruction English
Location Trondheim
Examination arrangement School exam

About

About the course

Course content

The course examines definitions of and conditions for democracy, rooted in Western political theory. The relationship between the individual and the state, constitutions and individual rights are also discussed.

Learning outcome

Knowledge - the student shall:

  • have knowledge of the definitions of the assumptions of democracy that are rooted in western political theory.
  • have knowledge of the relationship between individuals and the state, constitutions and individual rights.

Skills - the student shall demonstrate the ability to:

  • discuss theories about democracy in both an oral and written manner.

Learning methods and activities

Lectures/group discussions, equivalent to 4 hours per week throughout the semester. The course may be taught intensive in the first half of the semester. Students are expected to participate in class activities, including presentations, and are required to deliver compulsory assignments. The language of instruction can be English or Norwegian.

Compulsory assignments

  • Obligatory group activity. Specific requirements will be announced at the beginning of the term.

Further on evaluation

Form of assessment: 4-hour school exam. Students that do not pass the obligatory group activity will not be allowed to take the exam.

Required previous knowledge

45 credits in Political Science including SOS1002 or the equivalent. The requirement must be fulfilled to be admitted to the course.

Course materials

To be decided at the start of the course.

Credit reductions

Course code Reduction From
SVPOL300 15 sp
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

  • Social Studies
  • Social Sciences
  • Political Science

Contact information

Course coordinator

Department with academic responsibility

Department of Sociology and Political Science

Examination

Examination

Examination arrangement: School exam
Grade: Letter grades

Ordinary examination - Autumn 2025

School exam
Weighting 100/100 Examination aids Code E Date 2025-12-18 Time 15:00 Duration 4 hours Exam system Inspera Assessment
Place and room for school exam

The specified room can be changed and the final location will be ready no later than 3 days before the exam. You can find your room location on Studentweb.

Sluppenvegen 14
Room SL311 orange sone
4 candidates
Room SL510
40 candidates
Room SL415
9 candidates

Ordinary examination - Spring 2026

School exam
Weighting 100/100 Examination aids Code E Duration 4 hours Exam system Inspera Assessment Place and room Not specified yet.