Course content

The course provides an introduction to the world of great powers. It discusses how great powers have replaced each other as the leading international actors of the time, and what it is that has led to the rise of some and the fall of others. It puts the focus on processes that have been instrumental with respect to political and economic development, and discusses how these processes contribute to shaping the relationship between the great powers. The course also discusses how the number and behavior of the great powers define the nature of the international system.

Learning outcome

Knowledge - the student shall:

• have knowledge about the factors that affect the competition and distribution of international capabilities and resources
• have knowledge about the history, system of government and foreign politics of selected great powers
• have knowledge about theories of economic growth, power and prestige and long-term change in the international system

Skills - the student shall:

• treat questions and topics discussed during instruction in an independent analysis which is grounded in literature and relevant empirical data and that fulfills the requirements for scientific writing
• orally discuss and reflect over one's own written work and the themes which were taken up in teaching

Learning methods and activities

Lectures and seminars totaling 4 hours per week. Individual advice on term paper. If 6 or fewer students attend the course the two first weeks of teaching, the course will be offered as an individual study course with supervision.

Compulsory assignments

• Presentation

Recommended previous knowledge

See required previous knowledge

Required previous knowledge

60 credits including SOS1002 or an equivalent course in research methods. The requirement must be fulfilled to be admitted to the course.

Course materials

Available at the start of the term

Credit reductions