Course content

Both in Norway and internationally questions related to ownership, control and management of natural resources are important. Industries such as agriculture and forestry, fishery and fish farming, water and wind power, the oil and gas industry have in different stages and in various ways been fundamental for the development of the Norwegian economy and the welfare state, as well as district policy and the relationship between center and periphery.

The course aims to increase knowledge about the use and management of natural resources and common goods, as well as the understanding of political disagreements and conflict related to rights and control of natural resources - in both a Norwegian and a comparative perspective. This course is at the intersection between Public Policy and Administration, Political Economy and Comparative Politics, and will draw on theory and methods from all these areas.

Learning outcome

Knowledge - the student shall have knowledge of:

• theories and methods for analysis of interests, ownership and management of common goods and natural resources
• models and practices in the management of natural resources and natural resource-based industries

Skills - the student shall demonstrate the ability to:

• treat one of the topics which was discussed during instruction in an independent analytical manner which fulfills the requirements for scientific writing
• orally discuss and reflect over one's own written work and the topics addressed in the teaching

Learning methods and activities

Lectures and seminars totaling 4 hours per week. Individual supervision for the term paper.

Compulsory assignments

• Presentation and literature review

Further on evaluation

Form of assessment: Term paper and oral examination. Length of term paper: 6000-8000 words. The oral exam covers both the term paper and the required reading. The oral exam will be used to adjust the term paper's grade by a maximum of one grade. Both the term paper and the oral exam must be retaken at a repeat of the exam.

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