course-details-portlet

SOS2501

Norwegian Society

Credits 15
Level Foundation courses, level I
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 covers 4 main topics that deal with characteristics of the Norwegian society: Norwegian politics and economy, the welfare state, organizations and working life, and family and youth. Comparative analyses of Norway within other national and international settings will also be addressed. A central theme throughout is the concept of the "Scandinavian Model" or "Nordic Model", which refers to the combination of a market-based economy with a substantial welfare State and an emphasis on participative democracy and equality goals across social dividing lines such as gender and class. The course both explains this model and critiques exaggerated claims as to its realization. This course is primarily intended for foreign exchange students, and the lectures and assignments are given in English. The course will only be offered when there are at least 5 exchange students who wish to take it. The course is only offered in the fall. Please note that this course cannot be included in the major in Sociology.

Learning outcome

Knowledge - the student shall:

  • achieve an overview of the central approaches and concepts within the fields of Sociology and Political Science regarding issues within Norwegian Society.

Skills - the student shall demonstrate the ability to:

  • through the use of different theoretical approaches, be able to understand Norwegian Society and its key characteristics.

Learning methods and activities

Lectures 4 hours a week, written assignment and tutorials. All lectures and tutorials will be in English. Compulsory activities: Written assignment. The compulsory activities can only be completed in the fall semester.

Compulsory assignments

  • Written assignment

Further on evaluation

Form of assessment: 5 hour written exam.

Required previous knowledge

None.

Course materials

To be decided at the start of the semester.

Subject areas

  • Social Sciences
  • Sociology
  • 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 2025-12-05 Time 09:00 Duration 5 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 brun sone
26 candidates

Ordinary examination - Spring 2026

School exam
Weighting 100/100 Examination aids Code E Duration 5 hours Exam system Inspera Assessment Place and room Not specified yet.