Course content

This course provides a basic introduction to some contemporary political event and does so in a way that is designed to improve writing skills. Its content will vary by semester, depending upon current events and the available instructor. Possible subjects include recent and nearby conflicts; recent legislation in Norway or elsewhere; rising social problems, etc. The objective of this seminar is to get students to think critically about the nature of politics and political relationships, and to study current events through the lens of contemporary political science. The course is designed as a seminar, so a limit of 12 people will be set.

Learning outcome

Knowledge - the student shall:

• have detailed knowledge, reflected in the required reading, of a recent current event, a more general literature from political science; and a more specialized knowledge gathered from independent research

Skills - the student shall demonstrate the ability to:

• think critically about contemporary political events
• develop self-confidence and presentation skills from participating in seminars
• to develop stronger writing skills

Learning methods and activities

2 hours of seminars per week throughout the semester. The first half of the course will consist of reading-based seminars. There will be no lectures. Students are expected to take responsibility for the course readings and be prepared to discuss them in seminar. The second half of the course will consist of a writing workshop, where students will present, discuss and improve on written drafts of their work. The course will be conducted in either English or Norwegian, depending on the consensus.

Further on evaluation

Evaluation form: Two assignments. Prior to the class discussion, the student will prepare a 5-page document to be shared with fellow students (and subsequently evaluated, worth 30% of the total grade). At the end of the semester, an independent research paper (ca. 6-8000 words) will be due (worth 70% of final grade). Both papers must be redone if the exam is repeated.

Specific conditions

Recommended previous knowledge

See formal requirements

Required previous knowledge

SOS1002 or an equivalent and one of the courses POL1000, POL1001, POL1002 or an equivalent. The requirement must be fulfilled to be admitted to the course.

Course materials

Provided at the start of the semester