Norwegian Politics and Norway Internationally
The course provides a fundamental introduction to the structure and functioning of the Norwegian political and administrative governance system at the national, regional, and local levels. Students are given a basic introduction to the parliamentary governance chain in Norway, as well as to political agenda-setting, policy-making processes, political decisions, and the implementation of public policy.
In addition, the course focuses on Norway's domestic and foreign policy interests, how these are promoted internationally, and how Norwegian policy-making is influenced by international organizations and agreements, particularly NATO, the UN, and the relationship with the EU through the EEA agreement.
This course provides a thorough introduction to how the Norwegian political and administrative governance system operates at the national, regional, and local levels. The main focus is on the parliamentary governance chain in Norway, with particular emphasis on the composition and functioning of the Storting (Parliament) and the government, as well as key topics such as democracy, power distribution, and national interests. Additionally, the course covers political parties, political divides, elections, and voter behavior. Students are also introduced to political agenda-setting and become familiar with the processes of policy development, decision-making, and implementation of public policy.
The course also explores Norwegian policy areas and interests, and how international cooperation and agreements such as NATO, the UN, and the EU influence Norway's scope of action both domestically and internationally. Furthermore, students learn how international goals and principles—such as the UN's Sustainable Development Goals—must be considered at the national and local governance levels in Norway.
Upon successful completion of this course, the student will be able to:
Knowledge
- Demonstrate knowledge of the political and administrative government at national, regional and local levels
- Demonstrate knowledge about how public policy is made and implemented
- Demonstrate knowledge about Norway’s relationship to the EU and Norwegian foreign policy
Skills
- Explain the basic concepts in the study of public policy and administration
- Explain central Norwegian political issue areas and how Norwegian interests are promoted internationally
- Assess the significance of international cooperation, agreements and goals for Norwegian domestic and foreign policy
General competence
- Apply scientific knowledge in the discussion of the political management systems in Norway, central Norwegian political issues, and how Norwegian policymaking and interests are impacted by international organizations and agreements
- Individual assessment task - paper - 4-5 pages - approved/not approved - The assessment task has to be approved before attending written school exam. If the assessment task is not approved, the student has the opportunity to submit a revised version.
- Written school exam - 4 hours - grades A-F
Overlap refers to a similarity between courses with the same content. Therefore, you will receive the following reduction in credits if you have taken the courses listed below:
PO111S-001 - Public Policy and Administration I - 3 credits
PO111S-002 - Public Policy and Administration I - 7 credits
SA259S - Social Work II - 10 credits
SA233S - Social Work II - 10 credits
SA277S - Social Work method - 10 credits
PO111LS - Norwegian Politics and Norway Internationally - 10 credits