International Politics in the High North
The purpose of the course is to provide knowledge about main theories of International Relations (IR), as well as to give an introduction to the law of the sea, and enable the student to apply this knowledge to the study of contemporary issues in the High North.
Key IR theories, theoretical traditions and legal concepts are applied in a discussion of inter-state challenges as well as international cooperation in the north. Issues to be covered include foreign policy and security questions related to Svalbard, freedom of navigation, overlapping continental shelf claims in the Arctic Ocean, natural resources, Russia and China, as well as cooperation, e.g. through the Arctic Council and joint fisheries managements.
Students must be either enrolled in Master in Social Analysis (part time) or Master in Preparedness and Emergency Management (MASIK), or apply for the course as a single course student/exchange student.
Single course students must meet the following entry requirements:
- Bachelor degree of 3 years' duration (180 ECTS).
- The applicant must have passed exams of at least 80 ECTS credits in social sciences. The grade requirement is C on a weighted average.
By the end the course, the student will be able to:
Knowledge
- Understand the central assumptions of key International Relations (IR) theoretical traditions
- Understand and apply key concepts of International Law
- Have knowledge about contemporary issues in inter-state relations in the North
Skills
- Discuss the application and viability of IR theory assumptions
General competence
- Reflect on the relationship between international law and politics
- Apply IR theories and concepts of international law in the analysis of contemporary inter-state relations in the High North
Lectures and seminars.
*The course is taught provided that a sufficient number of students register for it.
Required course work: 1 written course work (3 sider). Assessed as approved/not approved.
Take home examination: Individual home examination over 7 days (10 sider). Graded 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:
PO304S - International Politics in the High North - 7.5 credits