Development Theories and the Norwegian Development Pattern

SO122S

The course provides a holistic and critical understanding of patterns of global and regional development in the 20th century. The course is divided into two parts. First, as an introduction to the field of development, it briefly presents: 1. various theories of development and globalization (within the disciplines of economics, sociology, and economic history), and 2. Various perspectives: economic growth vs. social development, liberal/neo-liberal vs. institutional/new institutional. Concepts such as development, globalization, and institutional arrangements together with an overview of current trends in world development will be introduced. The next part is an overview of the policies and strategies that shaped the patterns of Norwegian economic development. This part will draw mainly on varieties of capitalistic development in the post world war period. The Norwegian brand of capitalism, which is often characterized as social democratic capitalism will be compared and contrasted with other forms of capitalism in the Nordic and West European countries.

Drawing on contributions from sociology and political economy the course is concerned with the historical and holistic approach to study development. The Norwegian brand of capitalism, which is often characterized as social democratic capitalism, will be compared and contrasted with other forms of capitalism in the Nordic and West European countries.

Knowledge

Main approaches and key themes in the study of development and globalisation
Main theories and researches on development patterns in North European countries
Economy, politics and social institutions in Norway

Skills

Critical reflections on global and Nordic regional development in the 20th century
A sociological perspective, both empirical and theoretical, on development

General competence

Ability to present problem oriented analysis and appraisal
Ability to undertake an independent literature review

No costs except semester registration fee and course literature.

Compulsory for the one year program Norwegian language and Society. For other programmes elective

Lectures and seminars

The study programme is evaluated annually by students by way of course evaluation studies (mid-term evaluation and final evaluation). These evaluations are included in the university's quality assurance system.

Due to the Covid-19 epedemic, a number of assessments and exams at Nord University has been changed.

Changes are made in accordance with the Temporary Regulations on Supplements to Regulation 31/01/2019 no. 63: Concerning Studies and Examinations at Nord University - Extraordinary Measures as a Result of the Coronavirus Epidemic- according to §2 of the Corona Epidemic, Assessment Methods, Sections 1-3

To accommodate this, the form of assessment will be changed from Written school examination to Take – home examination on this course in the spring of 2020.

Bi-lingual dictionary