SFS20207 Political Science Extension Course: Comparative Politics/Political Theory (Autumn 2010)

The course is connected to the following study programs

Compulsory for third semester students in Political Science.
Optional for students with foundation courses in connected fields.

Lecture Semester

Autumn 2010

Content

The course consists of a block with one part Political Theory and one part Comparative Politics.

Polititcal Theory
Political Theory deals with

• Liberty
• Justice
• Liberalism

Comparative Politics
This part of the course deals with some of the main issues in comparative politics. It has three components:

• Political systems, structures and functions
• Forms of democracy
• Challenges to representative democracy

Forms of teaching and learning

Lectures, seminars and discussions. The lectures are given in blocks. The Political Theory block consists of two weeks with lectures, seminars and discussions. The third week is allocated to the obligatory writing of a paper. The Comparative Politics block follows the same outline. Language of instruction: English.

Coursework requirements - conditions for taking the exam

None.

Examination

Portfolio
The exam is made up of a portfolio containing two individual papers, one on Political Theory and one on Comparative Politics.  Each papier shall be from four to six pages.

The papers can be written in English or Norwegian. A final mark is given according to a five-point scale, A to F.

Literature

Political Theory:
Nozick, Robert (1974/2007) Anarchy, State and Utopia, Oxford Blackwell
Rawls, John (2001) Justice as Fairness, Harvard University Press 

Comparative Politics:
Narud, H.M. and T. Aalberg (eds.)(1999): Challenges to Representative Democracy; parties, Voters and Public Opinion. Oslo: Fagbokforlaget. Chapter 1 (compendium).

Hague, R. and M. Harrop (2010): Comparative Government and Politics. An Introduction. Newcastle: Palgrave. All chapters except 2 and 4.

Adjustments may happen. Information about changes of textbooks is given by the start of the semester. The last edition of a book will always be in force.