SFS10112 Political Theory and Theory of Democracy (Autumn 2014)

The course is connected to the following study programs

Compulsory course in political science one-year programme
Specialisation course in the Bachelor Programme in Business Administration: specialisation in Political Science
Part of the component worth 60 ECTS credits that can make up the Bachelor Programme in Society, Language and Culture
Elective course in the Bachelor Programme in International Communication

Lecture Semester

Political Science, one-year programme: semester 1 (autumn)
Bachelor Programme in Business Administration, specialisation in Political Science: semester 5 (autumn)
Bachelor Programme in Society, Language and Culture: semester 1, 3 or 5 (autumn)
Bachelor Programme in International Communication: semester 5 (autumn)

The student's learning outcomes after completing the course

KNOWLEDGE
The students have basic knowledge in the different areas within political theory.

SKILLS
The students have received training in thinking systematically and in reflecting on central political science issues.

GENERAL COMPETENCE
The students have gained general analytical competence.

Content

• Introduction to political analysis
• Political theory
• Public choice political economy
• Theory of democracy

The first and most comprehensive topic deals with the most important political philosophies and ideologies with predominantly normative objectives. Furthermore, an introduction is given to public choice, an economic theory of politics, including game theory and social choice theory. The course also covers the relationship between politics and economics.

Fundamental issues and theory of democracy will be covered in a more general presentation of the subject. Approaches, methods and issues in political science are covered, and particular attention is given to the interaction between the economic and political systems.

Forms of teaching and learning

Application of theoretical perspectives of and concepts used in current issues is emphasized through different types of activities. Emphasis is placed on individual supervision and follow-up through assignment seminars. The language of instruction is Norwegian.

Workload

Approximatly 420 hours.

Coursework requirements - conditions for taking the exam

A written assignment (approx. 4?5 pages) must be submitted by a given deadline.
Assignments must be approved before students may sit the exam.

Examination

Individual written exam

Written exam lasting 4 hours. No support materials permitted. Grading scale
from A to F.

Course evaluation

The feedback we receive from our students plays a decisive role in our ability to offer the best possible courses and study programmes. This course is evaluated as follows:

- Mid-semester evaluation
- Continuous evaluation/final evaluation

The results are processed by/in:

- teacher group
- head of studies
- local Committee for Study Quality

Literature

Updated June 5th 2014:

Midgaard, Knut og Raino Malnes (2009). Politisk tenkning. (3. utg.). Oslo: Universitetforlaget.

Østerud, Øyvind (2007). Statsvitenskap: Innføring i politisk analyse (4. utg.). Oslo: Universitetsforlaget. (Brukes også i andre emner.)

Cahn, Steven M. (red) (2012). Classics of Political and Moral Philosophy. New York: Oxford Universtiy Press.

Hovi, Jon (2008). Spillteori: En innføring. Oslo: Universitetsforlaget.

Mill, John Stuart (2010). Om Friheten. Vidarforlaget 2010 og Bokklubbens kulturbibliotek 2010.