Identity and Community

The course examines identity on various levels and with different groups. Identity conflicts and dilemmas in a horizontal perspective. Identity in culture and politics and as culture and politics. Relevant case studies can be chosen from Norway, but the international perspective should be ensured with case studies from Europe and other parts of the world.

The student
- has knowledge of and can apply significant theories on the construction of identity and imagined communities
- has knowledge of identity dilemmas and identity politics and can discuss examples of how these phenomena are, or may be, pivotal elements in understanding culture and politics both locally and globally
- can discuss the development and maintenance of a Norwegian cultural identity, including the connection between nationalism, democracy and cultural affinity
- can assess possible relations between changes in the political system, media development, populism and individualism
- can discuss youth culture and youth identity and the consequences that changes in the concept of identity have had, could have or should have for education

Lectures, seminars, student presentations. Possible participation in a field trip (5-7 days) to another European country.