Power, State and Society

An important long term characteristic of Norwegian history since the establishment of the independent Norwegian state in 1814 has been the increase in state authority and power. This course aims at gaining a general understanding of this process. Nevertheless, the main focus will be on the 20th century, and what various historians have termed "ettpartistaten" (the one-party state), "arbeiderpartistaten" (the Labour party state), "den sosialdemokratiske stat" (the social democratic state) or "den sosialdemokratiske orden" (the social democratic order). An important aspect of the course will be to discuss what terms and approaches that best characterises the relationship between Norwegian state and society in the 20. century. In this respect, the curriculum discusses the power structure between the elected, the corporate channel and the administration.

The course aims at giving students insight into political and social currents shaping political parties and state power in the 20. Century.

Forelesninger og seminar.