Introduction to Political Science: Public Policy and Administration

The course provides an introduction to how a state like Norway organizes institutions and political processes and what consequences this has for the content of public policy and democratic values. One central theme is the interaction between the different parts of the political governance system nationally and governance in the relationship between the state and municipalities. Another theme is the role of public administration in the governance system and the importance of governance at the EU level. The course provides theoretical frameworks for understanding how the content of politics is developed in different areas and the relationship between state and market in policymaking.

Knowledge - the student shall have knowledge of:

• the organization and functioning of the Norwegian political governance system. Particular emphasis is placed on the relationship between the branches of government, the organization and role of the administration in the governance system, the role of the EU, the relationship between the state and municipalities, and municipal governance and organization
• key theories and concepts within the study of public policy, political economy, and organizational theory for the public sector
• current empirical issues within political economy and selected policy areas

Skills - the student shall demonstrate the ability to:

• apply core concepts and basic models in public policy, public sector organizational theory and political economy in their own analyses and assess which approaches are best suited to a given research question
• place the subject's research questions within a broader theoretical framework
• demonstrate independence in the preparation of (a) exercise(s) which fulfills the basic criteria for scientific writing

4 hours of lectures per week throughout the semester in accordance with the teaching schedule. Excercises/seminars 2 hours per week. The program for the excercises is presented at the beginning of the semester. The number of and the requirements for exercises are communicated at the start of the semester.