Seminar in Political Theory

This course provides a basic introduction to political theory. Its content will vary by semester, depending upon student demand and the available instructor. Possible subject include obligation, deliberation, representation, theories of the state, justice, etc. The objective of this seminar is to get students to think critically about the nature of politics and political relationships. The course is designed as a seminar, so a limit of 25 people will be set.

Knowledge - the student shall:

• have detailed knowledge of the influential texts discussed in seminar and the specialized knowledge gathered from independent research

Skills - the student shall demonstrate the ability to:

• think critically about political concepts and develop their own rhetorical and deductive analytical skills

2 hours of seminars per week throughout the semester. The first half of the course will consist of reading-based seminars, organized by the teacher, but without lectures. Students are expected to take responsibility for the course readings and be prepared to discuss them in seminar. The second half of the course will consist of student presentations, where groups of students take responsibility for the course content each week. The course will be conducted in either English or Norwegian, depending on the consensus. Compulsory assignments: 1) Students will be responsible for organizing a class discussion (1 hour) on a particular topic or theorist (to be chosen along with the teacher), 2) Term paper.

For elective courses in the specialization in Political Science, the following applies: If fewer than 10 students attend the course during the first two weeks of teaching, the course will be offered as an individual study course with supervision.