The Management and Political Economy of Natural Resources

Both in Norway and internationally questions related to ownership, control and management of natural resources are important. Industries such as agriculture and forestry, fishery and fish farming, water and wind power, the oil and gas industry have in different stages and in various ways been fundamental for the development of the Norwegian economy and the welfare state, as well as district policy and the relationship between center and periphery.

The course aims to increase knowledge about the use and management of natural resources and common goods, as well as the understanding of political disagreements and conflict related to rights and control of natural resources - in both a Norwegian and a comparative perspective. This course is at the intersection between Public Policy and Administration, Political Economy and Comparative Politics, and will draw on theory and methods from all these areas.

Knowledge - the student shall have knowledge of:

• theories and methods for analysis of interests, ownership and management of common goods and natural resources
• models and practices in the management of natural resources and natural resource-based industries

Skills - the student shall demonstrate the ability to:

• treat one of the topics which was discussed during instruction in an independent empirical analytical manner which is at a high international level
• orally discuss and reflect over one's own written work and the topics addressed in the teaching

Lectures/group discussions. Supervision of term paper. The essay is to be an independent discussion of a topic taught in lectures, and is to consist of 20 pages. If 6 or fewer students sign up for a planned course during the first 2 teaching weeks, the course will be offered as an instructed reading course.