ISSHF4060 – Gender Equality in the Nordic Countries
Course description
Course content
The course gives an introduction to the Nordic context and an overview of how the concept and implementation of gender equality has developed and is currently practiced in the Nordic countries. The main focus is on the period after the 1970s, and themes that are taught relate gender equality to:
- Work-life balance
- Access to work, education and politics
- Nordic gender equality in an intersectional perspective
- Gender-based violence
Moreover, dilemmas and paradoxes concerning gender equality in the Nordic countries will be a central theme, as well as the attempt to answer questions like: What can explain change and is there a Nordic model of gender equality?
This is a joint graduate/undergraduate course. Graduate students have additional readings, lectures on theoretical perspectives while undergraduate students work on assignments.
Learning outcome
Knowledge
You will acquire:
- basic knowledge of the Nordic context
- advanced knowledge of concepts used in analysing gender equality issues
- advanced knowledge of different conceptions and theories of gender equality
- advanced knowledge of challenges and outcomes of gender equality in specific fields
- gender-sensitive perspective in other kinds of research
Skills
You will be able to:
- analyse gender equality issues and to place them in societal and cultural contexts
- discuss and evaluate historical processes of gender equality measures in the Nordic region
- discuss and evaluate the status of gender equality in fields such as everyday life, education, working life, politics and ethnic relations
- work in an independent, thorough and critical manner with central issues in research literature
- understand the need to follow ethical norms in academic works
Competencies
After completing the course you have:
- acquired advanced insight into gender equality issues and processes in general, which can be used to analyse specific gender equality concerns
- the ability to see, analyse and problematize gender in texts, practices and policies
Admission
If you would like to take this course, you must apply directly to International Summer School.
Only students admitted to the course may take part in instruction.
Prerequisites
Formal prerequisite knowledge
A completed Bachelor’s degree or a period of study comparable with a Norwegian Bachelor's degree from a recognized institution. Minimum academic requirements.
Applicants should have a related degree in social sciences, humanities, cultural studies and/or gender studies.
Recommended previous knowledge
The course is open to students from a broad range of disciplines, though priority of admission will be given to students within the social sciences and humanities. Students with a degree outside of these fields are also encouraged to apply, but should explain how their disciplinary background may add to class discussions. Applicants who meet the academic requirements, but do not have Gender studies in their academic profile might qualify with documented professional experience.
This course relies on active participation from students. All applicants are invited to state in their application letter (Statement of purpose) how their academic, professional, and personal experience will enable them to contribute to class discussions, and how they hope the course will help them for their professional development.
Overlapping courses
- 15 credits overlap with ISSHF2060 – Gender Equality in the Nordic Countries
- 10 credits overlap with KFL2060 – Gender Equality in the Nordic Countries
- 10 credits overlap with KFL4060 – Gender Equality in the Nordic Countries
Teaching
The course consists of daily lectures, 3 hours daily, Monday to Friday. Classroom sessions include lectures and group discussions, often based on comparative analysis. Field trips to institutions in Oslo are included.
Daily attendance is expected of all participants. Students must attend a minimum of 75% of the lectures in order to take the final exam.
Examination
The course is graded on the basis of a final take-home exam.
In order to take the exam, students must have completed the following requirements:
- The mandatory participation requirement (75%).
- Mandatory group work (pass/fail)
The exam will consist of a 3-day take-home exam on a given topic. The exam must have a length of 10 pages (2300 characters per page, not counting spaces). References are not included in the word count.
You can check your results and order transcripts in Studentweb three weeks after the exam.
Submit assignments in Inspera
You submit your assignment in the digital examination system Inspera. Read about how to submit your assignment.
Use of sources and citation
You should familiarize yourself with the rules that apply to the use of sources and citations. If you violate the rules, you may be suspected of cheating/attempted cheating.
Language of examination
The examination text is given in English, and you submit your response in English.
Grading scale
Grades are awarded on a scale from A to F, where A is the best grade and F is a fail. Read more about the grading system.
Explanations and appeals
Resit an examination
Candidates who have a re-scheduled or new examination are allowed take the next ordinary examination. If you have successfully passed obligatory assignments, or other compulsory activities required before you are qualified to attend the exam, you need not re-sit these.
Only students with either valid absence (doctor's note) or students who failed the exam can re-sit an exam.
Withdrawal from an examination
Special examination arrangements
Application form, deadline and requirements for special examination arrangements.
Evaluation
The course is subject to continuous evaluation. At regular intervals we also ask students to participate in a more comprehensive evaluation.
Other
This course is offered in cooperation with the Centre for Gender Research at UiO.