STV1510 – Nordic politics
Course content
This course gives an overview of politics in the five Nordic countries, Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway and Sweden. The five Nordic countries are sometimes presented as a particular political type with a uniform set of political institutions, practices and solutions.
In this course "Nordic models" are discussed and questioned. This is done firstly by surveying the degree of political uniformity across the five Nordic countries, and, secondly, by comparing these political profiles to other European states.
The following topics are covered:
- State- and nation-building
- Parties and party systems
- Social cleavages and value conflicts
- Parliaments and political representation
- Gender equality
- State structures
- Local government and regions
- Welfare states
- The relations to the EU
- Security policy
Learning outcome
The course aims at providing students with knowledge of various topics within politics in the Nordic countries. This is done both by in-depth knowledge about each of the Nordic countries and by comparing the countries.
Knowledge
Students will
- Acquire basic knowledge about many aspects of politics in the Nordic countries, including similarities and differences between them.
- Learn about various theories and models that are relevant for analysing politics in the Nordic countries.
Skills
Students will
- Be able to analyse and discuss alternative interpretations of the Nordic political systems.
- Be able to discuss empirical patterns in the various Nordic countries in relation to models in political science that are developed for these countries in particular and also various other models and typologies.
Competences
Students will
- Enhance their capabilities to compare political systems and processes in general.
- Enhance their capabilities to evaluate concrete political knowledge about political systems in relation to models used within political science.
- Discuss subjects within political science with fellow students.
Admission
Students who are admitted to study programmes at UiO must each semester register which courses and exams they wish to sign up for in Studentweb.
If you are not already enrolled as a student at UiO, please see our information about admission requirements and procedures.
Teaching
Lectures and seminars.
In the seminars the students will discuss the curriculum and former exam questions on the basis of short written notes.
Examination
4-hour written exam.
Previous exams and examination guidelines.
Digital examination
The written examination is conducted in the digital examination system Inspera. You will need to familiarize yourself with the digital examination arrangements in Inspera.
Read more about written examinations using Inspera.
Examination support material
Students may use dictionaries at this exam. Dictionaries must be handed in before the examination. Please read regulations for dictionaries permitted at the examination.
Language of examination
The examination text is given in English.You may submit your response in Norwegian, Swedish, Danish or 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
Ask for explanation of your grade in this course
Ask for explanation of your grade on the postponed exam
Resit an examination
If you are sick or have another valid reason for not attending the regular exam, we offer a postponed exam later in the same semester.
See also our information about resitting an exam.
Withdrawal from an examination
It is possible to take the exam up to 3 times. If you withdraw from the exam after the deadline or during the exam, this will be counted as an examination attempt.
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.