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STV1101 - Introduction to Political Utopias

Course content

The course offers an introduction to the genre and history of literary utopias and related forms of utopian thinking. The participants are invited to read and discuss some of the most important literary utopias, including a classic dystopia. These texts will be read and analysed as manifestations of different political ideologies and as expressions of fundamental criticism of their contemporary societies. The main purpose of the course is to show how utopian texts can be used as relevant contributions to theoretical debate and analysis in the discipline of political science.

Learning outcomes

Knowledge objectives
The course will give you knowledge and understanding of the genre of literary utopias and how this genre, as well as utopian thinking in general, can contribute to political theory and debate. You will acquire a first hand knowledge of some of the most important literary utopias and contemporary contributions to the international utopian scholarship.

Skills objectives
The students shall learn to read, analyse and discuss utopian texts as expressions of political ideologies. They shall also learn to reflect about possible alternative ways of organizing social and political institutions.

Admission

Students at UiO must apply for courses in StudentWeb.

International applicants, if you are not already enrolled as a student at UiO, please see our information about admission requirements and procedures for international applicants.

The examination in this course is not available for external candidates. Only students admitted to the course may sit for the examination.

Prerequisites

No obligatory prerequisites beyond the minimum requirements for entrance to higher education in Norway.

Teaching

Teaching takes place throughout the semester.

Exam information

4 hours written exam

Exam resources

No special exam resources are allowed.

Language of examination

It is possible to answer the examination in either English, Norwegian, Swedish or Danish.

Assessment and grading

Course grades are awarded on a descending scale using alphabetic grades from A to E for passes and F for fail. Read more about the grading system .

Explanations and appeals

A student may appeal against an awarded grade and/or file a formal complaint about exam procedures.

Possibility of make-up exams and re-takes

You can usually resit an exam, but the conditions depend on whether you had a valid reason for absence from the regular exam. Read more about resitting an exam .

Exam options for students with special needs

Students may use a dictionary during the exam. The dictionary is to be handed in to the reception at the Department of Political Science (seventh floor, Eilert Sundts hus) at the latest two days before the day of the exam.

Students may apply for access to alternative exam resources or exam forms on the basis of chronic illness and/or special needs that create a marked disadvantage to other students in the exam situation. Mothers who are breastfeeding may apply for extra time to complete the exam.

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