KFL2060 – Gender Equality in the Nordic Countries

The course gives an introduction to gender equality in the Nordic context. It provides an overview of how the concept of gender equality has developed; how it works as a social value that also guides a range of policies, legislation and practices. The main focus is on the period after the 1970s, but the course will also include historical perspectives on the developments of women`s equal rights, and more recently LGBTQ rights. Central themes in the course include:

• Gender equality as a concept
• "Kjønn+" Gender equality in an intersectional perspective
• The growth of women`s rights in the 19th and 20th centuries
• Gender in traditional Nordic society and the growth of gender-based legislation in the 20th and 21st centuries
• Nordic masculinities
• Gender equality as nation branding
• Gender and sustainability

Knowledge

You shall acquire:

• basic knowledge of the Nordic context
• knowledge of concepts used in analyzing gender equality issues
• knowledge of different conceptions of gender equality
• knowledge of the history of Nordic gender equality legislation

Skills

You will be able to:

• approach gender equality from a variety of angles, as a concept, as a value, as social, cultural and historical practice
• analyze gender equality issues and to place them in societal and cultural contexts
• discuss historical processes of gender equality measures in the Nordic region
• discuss the status of gender equality in fields such as everyday life, education, working life and politics
• work in an independent, thorough and critical manner with central issues in research literature
• understand the need to follow ethical norms in academic work

Competences

After completing the course you have:

• acquired insight into gender equality issues and processes in general, which can be used to analyze specific gender equality concerns
• the ability to see, analyze and problematize gender equality in texts, practices and policies

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.

The course is organized in the form of 10 weekly lectures, and 6 seminars. The lectures are given by the course coordinator and various visiting lecturers who are experts on their respective topics. In the seminars, students will actively engage with the course literature through group presentations and in-class exercises. Students are expected to have read the relevant literature prior to each lecture and seminar, and to have prepared notes for class discussion on the readings and the day’s topic. These discussions, and the combination of assignments, will encourage active learning and critical analyses. The course readings requirement is appr. 700 pages (BA).

• It is obligatory to show up for a minimum of 60% of the teaching. In this course you must attend a minimum of 6 lectures and 4 seminars. The requirement is absolute. Attendance at 10 out of 10 lectures, and 6 out of 6 seminars is strongly encouraged. If you miss a class, it is your responsibility to catch up the work you have missed.

The allowed absence limit will cover all absences, including illness. You will not be granted valid absences with documentation, even when the absence is due to something beyond your control.

In certain circumstances, i.e. serious or chronic illness, you could apply for special needs accommodation.

All obligatory activities must be approved in the same semester for you to sit the exam. Once the course requirements have been fulfilled, they remain valid for the current and the next two semesters that the course is taught.

Read more about guidelines for compulsory activities and rules concerning valid excuses and how to apply for postponements

Compulsory activity:

• A mandatory oral presentation, presented as part of a group-assignment
• Mandatory attendance at least 6 out of 10 lectures, and 4 out of 6 seminars.

The final exam will consist of a mandatory portfolio of 3 pieces:

1. Minutes/report of one of the field trips (Oslo city centre only) that will form part of the course, including a discussion of topics from the broader 2060 curriculum that could be related to the visit. Discuss also how the place visited illustrates or contributes to practices of gender equality in Norway. 1000 words +/- 10% (references in addition).
2. An written version of the individual contribution to the mandatory group oral presentation. 600 words +/- 10% (references in addition).
3. A mandatory written exercise/short essay of 2000 words, +/- 10% (references and front page in addition).

Total app 3600 words, +/- 10% (references and front page in addition).