ISSHF1140 – Art in Norway: From the Viking Age to the Present

Schedule, syllabus and examination date

Course content

The course provides a survey of Norwegian visual art from the early medieval period to contemporary art. Primary focus is on painting, but developments in sculpture, architecture, folk arts, design, installations, conceptual and performative art are also covered. Beginning with archeological findings from the Viking Age and the arts of the stave churches, the course runs more or less chronologically through the arts with regular interventions from the present.

Learning outcome

Students taking this course will develop skills in describing, interpreting and critically reflect upon visual art and its discourse. They will learn to analyze Norwegian art as a key to understanding Norwegian culture, and to develop an understanding of the vital role that Norwegian artists have and have not played in shaping national identity.

Admission to the course

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.

Formal prerequisite knowledge

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

Overlapping courses

Teaching

The course consists of three hours of daily instruction, Monday to Friday, for four weeks. Classroom sessions include lectures and discussions, supplemented by field trips to numerous sites in Oslo. Note that the schedule is subject to change, and travel time for excursions may be included in the lecture hours. The field trips are included in the course fee.

See the course plan and reading list on the semester page.

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. The final evaluation is a two-day take-home exam in which candidates answer a choice of questions on topics covered in the syllabus. Candidates are expected to write a total of 2,000 words ±10%, excluding footnotes and references.

You can check your results and order transcripts in Studentweb three weeks after the exam.

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.

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.

More about examinations at UiO

You will find further guides and resources at the web page on examinations at UiO.

Last updated from FS (Felles studentsystem) Nov. 6, 2026 1:29:27 PM

Facts about this course

Level
Bachelor
Credits
10
Teaching

Summer 2028

Teaching language
English

Contact

International Summer School