ISSSV1855 – International Politics
Course description
Schedule, syllabus and examination date
Choose semester
Course content
The course offers an introduction to the academic study of international politics. It begins with a basic introduction to international relations theories, in order to provide the theoretical framework for understanding and debating global topics. The course will then move on to discussing three main subjects in contemporary international relations: The role of state actors, the role of non-state actors, and finally going in-depth on a couple of current global topics. In the section on state actors we will undertake detailed studies of the foreign policies of the U.S., Russia, China, Norway and others. For the part of non-state actors the focus will be on topics like international institutions, the EU, global action groups, and international terrorism. For the final section of the course we will then utilize the empirical and analytical knowledge gathered to analyze important topics on the global agenda, like the future of globalization and geopolitical conflicts. The class encourages lively discussion, a goal easily met by the students' contribution of their opinions based on their diverse cultural and academic backgrounds.
Learning outcome
To give students the basic intellectual tools and framework necessary for critical investigation, thinking and understanding of international politics in the contemporary world and in a historical perspective.
Admission
If you would like to take this course, you must apply directly to the International Summer School
Only students admitted to the course may take part in instruction.
Prerequisites
Formal prerequisite knowledge
No obligatory prerequisites beyond the minimum requirements for entrance to higher education in Norway. Minimum academic requirements.
Teaching
The course consists of 26 lectures, 2 hours daily (08:15-10:00), Monday to Friday, for six weeks. Classroom sessions include lectures, student presentations, group exercises and discussions, and a workshop.
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 includes a final written examination, which lasts for 2 hours.
You can check your results and order transcripts in Studentweb three weeks after the exam.
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.
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. Candidates who are re-sitting NORA exams can also re-sit the exam in the summer at the ISS exam. 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 (doctors note) or students who failed the exam can re-sit an exam.
Contact the ISS Office for more information.
Withdrawal from an examination
A student can take the class and sit for this exam up to 3 times. If a student wishes to withdraw from the exam, s/he must submit the Course Change Request Form to the ISS Reception before the exam. Failure to do so will be counted as one of the three opportunities to sit for the exam, which is the general rule at UiO.
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.
Course combinations
This course can be combined with other summer courses, see which courses you can combine in the course schedule.