STV4444 – EUROPEAN REGIONALISM AND MULTI-LEVEL GOVERNANCE
Course description
Schedule, syllabus and examination date
Course content
European regionalism denotes political movements as well as changes in the structures of governance in European countries, the outcomes of which mean that regions have been granted more extensive autonomy in many countries. In several cases the nature of the nation-state has been radically transformed from unitary to regionalized states (e g Spain, Italy, UK). The importance of regions and regionalism has been recognized by the European Union i. a. by setting up the Committee of the Regions as a part of its institutional structure. The drivers of regionalism may vary from forces of globalization to enhanced awareness of regional identities in the populations of regions. Regions have responded in a variety of ways, such as innovative development projects, cultural programmes, lobbying in Brussels, cross-border cooperation, and in some cases outright secessionist movements.
Learning outcome
Learning objectives: The course will focus on the following topics
- Theories of regionalism
- Regionalism as movements of the peripheries
- Developmental regionalism
- Regions, European integration and multi-level governance
- Regions and the transformation of nation-states
- Regions in para-diplomacy
- The governing structures of selected regions
Analytical skills: Students will be expected to analyse
- How nation-states have sought to accommodate regionalism through modifications of institutional structures
- Reasons for the radicalization of regional movements
- Features that characterize successful para-diplomacy
- The role of regions in multi-level governance, and especially in interactions with the European Union
- Developmental and modernization programmes of regions as processes of innovation.
Admission
Students admitted to other Master programs may also be qualified to apply for the course. Please contact the Department of Political Science.
Only students admitted to the course may take part in instruction and tuition and sit for the examination.
Prerequisites
Formal prerequisite knowledge
Bachelor's degree in Political Science or European Studies.
Recommended previous knowledge
Bachelor's degree in Political Science or European Studies.
Teaching
10 lectures will be given. The lectures are held intensively for a period of 5 weeks, with the exam in the sixth week.
This course will be taught at the University of Oslo, Blindern campus. Other locations in Oslo may be used. Fronter will normally be used.
The course is part of the regular course offerings at the Faculty of Social Science. Teaching is mainly held during the daytime. Detailed course-information is found on the Webpage for the current semester.
Examination
Participants will be evaluated on the basis of two components: (1) one or more essays (10-15 pages in total), and (2) a 3-hour written exam.
The number of essays to be handed in varies from semester to semester. The course convenor will inform the class of this in the beginning of the semester.
In order to receive a passing grade on the essay, your topic will have to reflect the course readings and curriculum. All chosen topics should be approved by the course instructor before the deadline. An essay topic not reflecting the curriculum, will receive a failing grade (F).
The final exam counts 60% of the grade, and in order to pass the course, your essay and your written exam must be passed in the same semester as your cours is taught. You will receive one overall grade for the course.
The Faculty of Social Science is responsible for the exam(s), and exam(s) are/is normally held at The University of Oslo, Blindern campus. Other locations in Oslo may be used.
Detailed exam-information is found on the Webpage for the current semester.
Examination support material
Dictionary, which must be handed in to the Department of Political Science at least one day before the written exam.
Language of examination
You may submit your response in Norwegian, Swedish, Danish or English. If you would prefer to have the exam text in English, you may apply to the course administrators.
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
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
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.
Application-forms for special examination arrangements on school-exams may be sent to The Faculty of Social Science. Application-forms for special examination arrangements on other exams may be sent to the institute who organise the course.
Evaluation
This course is evaluated half way through every semester and every four year the course undergoes a thorough evaluation.
An external auditor regularly evaluates the academic quality of the course and he/she makes a written report every year.