INT1014 Political Theory
- Number of credits10
- Teaching semester2026 Spring
- Language of instructionEnglish
- CampusLillehammer
- Required prerequisite knowledge
None
This course introduces:
- Fundamental concepts such as freedom, equality, justice, violence, and authority
- Key debates, including:
- The legitimacy of state power
- Fair distribution of societal resources and responsibilities
- Balancing democratic principles with crisis management
- Public vs. private spheres
- Ethics in relation to politics, and democracy in relation to human rights
- Canonical thinkers in political theory such as Plato, Aristotle, Augustine, Locke, Kant, Mill, Burke, Marx, Arendt, Habermas and Nussbaum.
Learning Outcome
Upon passing the course, students have achieved the following learning outcomes:
Students
- grasp key topics, theories, issues, and concepts in political theory
- are familiar with current research and developments in the field
- understand the history and unique character of political theory
Students
- recognize how political theory intersects with scientific and societal discussions
- can apply and analyze normative argumentation
- can formulate well-grounded positions on political theory issues by evaluating various theories and arguments
- can reason clearly and systematically
- can read academic literature with a critical eye
- comprehend and assess both primary and secondary sources in political theory
- craft persuasive, normative essays on political theory topics
- can reflect critically on their own work and that of others
Students will be able to:
- undertake independent academic projects
- tackle complex issues at the intersection of political theory and society
- engage critically with scholarly literature
- address and justify responses to intricate questions coherently
- articulate complex ideas both in writing and verbally
- work collaboratively, offer constructive feedback, and integrate peer assessments
- consider the philosophical interplay between philosophy and society
- communicate key concepts in political theory through various mediums
- foster an inclusive academic environment that respects diversity
- appreciate the evolution of innovative thinking in the field's history
This course combines self-study, writing assignments, seminars, and lectures. Instructors illustrate theoretical concepts with real-world examples. The course emphasizes active participation and written work in both lectures and seminars. Seminar activities include collaborative assignments, research, presentations, and guided thesis writing practice.
To qualify for the exam, students must complete written and oral assignments. The nature and scope of these assignments will be communicated at the start of the course instruction.
| Form of assessment | Grading scale | Grouping | Duration of assessment | Support materials | Proportion | Comment |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Written examination with invigilation | ECTS - A-F | Individual | 4 Hour(s) | 100 | Details on permitted materials will be provided at the course outset. |
Reading list
No reading list available for this course