INT1014 Political Theory

    • Course code
      INT1014
    • Number of credits
      10
    • Teaching semester
      2026 Spring
    • Language of instruction
      English
    • Campus
      Lillehammer
    • Required prerequisite knowledge

      None

Course content

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:

Knowledge

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
Skills

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
General competence

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
Teaching and working methods

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.

Required coursework

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.

Assessments
Form of assessmentGrading scaleGroupingDuration of assessmentSupport materialsProportionComment
Written examination with invigilation
ECTS - A-F
Individual
4 Hour(s)
100
Details on permitted materials will be provided at the course outset.
Form of assessment

4-hour written exam, graded A-F (E is the minimum passing grade).

Course name in Norwegian Nynorsk: 
Politisk teori
Course name in Norwegian Bokmål: 
Politisk teori
Faculty
Inland School of Business and Social Sciences
Department
Department of Law, Philosophy and International studies with history
Area of study
Samfunnsvitenskapelige fag
Programme of study
Bachelor of international studies
Course level
Foundation courses, level I (100-LN)