SOS-3017 The Norwegian Model - Between Utopia and Dystopia - 10 stp

Norway repeatedly comes out on top of international rankings of "best societies", scoring high on such measures as trust, affluence, social equality, happiness, access to health care and higher education. Why is this? What is it about Norway that makes it a successful society?

One way to explain these achievements is as the product of The Norwegian Model (TNM), understood as a set of institutions that enable democratic collective problem solving. In TNM, by means of bargaining and discussion, the state involves affected parties such as organizations, activists, and firms in problem solving and institutional change as an extension of conventional party politics. This model has wide application in different fields such as education, health care, sports, art, religion, media, family, economy etc. The result is a mixture of solidarity and individual freedom that combines elements from both individualist and collectivist doctrines.

The course has three pillars. The first is an introduction to theoretical models of modern societies, institutional change and collective action. Normative models for evaluating the success of societies are introduced as well. The second is a presentation of empirical analyses of how TNM works in relation to freedom, power and social inequality in such fields as the economy, art, religion, health and education. In this respect, the course also takes a comparative approach comparing TNM to other types of societies. Finally, the course teaches the analytical and methodological skills needed to conduct institutional analyses of collective problem solving in TNM.

Is TNM a utopia or dystopia? The course looks at the many achievements of Norwegian society. However, it also addresses its shortcomings and challenges, such as immigration, environmental problems, an aging population, social inequality, power elites, and many young people living on welfare.

Bachelor degree in sociology is required as a general rule.  The minimum average grade requirement is: C - for bachelor's degree or equivalent issued in Europe, Canada, USA, Australia and New Zealand B - for bachelor's degree or equivalent issued in all other countries

The course is open for students accepted in master's degree programmes in other social science disciplines.

Application code: 9371.

The students have the following learning outcomes:

Knowledge

The student has:

• Insights into theories of modern societies and institutional change
• Knowledge of theories of collective action
• Understanding of central aspects of the Norwegian Model
• Familiarity with facts about how the Norwegian Model works in particular fields, such as art, health care, education and the economy

Skills:

The student is able to

• Analyze institutions and institutional change
• Analyze collective problem solving

Competence:

• The student is able to address social problems and challenges in a reflexive, analytical and constructive way
• The student can give counseling and advice regarding processes of social  change, contribute to solving social conflicts, and strengthen cooperative solutions to social problems  

Teaching includes 18 hours of lecturing and 6 hours of seminars.

All courses will be evaluated once during the period of the study program. The board of the program decides which courses will be evaluated by students and teacher each year.  

The following coursework requirements must be completed and approved in order to take the final exam:

• It is required that the student participate in a game exercise that illustrates the conflict between individual and collective interests and the challenge to collective action.
• It is required that the student must write a report (3-4 pages) from the exercise that also connects it to a wider social phenomenon.

The exam will consist of:

A one week written home assignment. Length: 10 pages (4000 words).

The exam will be assessed on an A-F grades scale. Grades are A-E for passed and F for failed. 

The date for the exam can be changed. The final date will be announced at your faculty early in May and early in November.