Vår 2026

STV-2055 Topics in international politics - 10 stp

The course is administrated by

Institutt for samfunnsvitenskap

Type of course

This is considered an optional course that can contribute towards a bachelor degree in political science, as one of the options required at the 2000 level.

The course may be taken as a single course.

Course contents

This course builds upon the theoretical and empirical foundations of international relations as a subject of political science by paying specific attention to traditional and modern debates within the discipline. This will involve the identifying and deconstructing of the major questions of IR, using theories and practices which reflect Western and non-Western approaches, as well as materialist and critical methods.

Admission requirements

Nordic applicants: Generell studiekompetanse

International applicants: Higher Education Entrance Qualification and certified language requirements in English.

Application code: 9199 (Nordic applicants).

Objective of the course

The students have the following learning outcomes

Knowledge

The students have knowledge of

historic and contemporary debates in the study of international politics
various interactions between domestic and international politics
international structures, regimes and practices

Skills

The students can

argue and explain the debates in international politics using various theory schools, and be able to apply this knowledge to practical and theoretical issues in IR
discover the most important sources for information about, and analysis of, interpretations of political discourses on the global / systemic level of analysis
understand multidisciplinary approaches to international relations

Competence

Students

will be able to identify, understand and utilize the major debates in international relations studies, and their spaces within greater areas of political science
will be able to develop independent insights on international relations at a time of significant transformations within the discipline

Language of instruction

English

Teaching methods

Classes will be based on ten two-hour blocks, which will be a combination of lectures and discussion sessions based on weekly topics. In addition to this, there will be two seminars held at the beginning and one closer to the exam if needed.

The lectures will be held in English.