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Academics

Fields of Study: Humanities, Social Sciences

Each year students from some 90 countries travel to Norway to attend the University of Oslo International Summer School—and for good reason. This six-week program is filled with interactive moments, idea exchanges between a vast variety of cultures and backgrounds, and field experiences that allow you to see classroom subjects come to life. Coursework takes a comparative approach to subjects within the social sciences and humanities, with Norway as the basis for discussion. You’ll return with a deep understanding of the history, culture, and beauty of Norway and Scandinavia.

Unique study opportunities

  • Take area studies courses on such topics as architecture and design, gender equality, Scandinavian film, and politics.
  • Go on class field trips throughout Oslo and surrounding areas.
  • Experience a variety of educational activities, including a cultural evening with performances, food, and conversation from all over the world.

Language

Language of Instruction: English

Norwegian Language Study: Optional

All instruction is in English, but you have the option to study Norwegian language for lower-division credit.

Courses and credit

Requirements While Abroad

To successfully complete this program:

  • Take a full-time course of study: Two courses for a total of 10 quarter/6.6 semester UC units from one of the following options:
    • One 8 quarter/5.3 semester UC unit course plus a 2 quarter/1.3 semester UC unit course on Norwegian Life and Society. You may take the Norwegian Life and Society course for pass/no pass.
    • Two 5 quarter/3.3 semester UC unit courses. You may take one course for pass/no pass.

Current Program Courses

Course offerings vary each summer, but there are typically 10 upper-division courses of varying unit values in the social sciences and humanities to choose from. Other than Norwegian language classes, all courses are upper-division.

Research and independent study are typically not available on this program.

You either take one 8 quarter/5.7 semester UC unit course along with one 2 quarter/1.3 semester unit course, or two 5 quarter/3.3 semester unit courses.

Option 1:

Required 2 quarter/ 1.3 semester UC unit course:

  • Norwegian Life and Society

Courses worth 8 quarter/5.3 semester UC units (select one):

  • Norwegian Architecture and Design (only offered in odd numbered years)
  • Art in Norway​ (only offered in even numbered years)
  • Gender Equality in the Nordic Countries
  • Trends in Scandinavian Film and TV
  • The Norwegian Welfare State
  • Intensive Norwegian Language (beginning and intermediate levels)
Option 2:

Courses held in the morning worth 5 quarter/3.3 semester UC units (select one):

  • Political Data Science Hackathon
  • International Politics

Courses held in the afternoon worth 5 quarter/3.3 semester UC units (select one):

  • Norwegian History
  • Norwegian Literature

Catalogs and resources

  • UiO Summer Course Catalog: Click on the course title for a full course description. You will choose from the list of bachelor’s courses.
  • UCEAP Course Catalog: See a list of courses students have taken on this program. This is not a current representation of course offerings on this program. Reference the above links to review recent course offerings. 
  • Campus Credit Abroad: Learn the types of credit (major, minor, general education, elective) students from your campus received at this location.

Academic culture

With its motto “Come to Norway, Experience the World,” the International Summer School commits to offering a truly global experience to every student. From its opening ceremony and reception through its extensive academic and social program with excursions and events, the school lives up to its reputation as an international learning environment. Instructors include qualified faculty from the University of Oslo and from universities outside of Norway.

The method of exams varies per course. Your grade may be based on a group project, mid-term, final, take-home exam, or any combination of these. Retaking exams is not an option.

Grades

You will earn direct UC credit and grades for all coursework. Grades for this program are typically available in early October.